I have to say that I LOVE reading short stories. In fact, I'm reading a compilation of short stories called, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. Each of these stories has only two things in common: werewolves and Christmas. Charlaine Harris edited it and yes, I must confess this was the very first Sookie Stackhouse story that I've read. Reading an anthology is a wonderful way of discovering new-to-you authors without having to invest too much money by buying a book.
I love writing them, too. But I haven't always felt that way. I didn't think I could write one if my life depended on it. I'm not here to say that writing shorts are easy, but they can be fun. My serial blogs are short stories, but I try to tailor the story to have a hook at the end of each post.
Novels, shorts, and even flash fiction all have the same structure in common, the story must have a beginning, middle and an end. All you need to do as an author is to challenge your writing chops. One weekend I was bored and came across Janet Reid's blog challenge. She'd listed 5 words and you have to write a story using the five words WITHIN A 100 WORD LIMIT.
The words:
Honeywagon
Flaws
Stake
Pivotal
fairbank
“Honeywagon, you gotta plugged tank?”
“Yes, follow me.” I led him to the backyard.
“Well, Mrs. Fairbank, I see one of the pivotal flaws that caused your sewage tank to overfill.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“Uh, Ma’am, there seems to be a body in the hatch.”
“Damn! I knew I should have taken the stake out of Edward’s heart before I shoved him in there.” I deliberately caught his gaze. “I certainly hope you are for Team Jacob.”
“Yes, follow me.” I led him to the backyard.
“Well, Mrs. Fairbank, I see one of the pivotal flaws that caused your sewage tank to overfill.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“Uh, Ma’am, there seems to be a body in the hatch.”
“Damn! I knew I should have taken the stake out of Edward’s heart before I shoved him in there.” I deliberately caught his gaze. “I certainly hope you are for Team Jacob.”
Try the challenge. You might open up your muse.
Write on!
Margaret, that's awesome! Did you submit it? I'm asking because I'd pick that for the winner, and I don't recall you announcing it online. I'm sure you would. lol
ReplyDeleteThis was from one of the Janet Reid's challenges and I think she had over 500 subs. I got a mention on her blog because of the TWILIGHT reference. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was fun. I love doing these challenges more than I thought I would, PLUS it gets the muse working again.
That's hilarious! And even though I've never seen a single Twilight movie, I totally get the reference. :)
ReplyDelete=P glad you enjoyed, Jody! I haven't read or seen any Twilight stuff, but I absorbed enough through everyone else's blathering.
ReplyDeleteWhat word count constitutes a 'short story' as opposed to, say a 'novella' ?
ReplyDeleteThis is from Duotrope's site, http://www.duotrope.com Check it out.
ReplyDeleteFlash <1K
SS 1K-7.5K
novellette 7.5-15K
Novella 15-40K
novel 40K
These are just guidelines, so you need to follow the magazine's preference.
Good job, Margaret!
ReplyDeleteI love little challenges, like giving a first line, then everyone runs with it in their own unique way. It's lots of fun to see the results.
Thanks, Marilyn! I love these types of challenges--it really gets your muse flowing. And if you have problems just sitting and writing there's always Dr. Wicked Write or Die website. :-P
ReplyDeleteI've had fun doing little logline contests. I like the idea of the 100 word or less challenge using specific words as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wordcount guidelines...The one thing I've got semi-finished right now falls right between novellette and novella. But it's turning out that there's more to the story, so it may eventually reach full novel length.