For those of us who have tried to write (and are still writing) let me proffer a little exercise in fun frustration; the 55 word story. Yes, a story using only 55 words no more, no less.
True it is not going to be in the category of Gone with the Wind, but it will be a story. Actually, it’s more of a snapshot really. This snapshot is a wonder in misdirection. You are reading it thinking it’s going one way and then you get to the end. Bam!, you are blindsided - you laugh, cringe, cry or just go – “Wow”.
Here’s an example:
The monster crept closer, the labored raspiness of its breathing getting louder.
Timmy held his breath - Shuffle breathe, shuffle breathe, heartbeat pounding, shuffle breathe.
Why couldn’t anyone see it? Timmy wanted to scream. Look out!
Look out!! He drew a deep breath.
“O.K.”, Dad said, switching on the lights, “bedtime”
Well, that’s a 55 word story. Enjoy! If you want more you can search the internet under 55 word stories. There are even a few other bloggers who have created them. Here’s that link: http://55-words.blogspot.com/
**I use this in my summer school creative writing sections. It’s amazing what the students come up with.
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