Sometimes, while writing, I get hung up on my style.
(Am I using too many adverbs? Am I describing the setting vividly enough? Even if it doesn’t mattter?)
This is an absolute killer for a first-draft of anything. It’s fine to worry about these things in the editing process. The important thing for a first draft, however, is getting into the flow.
To help my writing flow, recently I’ve found myself imaging I’m writing for my best friends from high school – to whom I wrote real, paper letters after we went our separate ways.
Photo by tifotter
In the letters I told stories about stuff that had happened to me, or stuff I was thinking about or what I could see out of my window. They were gleeful, ridiculous, and great fun to write. I wrote as fast as I physically could (apologising at the end for my handwriting) and got equally gleeful and ridiculous letters in return.
Now, whenever I’m having trouble with a story I imagine I’m telling it to Linda or Miranda, who are the perfect audience for me: always supportive, always ready to have a good time and listen to my ramblings.
The Prompt
Write a story as if you were telling it to your best friend.
Tips
- It doesn’t have to be in the first person (though this might help), but imagine it is being written only for your best friend to read.
- Write fast, as fast as you can.
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Make sure your story travels from start to end: don’t just write a scene, make someone or something change between the first word and the last.
The Rules:
- You must write the story in one 24 hr period – the faster the better.
- Post the story in the comments — if you’re brave enough.
- Find something nice to say about someone else’s story and leave a comment. Everybody needs a little support!
Optional Extras:
Bonus points if you stick it in an envelope and mail it (yes, actually mail it) to the person you wrote it for.
Share this challenge on Twitter or Facebook
Some tweets/updates you might use:
Don’t miss my BFF-inspired short story: #WriteOnWed #storyaday
This week’s #WriteOnWed short story prompt is What Makes You Mad?: #storyaday
Come and write with us: #WriteOnWed #storyaday
See my story – and write your own, today: #WriteOnWed #storyaday