Hi AJblurryface ;
Welcome to Writing.com or WDC as many of call it. I see you joined only a couple of days ago. Hope your partaking in some of the many Birthday celebrations here on the site. I found the site overwhelming when I first began in March 2013. It wasn't until the Birthday week, this very week, that I really dove in and enjoyed myself. I've been here ever since.

Part of the birthday celebrations is to review a newbie - someone here within the first 6 months - and I picked you. I started one of your poems... and I will go back to it after this one.

I was intrigued by the title and the premise of your idea. There is something there, but I am sensing your block has stumped you up. Not to worry that happens to all of us. I find writing through it tends to get things going again.

One book that I find helpful is Alan Watt's the 90-day novel. Now I certainly don't plan on keeping to the 90 days, but I have appreciated the questions that have helped me unlock my story. I realize this is a short story and not a novel, but sometimes these kind of questions can break open a block.

Another thing I find is to TELL yourself the story. Don't worry about the showing part yet, just tell yourself the story and stay open to possibilities.

Consider characters. Who lives in this village? Who is this Protagonist that has come to knock on your brain? Who or what are his or her Antagonists?

Do some world building. What is Shadowbrook really like? Create it for yourself. You need to know what the place it like before you can show it to your readers. Tell yourself about it and HAVE FUN.

Again, welcome to WDC. Make sure to enjoy yourself here. Everyone is helpful and willing to help. Get involved and see where it takes you.

I have a feeling things will come together for you... if not now then sometime in the future. Stay open to the possibility. There is no stress on you to perform. Nobody needs to see your work in progress and it is better if they don't. Story has more power if you keep the original sparks contained within your heart. When you are ready, then share.

I look forward to reading more.

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .