Jim the Writer

a literary blog

Archives for June 2013

What is a story?

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So I have been writing stories this summer, or trying to, and have published a few very short ones (100 words each) on this blog.

It might be good to consider what I mean by a “story” and whether a passage as short as 100 words can make the grade.

My definition is traditional. A story is a usually a narrative, and usually focuses on a character who is facing a problem, a challenge or a conflict. In a strong story, the challenge somehow defines the character. Or, rather, how the character responds to the challenge defines him or her.  [Read more…] about What is a story?

Details

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The professor wore the required shirt and shoes. He expected service.

100wordchallengelogoYes, his pants were missing. So were his underpants, his socks and his wife of 38 years, if anyone cared for details.

The girl behind the counter gaped at him, her mouth a perfect O. The professor set down a bottle. “It’s all in your imagination,” he told her. True enough. What could she see beyond the counter-top? A man in bifocals and a wrinkled shirt. “Let’s get on with it.” He pulled a bill from his shirt pocket, and unfurled it beside the register.

She rang him up.

I wrote this story for the 100 Word Challenge #336 at Velvet Verbosity.

His Sainted Mother

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100wordchallengelogo

His sainted mother needed him. Big surprise! The message didn’t say what for. It didn’t say “sainted,” either, but Susan read that into it. “Walter, this is your mother. I need you.” That was all. Not even “please call,” but that was implied, too. Of course you need him, dear. You’re 85 and alone. You need Walter and six more like him. Susan smiled. Yes, seven Walters should be enough to meet any woman’s needs. Still smiling, she pressed delete. She would tell Walter to call his mother, as she told him almost every day. The need would be implied.

I wrote this story for the 100 Word Challenge #335 at Velvet Verbosity.