Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers
Short stories
I would like to practice my writing, using short stories, but I am not sure if what I write is actually a short story or simply a page of writing that needs more to round it out.
I know a story has a beginning, middle and end and I think that is what I have, but. Maybe what I have is something considered as Flash Fiction. Can someone help me figure this out?
Thanks
Sandy
Okay here it is, I am wondering if it has all the elements of a story, the beginning, middle and end or is it only a beginning. Thanks in advance for comments, don't spare the rod, I am interested in learning to be better not feeling good about what I write, that can come later.
I know a story has a beginning, middle and end and I think that is what I have, but. Maybe what I have is something considered as Flash Fiction. Can someone help me figure this out?
Thanks
Sandy
Okay here it is, I am wondering if it has all the elements of a story, the beginning, middle and end or is it only a beginning. Thanks in advance for comments, don't spare the rod, I am interested in learning to be better not feeling good about what I write, that can come later.
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Permalink Reply by Callie Leah on
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Well, I might be able to help. What exactly is Flash Fiction?
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Permalink Reply by Sandra Hyatt Bausch on
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That is what I would like to know, Callie. I think flash Fiction is 300 words or less.
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Oh, well they seem to be the same thing to me. However, I've always classified a short story and 1 to 3 pages. I don't really think it matters though, does it? I mean they both help your creative ability.
Sandra Hyatt Bausch said:That is what I would like to know, Callie. I think flash Fiction is 300 words or less.
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Yes you're right, I am wrapped up like a sandwich instead of letting it run like a melting ice cream cone.
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Nice simile! ;)
Sandra Hyatt Bausch said:Yes you're right, I am wrapped up like a sandwich instead of letting it run like a melting ice cream cone.
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Permalink Reply by Kay Elizabeth on
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I think you're on the right track, Sandy. As far as I know it's fairly fluid on the word length. This is a great article about it that gives an example: Writing Flash Fiction. See if that sheds any light on it for you.
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Thank you, it is a great article. Is there a place on this site where we can put some of these kinds of flash fiction stories for others to read and comment?
And what about length, what do you think would work, 350 - 500 words?
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You know, you could actually post your stories on this thread. If you click "Edit Discussion" You should see three boxes. Beside them, it should say "Upload File" Click on a button that says browse, or something like that. Then look through your list of stories and documents on microsoft word. Pick the three stories you want to post, and then click "Save" Then everyone who wants to read your stories can! :)
Sandra Hyatt Bausch said:Thank you, it is a great article. Is there a place on this site where we can put some of these kinds of flash fiction stories for others to read and comment?
And what about length, what do you think would work, 350 - 500 words?
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Very Cool, Can't wait to try it out, thanks Callie
Callie Leah said:You know, you could actually post your stories on this thread. If you click "Edit Discussion" You should see three boxes. Beside them, it should say "Upload File" Click on a button that says browse, or something like that. Then look through your list of stories and documents on microsoft word. Pick the three stories you want to post, and then click "Save" Then everyone who wants to read your stories can! :)
Sandra Hyatt Bausch said:Thank you, it is a great article. Is there a place on this site where we can put some of these kinds of flash fiction stories for others to read and comment?
And what about length, what do you think would work, 350 - 500 words?
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Permalink Reply by scribbler on
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It's a very thoughtful and creative piece, Sandy. Well done! I'm not an expert but here goes. Suggestions: shorten some sentences. When they are too long, it dilutes them. If a sentence has half a dozen commas in it or "and" many times, the sentence can be split up. A mixed length adds interest and gives the reader a mental pause to drink in what's happening. You also have a few typos that need attention.
One of my favorite lines is the one about woodpeckers confiscating the suet. Very clever indeed. :) I would change it a little. To carry off doesn't flow well. Try "carrying them off to poke", or breaking the sentence there right before that and making it "They carry them off to poke"....etc. Carry them off feels a bit long. Perhaps there's a single word that would replace that? I haven't had enough coffee yet to think of one LOL. :)
Your last paragraph, definitely split the first sentence. I'd start a new sentence at "the same way he felt" and replace that with "He felt the same". I think that has more impact. It's the crux of the story is it not? For that reason, I feel it should stand alone. Anyway, it's all up to you what to take or leave from my post. :)
P.S. In these days of viruses, not everyone's happy to download attachments Sandy. With a short piece I would just paste it into the text box or if you prefer not to have it so public, offer to send it by private message to anyone interested in reading it and paste in the full copy for them when you do. Sometimes as well people are reading things from work where they wouldn't be able to download it onto their computer anyway or simply don't have the time. Just an alternative suggestion to help you get more feedback faster. :)
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Thank you Scribbler, for taking the time to respond, I will rework it and re-post it as well. I think I might have posted it twice, maybe in the blog section too, I think. I am new to posting, but understand downloading restrictions.
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Here is the updated version for anyone to comment on.
The house sat quiet, awaiting the family to awaken. Outside birds conversed among themselves hours before the sunlight warmed the earth and shoved morning into the front yard.
Squirrels hop from ground to tree to underbrush foraging for seeds thrown off by greedy birds on a birdfeeder. Woodpeckers confiscate hunks of greasy suet from a metal trap eager to poke into the hungry mouths of their noisy fledglings.
A dark winged shadow drifts cross the landscape, birds’ scatter, squirrels pin frozen onto trees awaiting fate of life or death. A hawk, talons first, assaults the birdfeeder. He downs a bird, wings cloak the victim, but for a moment, before feather filled claws lift airborne again— food for his brood.
Tommy watched the performance unfold from his bedroom window. His paralyzed hand, a forever clenched fist, can do nothing. He forces himself up, lean out of his chair, props the window open. Fresh air sweep into the room, fragrances of beach roses tickle his nose with scent. He hears Grammie talking to her dog Ginger, unaware of the death at her doorstep.
Tommy thinks about the hawk’s raid. Prey crushed by talons, a victim of something larger than itself. He felt the same when that large dark shadow, a dump truck, drifted over the center line. Yet Tommy knows the next moment, second, minute and day. He sees it in his hand and chair, a chair with wheels that propels him yet hinders his right to walk.
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