Notebook

1 minute.

In just one minute, readers decide whether to continue with the story at hand or embark on a new one. Of course, there are those who manage to carry on for 5, or even 10 minutes – some are so determined that they choose to finish the whole story, no matter what unfolds. Then there are those who make up their minds in 30 seconds, or even 5!

But then, what can I do to keep the reader engaged in the story? And if the story takes its time to unfold, how can I prevent the reader from slipping away at the beginning?

Shin, a writing enthusiast, pondered these questions while contemplating the opening chapter of the story he was about to write. It was a romantic tale about young individuals who, using mechas, had to save the world from villains. However, the more he thought about it, the more he felt a headache coming on.
He decided to postpone working on his upcoming story for a while.

"...I can't conjure up stories and characters from thin air... I'm the kind of writer who needs to draw inspiration from real people or situations! That's why nothing comes to mind." - Shin thought.

Nevertheless, as Shin got ready to leave his house in search of inspiration, he couldn't figure out how to transform a real situation into something unreal or fantastical like his story. After all, finding mechs in real life isn't exactly easy. 

He put on his scarf and jacket, grabbed his notebook and pen, and headed out.

"Hey, what are you up to?" It was the voice of a girl. Shin immediately recognized who it belonged to, even before turning around to greet her.
"Oh, hi, Aya. I was just taking a walk to get some fresh air."

"Darn it, out of all the people who could have shown up, I had to run into Aya. Fate really has it out for me." - Shin reflected.

"And what's that notebook you have in your hand?" 

"... Um, it belonged to my aunt, so I'm just returning it to her."

"But weren't you just taking a walk to get some fresh air?"

"Darn it. I wanted to avoid telling her I was getting inspiration for a story, she'd definitely make fun of me." - Shin thought.

"... Aya... anyway, I agree with our teacher when he told you today that you should pay more attention in class, because--"
"Hey, don't change the subject. I decide how much attention I want to pay in class. I see some writing in that notebook, show it to me!"

"Um, no, well..."

"Give it here!"

"Argh! Ugh..."

"Hmm, I see. So, you're writing a story."
"B-but there's nothing wrong with writing a story! Even though you might think differently!"
"Huh? And why wouldn't I agree?"
"..."
"You know, I've written a few short stories in the past, nothing serious though."
"You? You don't really strike me as the type, Aya..."
"Huuuh? How dare you? Okay, I might not be good at math, history, science, English, physical education, but I excel in other things."
"Sure, sure... Now I understand why you're always daydreaming in class... thinking about what to write in your next story?"
"You know, before leaving home today, I learned some boxing techniques, and I couldn't wait to try them out on someone... your face seems tailor-made to take my uppercut..."
"Woah, I was just kidding. But anyway, I didn't expect you to have written in the past. If you're up for it, maybe you could help me with my story?"
"Why, are you having trouble starting to write?"
"Oh no, not at all! It's just that two heads are better than one."
"Yet I see your notebook is almost empty. I guess you've been walking around for hours and haven't managed to write anything yet..."
"Um... okay, never mind, I can do it on my own..."
"Shin, here's the deal: you start writing, and then I'll review the story, critique it, and give you some suggestions. But be prepared, I'm ruthless in my critiques... but I do it for your own good!"
"Yeah, right... well then, see you later. Until next time, Aya."
"Goodbye, Shin! Don't forget to return your aunt's notebook!"

And so ended the unexpected encounter between Aya and Shin.

"Why did I agree to let her help me... On second thought, this might turn out to be a disadvantage in the end..." - thought Shin.

However, what Shin didn't know was that this chance encounter would change his life.

1 minute.

That encounter had lasted 1 minute. It's fascinating how such a small amount of time can have such a significant impact on our lives.