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Twitter-Length Fiction

Remember: even when you write a story this tiny, you are training your creative brain…

Today’s story will not be as quick as you think it is, but it’s still a great way to rescue your writing streak.

The prompt

Write a Twitter story

  • Twitter fiction must fit into only 140 characters.
  • You do not have to have a Twitter account, nor do you have to post this on Twitter. You’re simply writing a story that could, hypothetically, fit in a Twitter post.
  • 140 characters is not much, but you can use a compelling situation to give us an idea of the characters who might be involved. Many super-short stories involve a little twist, or a surprising change of perspective in the last few words.
  • To avoid a predictable twist, make your opening lines as ambiguous as possible. Provide clarity in the last clause.
  • Don’t be afraid to use hackneyed or clichéd plots for this exercise. Do try to make sure that you add something truly original to it. Think of things you really care about. Things only you could write about, in only your voice.
  • Make sure you allow some time to edit and find the story. It’s not as quick exercises might think it is.
  • Think of this like writing haiku if it helps.
  • You can use this prompt any day you need to rescue your writings.
  • Remember: even when you write a story this tiny, you are training your creative brain. You have still found ideas, created a character, introduced complications, crafted a story arc and written to the end. Doing that every day for a month, is a powerful affirmation of your creativity; support of the priority you give your writing; and a tough exercise in wordsmithing. Pat yourself not the back for writing a story today.

Leave a comment to let us know how you got on with this tiny, terrible challenge. Did you write super-short? Did you ignore my suggestion and write an epic? How’s it going? Let us know!

28 thoughts on “Twitter-Length Fiction”

  1. There’s nothing inherently remarkable about me. I became remarkable through circumstance. I was the first Test Subject that was a success.

    1. And, “She slipped through a window, silent as the night that cloaked her, a Rembrandt tucked under her arm and a smirk painted on her face.”

  2. She crested the hill and stopped. Below her the enemy scattered in every direction. She looked back at the town. They would sleep tonight.

  3. Nothing by mouth 8 hours before. Not even water, she cringed. Worried for a week. Then drugs, IV, and the procedure. All Ok. Exhale.

    ………Good to know this is a creative exercise, because it’s fun.

    1. Another version- this one with a twist.

      Nothing by mouth 8 hours before. Not even water. Worried for weeks. Then drugs, IV. The procedure. She would live. He wouldn’t be happy.

  4. A wonderful prompt to use words to their maximum effect. A familiar story for writers!

    Twelve months work; revised, re-written. Gloria hit send. Swoosh! Her novel flew across the universe. Ping! Two weeks later, a short reply.

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