I have to write a less-than-1000-word short story

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
09/02/2014 at 19:17 • Filed to: None

Which is a problem because when it comes to writing for me, it's go big or go home.

Like writing essays in 45 minutes in class is the hardest thing ever for me because I usually have to rush a conclusion.

Which is weird because I don't really like writing.

Here's a 1000-ish horsepower car.

DISCUSSION (23)

ly2v8-Brian > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:21

easy

Aaron James > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:22

There once lived a boy named dicky. He grew up and decided he wanted to be called Richard. He led a long, boring life and died Alone. The End.

Straight and to the point, less than 1000 words. That will be ten bucks or a picture of a 1969 Carousel Red GTO.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:22

I always write about 75% over the time and then finish it the night before. Oh I don't procrastinate or anything.

Jagvar > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:23

Your average magazine feature is 1,500 to 2,000 words, so a thousand words for a short story seems very tight. I mean, forget about character development.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Aaron James
09/02/2014 at 19:24

This is what google gave me.

Kinja'd!!!

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:24

I have trouble with this too, the best one I ever did that got me an A- was a 1st person, war-type, story that made it out like a real war but really was a paintball match.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
09/02/2014 at 19:24

Problem:

It is the night before.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jagvar
09/02/2014 at 19:25

Exactly.

Like she wants it to be under 1000 words, then complains about lack of detail.

Leadbull > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:25

Wait until you're tired as poop.

Interesting things happen when you write in that state of mind.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
09/02/2014 at 19:26

Dat plot twist.

Aaron James > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:26

That would be the one. Way better than 10 bucks any day. :)

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Leadbull
09/02/2014 at 19:27

This is a fact.

Verdog ~ manual Bro, Bro - HellHawk Equipped > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:28

write about plagiarism, quote and site a few examples. Done I under 200 words of your own.... ;) ;)

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:28

Didn't reveal til the last sentence. Boom, suspense.

Leadbull > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:32

For instance.

GhostZ > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:33

The trick is the write the whole thing in just a few minutes, but not actually put words down.

Then just fill in the holes and take dictation from your brain.

Here's some short-story advice:

1. Cold opens. Start in the middle of things.

2. Don't describe emotions, actions, or settings. Say what happens, and let the actions make the reader figure out 'how it feels'.

3. Short stories are like jokes. Opening, the twist, and then the punchline. Doesn't need to be more complicated.

CAR_IS_MI > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:34

"The man wrote a story"

The end.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 19:48

And by 75% I mean the first page of a 5 page research paper.

Conan > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 20:02

Write it about small cars?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Conan
09/02/2014 at 20:03

It's about cars.

But ones with V8s.

And made by GM.

And racing said cars.

Conan > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 20:05

When you look at something smaller in word count you need to tighten down the time. That way you can up the detail if that's the goal. So very many stories, especially racing stories, come down to moments. You can do it.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 20:18

Use a plot twist that at first doesn't make any sense, then it does.

You have to see what at first doesn't mean a damn thing to the whole story, then find out a way it suddenly does.

JAREAL > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/02/2014 at 20:38

Keep the plot line simple and have only a few characters. Also if you have a problem with wordiness, try to find ways to say what you want in less words. Don't worry too much if you leave out small details. That should help you say everything you want in under 1,000 words. Just my 2 cents.