[Solved] Frustrations

Posted by: @bootzenkatzen

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I never know how long a story is going to be until I've written it, but I'd love to try some writing sprints like this.  How do you limit yourself to such a short story?

I'm not the best at writing short, but the 'formula' I've heard for calculating how long a story will be is, very roughly, 250 x number of characters x number of settings. That 250 varies per writer, but is a decent ballpark starting point. So if you want to write short, limit the number of characters and stick to one setting!

Posted by: @dagnir

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I second this! Writing short stories can be challenging for me sometimes. And while I am getting the hang of it, slowly, it would be really helpful to see how a more experienced short story writer goes about it. Seeing a real example of a micro story might help motivate me to just sit down and get my thoughts out rather than allowing them to tumble around in my head forever.

I recommend checking out Crepuscular Magazine, which has a 250-word maximum for stories. It was created and is edited by Rebecca E. Treasure, a WotF published finalist who eventually pro'd out of the contest.

Published writers include this forum's very own Gideon P. Smith, amongst others.

I started writing drabbles (exactly 100 words) in recent months. They're a great exercise in making an impact in such a short space. Every word/sentence has to be there for maximum impact and do double or even triple-duty if possible. It's made me very critical of every word and sentence, which as I keep practicing, should benefit my longer short stories.

Posted by: @ease

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Posted by: @bootzenkatzen

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I never know how long a story is going to be until I've written it, but I'd love to try some writing sprints like this.  How do you limit yourself to such a short story?

I'm not the best at writing short, but the 'formula' I've heard for calculating how long a story will be is, very roughly, 250 x number of characters x number of settings. That 250 varies per writer, but is a decent ballpark starting point. So if you want to write short, limit the number of characters and stick to one setting!

Of course, using this formula, you can only have 0.4 of a character in 1 setting if you are writing a drabble 😉

and I echo @alexh that I do love drabbles for practicing!

@alexh 

Really? I've never heard of that magazine! Thank you, I'll definitely check it out. Writing really short stories has forever been my weakness, so these kinds of exercises will be really helpful. Plus, if I start doing them several times a week, maybe that will help me to write more regularly.

So many of you have given me new ideas and practices to try and I appreciate it tremendously! I'm already giving the exercise in Morgan's link a try. It's actually got me excited to expand on my worldbuilding organically, rather than with emotionless notetaking.

@dagnir 

And others, can't figure it out.

Very refreshing stuff.

It sounds like writing shorter stories can certainly be frustrating to some, so it may not be inappropriate.

Hooray.

I usually write 1-3000 words.

Probably 500 is a scene or two?

A man walks into a post offIce (the pope and the president just hang outside) and it's held up, he throws some letters, and the gunman runs off.

500 words.

Why was he going to the post office?

500 words.

Was the gunman watching from outside?

500 words.

Did he chase the gunman? 

500 words.

Was there a confrontation at the gunman's hideout?

500 words.

I think this is the mistake people are making.

Just pick an exciting event, and your done.

It looks like another way may be to prey before our looming master and simply reduce the number of algorithmic sections.

Tomato, tomato.

@morgan-broadhead That writing exercise sounds very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

@nova 

Shorter stories are challenging for me because I've got so many ideas and sometimes it can be hard to settle on one, lol. I'm working on it, though!

And yes, I can see how picking one specific moment, like an exciting event, would be a useful starting off point. 

• Posted by: @dagnir

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And yes, I can see how picking one specific moment, like an exciting event, would be a useful starting off point. 

For a longer story.

For a shorter story, I'm suggesting you stick with the starting off point only.

Perhaps also.

Pick a character.

Pick a time.

A place.

A thing or event.

Then simply ignore anything that doesn't comply with it all.

Posted by: @dagnir

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And yes, I can see how picking one specific moment, like an exciting event, would be a useful starting off point. 

Test.

That's weird, quoted the same text, 2 different results.

Posted by: @kz_richards

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That writing exercise sounds very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

May be worth a topic to share them?

500 words isn't that long, about 10 typical comments.

Could do 2-250 if theres an issue.

Cheap throw away stories, heaps of eyes, instant feedback.

Negative?

PS

Ha! 

I'm already getting feedback here, lucky the majority is not negative, just.

@nova 

I did create a separate topic for this in the Writing: Inspiration, Craft, Formatting forum. Though I'm not sure people will be comfortable sharing their micro fiction directly on the forum itself (in case they develop it into something they want to submit), though it would be fun to see what people come up with.  Maybe we could do exchanges via messages or email though.

Posted by: @bootzenkatzen

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Maybe we could do exchanges via messages or email though.

Sounds good.

@dagnir Sorry to join the party late but if you want to read a sick fantasy book read Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake who literally went insane writing it.

Posted by: @szadok

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Gormenghast

I believe there was a BBC?? 90s show of that too.

@szadok 

Better late than never! Lol, kidding. ^_^

Thanks so much for the recommendation! That sounds fascinating, especially with the backstory!

Posted by: @Anonymous

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Posted by: @szadok

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Gormenghast

I believe there was a BBC?? 90s show of that too.

Yes. Remastered on youtube in 4 parts

Part 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYLRDVQaqho

For the curious.