I wrote a short story yesterday. I was driving along, and noticed one of those crosses on the side of the road with a name and a message on it, and found myself wondering what they were talking about, or thinking, in those last seconds. Suddenly, this story sprang fully formed into my mind. This happens every once in a while, and I never write them down, and they they are gone like the visitor from Poorlock. So, I know it's kinda schmaltzy, but, perhaps Bradbury's admonition that we write something every day, no matter how trite it seems at the time, is worth following after all.
So, yeah, I know it's not very good, but here it is.
I while back I read a book of short short stories - they were supposed to be 50 words or less, I seem to recall - and I like the style. Say as little as possible. Leave the reader to figure out what the story is about. If you have to explain something, you probably need to rewrite rather then explain. It is better to imply than to say. I'm not good at this, but one has to start somewhere.
Here, here! You need to not let these get away without writing them down. Very good, indeed.
Posted by: phydeaux on August 18, 2003 08:06 AMSee I told you you should write something other than technical books!
Posted by: Chris J. Davis on August 18, 2003 09:35 AM