What haven’t you noticed in the world around you, or in the world of your story?
Daily Writers’ Fix: Sight
Month: November 2010
Short & Sweet
One of my favorite stories is only fifty-three words long.
Bedtime Story by Jeff Whitmore:
“Careful honey, it’s loaded,” he said, re-entering the bedroom.
Her back rested against the headboard. “This for your wife?”
“No. Too chancy. I’m hiring a professional.”
“How about me?”
He smirked. “Cute. But who’d be dumb enough to hire a lady hit man?”
She wet her lips, sighting along the barrel.
“Your wife.”
This story has everything; suspense, betrayal, revenge and even murder. All in fifty-three words! Think that’s impressive?
Legend has it that novelist Ernest Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in six words. His response? “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”
It’s crazy to think about the power captured in a single word, and crazier still, to think how that power can be augmented simply by adding one or two more words.
In this same spirit, online publication Smith Magazine presented this challenge to its readers with a slight twist. The composition must be a memoir. The website exploded with submissions from well-known and not-so-well-known writers.
The use of tools like Twitter has raised awareness to this gem of a technique. The short (or in this case extremely short) story can be a good way to practice brevity and accuracy in your writing. To make every word count.
So with this in mind, I’d like to extend to you the Nooks & Cranberries Short & Sweet Challenge. Tell us a story, it can be a memoir, a mystery, a thriller….anything. We’ll start with a six word challenge and see where it goes. Com’on now, show us what you’ve got and make it Short & Sweet.
Daily Writers’ Fix: Grab Bag
We all have to get somewhere somehow. What is your character’s usual mode of transportation? What does it say about him? As we’ve mentioned before, make every detail–even something as simple as how he gets to work–count.
Daily Writers’ Fix: Grab Bag
Look just beyond the surface of your story. Is there a recurring theme you hadn’t noticed before? What about a hidden motivation you never knew your character had? Can you use your discoveries to your story’s advantage?
Daily Writers’ Fix: Taste
You’re eating at a restaurant on Santorini–or any other Greek island–and admiring a remarkable view. Describe what you’re eating and drinking, the climate, your surroundings, who you’re with, and what’s going through your mind.
Daily Writers’ Fix: Touch
There’s no snow in sight–yet. So if you’re writing a scene that takes place outside in the winter, you have to imagine. Today describe the feelings of winter, from the sting of sleet on your exposed skin to to the feeling of a snowball sticking to your mittens. Make a list if you wish, or develop your descriptions into a scene or a poem.
Daily Writers’ Fix: Sound
Take your main character on a road trip. What’s on his or her playlist?
Daily Writers’ Fix: Smell
Who used to live here, who will live here in the future? Tell this house’s story, letting the sense of smell guide the reader. Do you smell simmering soup from happy days gone by, fresh flowers gracing the entrance and welcoming guests at a party? What about fresh, tropical air flooding through the rooms when a new owner takes possession and opens it up?
Daily Writers’ Fix: Sight
Look outside your window, the one you’re sitting closest to right now. Spend ten minutes freewriting, jotting down whatever comes to mind. Now that you’re warmed up, it’s time to get to work on your current project (maybe the one from Saturday). See if you can write 1,667 words again today.
