Short stories are not mini-novels and they do not have to read as if they were. Part of the great fun of writing short stories is that we are free to tell a tale while breaking free from the tyranny of the three-act structure.
The Prompt
Write a story that does not follow a traditional narrative structure.
Write in diary excerpts or in list form, or as series of log entries, a Twitter conversation, word-association , stream of consciousness, whatever you can come up with.
Want to write a story as a series of letters? Do it! Want to tell the story backwards? Go for it! Feel like writing all-dialogue, or none? Fine!
Tips
- Yesterday’s post about Neil Gaiman’s story “Orange” shows one intriguing way to do this
- For inspiration, read Amanda Makepeace’s story “One Hour“, which was written in the form of several Twitter entries posted over the course of one hour.
- Read this blog entries, which is mostly in the form of a list. Could you write a story that way? (Warning: contains painfully cute images of a baby!)
The Rules:
1. You should use the prompt in your story.
2. You must write the story in one 24 hr period – the faster the better.
3. Post the story in the comments — if you’re brave enough.
4. Find something nice to say about someone else’s story and leave a comment. Everybody needs a little support!
Optional Extras:
Share this challenge on Twitter or Facebook
Some tweets/updates you might use:
Don’t miss my short story playing with form #WriteOnWed #storyaday https://storyaday.org/wow-form
This week’s #WriteOnWed short story prompt is all about form #storyaday https://storyaday.org/wow-form
Come and write with us! #WriteOnWed #storyaday https://storyaday.org/wow-form
See my story – and write your own, today: Playing With Form #WriteOnWed #storyaday https://storyaday.org/wow-form
Thanks for the mention!