Joe Louis reading.
I drew an excellent first paragraph for my flash fiction story. And the middle came quickly. But I'm having a terrible time ending it. I didn't think of this as a problem when I thought of this idea. But we begin a story in a way that plays to our strengths as writers probably. It may be about atmosphere, character, plot, mood. We learn how to set it in motion. I usually begin with atmosphere rarer than the immediate statement of the problem. Just style really.
The paragraph I drew points in a definite direction. A direction that demands a good ending, a good plot. Unless I want to subvert that paragraph, I must head in that direction. I can't quite bring it off. I have two weeks still so I'm not worried yet. Not yet.
And here's another thing. In a longer piece, I might have time to prepare the reader for an unlikely ending. At this length, it will be a shot in the gut. And maybe it will have to be just that. Can you take it?
How's your story going?
BTW-Due to the confusion in my own life of late, I think at least one paragraph fell off the face of the earth. So if yours isn't up there, it's not because I didn't like it but because I lost it. If you resend it to me afterwards, I'll post it and we can all give it a crack.
Yes, we can take it. Readers don't need to be too prepared.
ReplyDeleteI was gifted with a terrific paragraph.
That's a very good point, that writers begin stories with their strengths. I do exactly that and I hadn't considered it that way before.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I'm going to run up and see whose it was.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I realized it until I tried to write flash pieces, Charles. Then it stood out because I was using precious words to do it. Still coulnd't change.
The paragraph I was sent was tighter than a Yorkshireman in a 5 star hotel. Tense, exciting an REALLY well written. So, of course, I froze! However, I think I pulled it off. It was the longest thing I've written and I really enjoyed writing it.I'm really looking forward to Feb 10th!
ReplyDeleteSome of the best flash has a shot to the gut ending and knowing you, you'll pull it off.
ReplyDeleteMine's finished. The paragraph I got was so different from the way I write that I wasn't sure I'd be able to pull it off, but I think I did okay.
I'm finished, too. Looking forward to reading everyone's work.
ReplyDeleteI know I will be rewriting it on the 9th.
ReplyDeleteIt's almost the nature of flash to end with a gut punch. As long as it fits with the story, there's no problem going with a punch.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I tend to start with a bang then fill in the situation and characters before ending with another bang. The paragraph I drew started with a well defined situation, so it took a couple tries to get my footing. Idea #4 seems to work, but I know I'll be tweaking it for the next two weeks.
Mine sent me off in a totally different direction. It led me into something a little more experimental than I've ever tried. Interesting challenge. Thanks for doing thei, Patti.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it was all a dream and she'll wake up in the shower.
ReplyDeleteNo, let me reiterate it was a great beginning. It's me that's the problem.
Like the G-man, I'm done, but I'll echo the sentiment that searing gut shots and twisted blindsides are essential for flash. I love scaring myself. If it's going according to plan, that's when I play God and laugh right in my characters precious hopes.
ReplyDeleteI was paralyzed when I got mine. It's so totally different from anything I'd write. I gave it three tries, decided to give it one more before writing you to say I couldn't do it. Then, I did it.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea where I was going but I think I wrote what was required of me and hope it's fun to read.
The beginning of a way out emerges. Good to hear, it's not easy for the rest of you even if your standards are higher than mine.
ReplyDeleteThis was great! Thanks for sharing.
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