Another writing rant

[locker_monster]

I don't know how people do it. How do writers write drabbles? How can they create this wonderful story with so little words?

I only wonder because my Fiction Class is throwing together this chapbook as an end of the year project. We all have to submit something. Now that the layout has been sorted out, the request has come down: one story, 350 words or less. 350 words or less? Gah. We had to do something similar at the beginning of the year with these writing exercises. We couldn't go a word over 350 and it really bugged me. I rarely came up with anything decent.

And here's something else to boot. The chapbook is going to be sold at some Creative Writing gala thing in April (where I'll have to read something for two minutes but that's a post for another time). I doubt many copies will be sold outside of the class, but the thought of having my crappy story out there for other people to read is just... depressing. Or scary. I think I'll go with scary.

Comments

[blueanddollsome.livejournal.com]

Whenever I set out to write a drabble, I go over. Or most of the time, at least. Of course, you start by picking a theme or image to write around, and sticking to that helps to keep it short. But if you get on a roll, it's still difficult to stop. Like, I wrote "Fire" (see the sidebar on my lj) intending it to be a drabble, but it ended up with 1000+ words.

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I wish I could go over, but then there would be formatting issues and I barely understand what's going on with the chapbook.

Ooh, lovely drabble BTW. I'm on my way to leave a comment there.

[sl-podcast.livejournal.com]

Drabbles are easy when you have established characters. Don't have to describe them or how they got there. You can jump right into the action.

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

You're right about established characters. So much can be conveyed with a look between two characters when you know their entire back story.

I muddled through my required 350 story (348 to be accurate), but I don't know if it'll make sense. It looks so pathetic; barely over half a page.

[sl-podcast.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you've done awesome! :)

[browncoat2x2]

wish I could offer advice, but my drabbles almost always turn into something longer

I guess maybe it helps to just focus on one particular scene between your characters... imply just enough to get the idea of what's goign on across, without going into too much detail.. Maybe even write out an idea in point form and carefully flesh it out *shrug* I dunno, darlin... writing is such a fickle craft and the muse is a harsh mistress....