Because happenstance—in life and art So many things in life happen randomly. One night in 2010, my friend Jake posted a link on Facebook to nine 100-word stories his father, Paul Strohm, had published with the literary journal Eleven Eleven. It was late, my eyes were blurry, but I clicked on the link and became intrigued by the series of tiny tales that were part of his memoir,
Thank you for including "The Toad" as an example of a 100 word story. I didn't realize until I saw the story on the page that 100 words is really really short! Also, the story held so much in its tiny container.
So excited to read this book when it’s out! Reading this newsletter today got me to actually sit down and attempt a 100 word story (I often struggle with rambling 😅) and I actually pulled it off!! Feeling a bit more inspired to get through my day now. 🥰🤗
I took part in a twelve-week online writing workshop two years ago, the only writing instruction I've ever received, and I was baffled at some of the critiques of other stories. Everything had to be fleshed out, and elaborated on, even minor characters. I kept my disagreements to myself.
I advocate for brevity and concise writing, provided sentences don't lose meaning or become ambiguous. It’s also important that what is not said is obvious or at least understood through a second reading.
You've inspired me to try writing 100-word stories. Also, I will be reading this book as well.
Boy this post was WAY longer than I thought it would be! Hardee har har.
Seriously, though, the 100 word story at the end covered a lot of ground quickly, not unlike that car in the story. Were you conscious of that symbolism or was it one of those magical happy accidents of good writing?
I’ll give micro a go. Why not? Sounds fun!
Thank you for including "The Toad" as an example of a 100 word story. I didn't realize until I saw the story on the page that 100 words is really really short! Also, the story held so much in its tiny container.
So excited to read this book when it’s out! Reading this newsletter today got me to actually sit down and attempt a 100 word story (I often struggle with rambling 😅) and I actually pulled it off!! Feeling a bit more inspired to get through my day now. 🥰🤗
I took part in a twelve-week online writing workshop two years ago, the only writing instruction I've ever received, and I was baffled at some of the critiques of other stories. Everything had to be fleshed out, and elaborated on, even minor characters. I kept my disagreements to myself.
I advocate for brevity and concise writing, provided sentences don't lose meaning or become ambiguous. It’s also important that what is not said is obvious or at least understood through a second reading.
You've inspired me to try writing 100-word stories. Also, I will be reading this book as well.
Boy this post was WAY longer than I thought it would be! Hardee har har.
Seriously, though, the 100 word story at the end covered a lot of ground quickly, not unlike that car in the story. Were you conscious of that symbolism or was it one of those magical happy accidents of good writing?