I have a story.
Well, more specifically, I have a scene. I have one character, and I can picture this scene so clearly, but it doesn't have any context. I don't know who the other characters are, or exactly where they are, or why they’re there. I think they're on an island, possibly in a hotel/bed and breakfast type place. I know they were brought there against their will by… someone. For… some reason.
See, no context.
And the real problem is that I need to write a couple of short stories to submit for publication by the end of the month, and I can tell you that this island story is not going to be short enough. So, while I want to explore it further, I kind of need to focus on a different project right now. Which is irritating. Inspiration finally saunters in and I have to kick it back out in the cold.
As I've said before, last year's submission was written in three days. I can do this. I have plenty of time. I just need to sit down and do it.
That's all for today. As you may know, I write these the night before, and I'm making an attempt not to stay up until some ungodly hour when I have to be up at 5 in the morning.
So let me ask you this, readers: What do you like to see in a short story? What kind of story would you like to read?
I'll see you Friday.
I love laughing at the end of short stories.... Or a lightbulb moment. Wit is important.
ReplyDeleteI love the experimental nature of short stories. Impossible scenarios. Scenes that, in themselves, wouldn't be able to carry a long form tale but can be enjoyed for what they are: a single scene. A rich slice of imagination that isn't bogged down by logistics and strategy and things like common sense.
ReplyDeleteLike the difference between watching a feature length film and a music video, I enjoy being taken on a journey but sometimes it's great to just go straight for the emotional jugular.
I wonder maybe if I think too much about short stories. Maybe I don't have to answer ALL the whys and wherefores.
DeleteI like the movie vs. music video analogy. I know several music videos that I'll watch over and over for the story in them, even if the story isn't exactly clear.