Friday Freewriting – August 20, 2021 – Megan

• Character: Fisherman
• Object: Scarf
• Genre/Tone: Historical Comedy

It’s not funny, but it’s a comedy in the sense that it ends on a hopeful moment for my main character. I love to laugh, and to make others laugh, but sometimes I just can’t think of a good joke in a time limit. I might have tried for some slapstick, especially near the end when someone nearly falls off the boat.

As usual, please let us know what you think! And if you try this exercise, we’d love to see what you come up with. Happy Reading! Happy Writing!

Petra shivered in the bow of the tiny fishing boat. The fog had rolled in relentlessly, and the fish were hiding. She adjusted her father’s coat around her shoulders, and fluffed her fraying scarf around her neck, and pulled the net in; only a few silvery fish flopped onto the deck.

After she’d tossed the fish into the bucket, she settled in and picked up her oars, and started rowing toward the dim beacon of the light house. Her parents would be angry that she’d come out, but she needed to try – they were sick and the doctor demanded money. Besides, as cold as it was the fresh air did her spirit good, though the poor catch put a damper on things.

“Ahoy!” Called a voice through the fog. Denny. Son of the richest fishmonger in town. Here, puttering around in his fancy sailboat.

“It’s bad weather for a jaunt, Denny!” She shouted back as he appeared in the fog alongside.

“I’m not jaunting, Miss Petra!” He pulled the hat off his head and held it over his heart. “I’m here to lend a good little fisherwoman a hand!”

“I don’t need you to lend me anything.”

“What about the location of a nice healthy shoal? You catch them. I promise my father will buy them.”

“What’s in it for you?”

“Father will be proud that I’m doing business. And perhaps it will make you sweeter on the idea of taking a walk with me after church on Sunday.”

“I’m not a part of any bargain.” And she started rowing again.

She’d just lost sight of his boat when he called out again. “Fine! We’ll buy the fish at twice market price. And you never have to speak to me again. Just let me help.”

She rowed back. He lead her to the shoal, and she proceeded to pull in more fish than her boat could carry. Denny surprised her by leaping into the fishy mess to load the flapping fish onto his boat. He lost his hat due to piscine flailing, and nearly fell over board. She tossed him one end of her scarf, and he managed to regain his balance.

They headed back to the dock. He handed her a sack of coins that she was certain was more than twice what he said he’d give her. She helped him unload the fish into the wagon to head to market. She left her scarf onboard his ship. He’d have to bring it back to her. And maybe they’d go for a walk, once her parents were well.