Preface to 'Barney's blether'

Taking a reader somewhere he has never been before, showing him things he did not expect, guiding him in the opposite direction of Memory Lane is what writing normally is about. As a writer, you are like a deity, steering and commanding the events in the world you created. And you are the hidden guide on the reader's trip to Terra Incognita.

But what if...?

Yes, that's an interesting question. What if we did not create the world we're writing about? Now, that could be fanfiction. I believe we're in the right spot for that genre.

But what if... What if we take one more step back? What if we write about a world in which we do not wield the scepter? It would still be fanfiction, no doubt to that. But it could become an interesting and instructive exercise, for both writer and reader. Interaction. Instruction. Ingredients to a new melting pot of creativity.

Here is what I have in mind:
1) I write a chapter.
2) You read it and comment on it and/or suggest what will happen next, POV, style of writing, whatever!
3) After a week or so, I'll decide which suggestion to follow.
4) Back to 1

Now, to whirl this new universe into existence, here's creation:

Barney did not leave Buenos Aires. Yes, Hannibal spotted him. Yes, Barney intended to leave the Teatro Colón as soon as the lights went down. But Lilian decided she really wanted to see Tamerlane and promised Barney they would leave immediately afterwards. You know how persuasive women can be...

Now you, my dearest reader, decide what will happen next. For starters, please suggest a turn of events in your review of this preface and rule and walk this world with me.