This is really wanting to have some dark edges in my head, I think because clowns generally horrify me.

I think one of them definitely has to be Pennywise-ish, tempting Doug to embrace his apocalyptic ways. On second thought, all of my ideas are basically ripping off basic tropes, and I don't know if you want to go for something totally original.

Perhaps it should turn out that Doug has been waiting tables at Balloonville Bar n'Grill while waiting for his big break out of the clown business? Please do go for the dark edges, Deb. I'm among those who are creepified by clowns. After all, I don't know what's really under the makeup, do I?

Well, the thing about clowns is that they're a sort of a horrific fantasy figure, an attempt to personify animas, which may well be why only little kids tend to find them funny, and childlike adults. OK, that's a broad generalisation, but I think not really too far out of line.

I'm wondering about telling it from the first person POV. Doug, who occasionally goes and terrifies people for fun just because he resents being forced to do it at some deity's whim and on their schedule, gets word of the impending apocalypse. Huh.

I should probably shut up about it, and let it percolate.

I should send you "The Clown Song" by Where Are My Pants? for inspiration.

P-C, I actually think any musical inspiration is going to come from Peter Gabriel's Family Snapshot. But thanks.

Personally, I'm all about Punchinello.

And, go DEB!!!

Well, the thing about clowns is that they're a sort of a horrific fantasy figure, an attempt to personify animas, which may well be why only little kids tend to find them funny, and childlike adults. OK, that's a broad generalisation, but I think not really too far out of line.

Clown's terrified me as a kid. One bumped into me at the circus, and made me drop my soda and hot dog, and I cried. I have issues.

I also, evidently, have issues with my alumni association, but nonetheless, am putting together a reading, remembrance for my now-passed mentor. Hectic, hectic morning.

Clown's terrified me as a kid.

To me, clowns aren't funny. In fact, they're kind of scary. I've wondered where this started and I think it goes back to the time I went to the circus, and a clown killed my dad.

Oh, and look, here's another one:

You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who make people happy, but inside he's real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.

Apocalypse, people. Has to be about the apocalypse.

My husband is suggesting the circus as an apocalypse. Basically, the Last Circus, with the Three Rings opening up to reveal the yawning pits of eternal emptiness, and Crankypants actually being Vishnu, or something along those lines.

Me? I'm awaiting guidelines.

I love Nic's idea!

Then you could work in the four horses extremely easily, each rider being an eerie, greenlit woman who hisses and prophesizes.

I'm sorry, I saw a really great production of Macbeth while in Stratford last week with an excellent interpretation of the weird sisters, and I keep wanting to put them in everything now.

ETA: My main character in my book is a trick rider in a circus. This may also be a factor in my thinking.