“The ragged man lifted his fiddle, cradled it beneath his chin, and laid the bow on the strings. A deep note rang out—an agonized groan. It struck Maria to the heart and left her gasping for breath. On and on it wailed, that single note encapsulating pure pain, suffering, and loss.” (Read more …) Some of you may recall this short story. I had an earlier version posted on my blog last year, though I took it down for editing a little while back and ended up submitting the new and improved story to a contest. In fact, if you would like to read the rest of the story, you can head over to the contest page and read it there. And if the story strikes home—and you’re feeling especially kindly—give the story a thumbs up or share it with your friends, family … even your enemies. I would certainly appreciate it. You see, The Fiddler’s Tune has a sort of death grip on my heart. I jotted down snippets of the story for about a year before I dared to write it. And it’s only a thousand words long! It may not be my usual type of action and adventure story, full of perilous battles where brave deeds await, but it’s a story with heart—my heart—written into it. It’s about what happens when you allow others to direct your life instead of Christ; about who we listen to and what we allow to influence our actions. But more than that, it’s the story of a girl. A girl who pursues her gifts and passions purely for the love of doing … until the accolades she receives begin to go to her head and she strives instead to please those around her. And slowly, the joy and beauty fade from her work. As a writer, I find I face this same problem when the temptation comes to write to please others, to write for the market, to write what I expect others will want to hear, instead of writing for the joy of writing, or using my gift well in order to bring honor to the One who gave it. In a way, The Fiddler’s Tune is my story. But it’s not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who has ever felt the crushing pressure of the world to become something different, to conform to a different image or pattern, or to use their gifts to achieve honor and fame until they feel more like curses than blessings. This story can be your story too as you, like Maria, dance to the fiddler’s tune. “Eyes closed, arms lifted, hair and scarf flying in joyous abandon, Maria danced upon the village green like a morning wind breathed upon the world.” Follow this link to read the short story … and if you like, cast your vote in favor of The Fiddler’s Tune: A Short Story.
YA Epic Fantasy Author
free short story: Of Shadow and Rust
New Release: Of Sea and Smoke
I shared this on Pinterest. It's a beautiful story, Miss Adams.
Thanks for sharing, Athelas! :)
Oh, that was absolutely beautiful! You have wonderful talent. I just voted for you. It was a pleasure to read. ^_^
I'm glad you enjoyed reading it, Lauriloth! The stories that sprout from the deepest part of a writer's heart leave you feeling the most vulnerable when you finally get up enough courage to share them with the world. :)
Wonderful story!
Thanks, Sarah! :)
It's a wonderful story, Gillian! You have a beautiful writing style, and I've enjoyed your posts at GTW. Voted for your story. :)
Glad you stopped by, Kayla. And I appreciate the vote! :)
Oh, my word. Such a beautiful, lyrical story! You captured the music so well that I could hear it, and Maria is so very relatable. I loved how you shared that she is like you in so many ways. I'm bad about wanting to please everyone, too. Thank you for writing such a heartwarming tale. Giving it a thumbs-up!
I do tend to be a bit of a people pleaser, which means I have to struggle with being worried that everyone is going to dislike my work! So it's super encouraging to hear that you enjoyed the story and related to Maria too! :)
One of the most beautiful stories I've ever read, large or small. It helps put everything I do in perspective, and not only is the story amazing, but your writing style is as well. Excellent job, Miss Adams!
Oh this was such an encouraging note! Seriously, you have no idea how much this made my day! Thanks for stopping by, Charli. :)
You have my vote, Gillian! Wonderful job! Makes me want to step into Maria's shoes so I could hear the tune itself. I love good fiddle music! :)
Oh my, this is a beautiful tale! I loved it. I can relate to this, because my mind is often full of hidden melodies that I will never be skilled enough to play. And when music plays I MUST dance. You captured that feeling in words. Thank you!