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Do you write short stories?

Discussion in 'Writer's Lounge' started by C. Lee McKenzie, 14 Dec 2017.

  1. I recently stumbled (my way of doing research) onto Creative Writing Institute's offer to publish "winning" short stories. This year's anthology was titled Lost and the only requirements were $5 to cover some costs and this sentence in the story you created. "I'm completely and utterly lost." That described me and my story, so I entered it, and my story, Matilijas, was a Judge's Choice.

    I thought some writers here might want to note this annual contest for the future.
     

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    Last edited by a moderator: 14 Dec 2017
  2. Bookangel

    Bookangel Administrator Staff Member

    Thanks for sharing that. I'm sure there will be a few writers along shortly.
     
  3. Ellie Jane

    Ellie Jane Member

    Thank you for sharing this and congratulations on receiving Judge's Choice! I'm going to pass the information along to my friend. I recommended an expensive money grab a couple or so months ago and will be glad to redeem myself!
     
    C. Lee McKenzie likes this.
  4. Jordan

    Jordan Active Member

    I've tried my hand at short stories, but they always grow bigger than I anticipated. Thanks for sharing. It's always nice to know about legitimate contests.
     
    C. Lee McKenzie likes this.
  5. Belle

    Belle Member

    I've never really tried writing short stories. I don't know if it's something I would enjoy, but I do like reading them. Congratulations on becoming Judge's Choice, that's quite an accomplishment!
     
    C. Lee McKenzie likes this.
  6. natalie

    natalie Member

    Wow, that's wonderful! Congratulations! I would love to give short stories a shot sometime but I have such a problem with being concise. I guess trying to write short stories more would help with that though, haha. Congrats, again!
     
    C. Lee McKenzie likes this.
  7. Donna

    Donna Member

    I know exactly what you mean Jordan. I think I tend to put too much detail in my stories. What starts out as a short story ends up being the beginnings of a novel. :)
     
  8. I like writing these to force myself to choose the precise word I need and the simplest, most effective structures. I think practicing short stories or even poems makes me a better writer of longer pieces.
     
  9. Angel

    Angel Munificent Critic

    Sometimes a short story can be more difficult to write than your average novella. I always find it tricky to narrow down to just the words you need, instead of what you want.

    Then again, it is also a great excuse to bring out more than the usual florid, purple prose, vocabulary to find really appropriate words to fit the story you are writing.
     
  10. Jackie

    Jackie New Member

    I think short stories are incredibly difficult to write. Everything has to be chosen so carefully; each symbol, each detail, each word. I try to write them just so I can help myself learn how to cut out all the fluff that's really not necessary. I have a problem with rambling and/or trying to say things poetically when, really, there's a better and more direct way to say it. A late congratulations to you, @C. Lee McKenzie!
     
    C. Lee McKenzie likes this.
  11. It is a toss up: beautiful, elegant prose v. tell the story and make it clear. I like to try for both, so it takes me forever to write a story. When I'm flummoxed, I read E. B. White. He had the knack for beautiful prose and clarity.
     
    Jackie likes this.
  12. Jackie

    Jackie New Member

    Having them both is the dream! I think that can be a difficult task no matter how long the story is - finding the right balance between the two is key - but the challenge is far greater when you're writing short stories. Even if it takes you longer to write, you still get it done and that's what counts! That's a wonderful suggestion. It's been a while since I've read some E. B. White.
     
    C. Lee McKenzie likes this.
  13. Try his collection of essay sometime. They are a testament to someone who lived an observant and joyful life.
     

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