Write me a short story. Describe things exactly, using simple words where possible. No fluff, not even romantic comparisons (her eyes sparkled like the stars). Simply say “her eyes sparkled,” and unless her eyes are a critical point of the story or you are giving details so we know she is pretty, take it out altogether. Never say something when you can infer it, especially when it is shorter that way. Don’t say “everyone was home because it was Sunday,” just say it was Sunday, and have all of your characters be at home.
After you write, go through and cut out anything that’s not needed, and make sure that you don’t say something twice unless you have a very good reason.
Think of yourself like a photographer. Describe everything literally, with more details (facts, really) on the focus, and everything else slightly blurry from lack of definition, but recognizable by inference.
My inspiration for this was a Chinese Literature book of short stories, and the essay I did from it. This is the first three lines, and entire setting, of the story.
“Summertime. Sunday.
A courtyard in an alley. Three fruit trees, five or six households.
Early morning. 7:30 a.m.”
From there, the author does use complete sentences most of the time, but he obviously considered this information mostly useless.
‘Black Walls’ by Liu Xin-wu
This story is 10 pages long. If you follow these directions well, I will read whatever length of a story you give me. However, if you give me a really good long story that doesn't follow the directions, I won't read all of it.
I will add more points when I get them. Also, you could comment on my stories...or not, your choice.
After you write, go through and cut out anything that’s not needed, and make sure that you don’t say something twice unless you have a very good reason.
Think of yourself like a photographer. Describe everything literally, with more details (facts, really) on the focus, and everything else slightly blurry from lack of definition, but recognizable by inference.
My inspiration for this was a Chinese Literature book of short stories, and the essay I did from it. This is the first three lines, and entire setting, of the story.
“Summertime. Sunday.
A courtyard in an alley. Three fruit trees, five or six households.
Early morning. 7:30 a.m.”
From there, the author does use complete sentences most of the time, but he obviously considered this information mostly useless.
‘Black Walls’ by Liu Xin-wu
This story is 10 pages long. If you follow these directions well, I will read whatever length of a story you give me. However, if you give me a really good long story that doesn't follow the directions, I won't read all of it.
I will add more points when I get them. Also, you could comment on my stories...or not, your choice.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on May 28, 2007
- Rewards: Gold: 200, Silver: 100, Bronze: 50
- Final notes: Contest judged by moderator manager.
Contest Winners
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• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 64865, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Entries [14]
1 - 14 of 14
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A mix of poetry and prose about the origin of... Well... Read it!• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Awakened by the sound of a flute being played somewhere outside, she drew back the curtains from her bedroom window and went out onto the balcony overlooking the villa's courtyard, in which she could see a small red Fiat 850 with its bonnet up. / /by Shenton 200 words, 1 comment, on Apr 11 8:38 AM 2007. In• Viewed by judge.
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by Tigerlilly91 700 words, 35 comments, on Mar 7 8:56 PM 2007• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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He the one so powerful / / So sweet in everyway / / The one I have no clue / / His name them eyes / / The skin that was wonderful / /by jtnbuck 300 words, 11 comments, on Apr 20 3:31 PM 2007. In• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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The thatched restaurant on the village road had a board hung outside saying ‘Limited Lunch Rs.10.’ / The man at the counter who was the ownby pvenugopal 500 words, 2 comments, on Jun 22 12:51 PM 2007. In Love• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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by Magma Globe 400 words, 4 comments, on Mar 31 10:04 PM 2007. In• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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Comments
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Good Luck!
Good luck, everyone!
And just about my story, it's probably not what you're looking for, but it doesn't hurt to try. -
Good Luck!
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