I finally got done with “Big Blue”, a short story written from a woman’s perspective and heavy on the dialogue. It packs some emotional punch, but it’s not high fantasy. It’s present day stuff.
Still, I might enter it somewhere and see how well it performs. If anybody would like to give my first draft a read, I’d love whatever criticism you can offer. And if anybody knows of a good writing contest, that would be most helpful as well.
Oh, by the way, I’m still waiting to hear back on “En Prise” the short story I submitted late last year. :P
My fingers are growing sick of being crossed all the time.
Later, taters.
I would love to read your draft, if you don’t mind. I’m not much a writer so I doubt I could offer much advice/criticism, but I would still love to give it a read. :)
Comment by Latrina — January 31, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
You may not be a writer by trade, but since the story is from a woman’s perspective, I’d love to hear your take on it. Actually, I value any input you are willing to offer on any of my stories.
And thanks, it feels great to be back.
Comment by Nick Enlowe — February 1, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
And I’m glad to see you’re starting to ween off of the 360 and write more. If it makes you feel any better, I just got a Wii and I am slowly becoming a zombie, too ;)
Comment by christopher. — February 1, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
edit->I went with option 2. Check your Email :)
Comment by Nick Enlowe — February 2, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
Good job on the short story - good luck with it. It’s funny, often times I figure, ‘hey, I’ll punch out a short story’ like it’s some kind of simple task, but the truth is, it’s no easier than writing a novel. Indeed, it could be considered just as arduous due to the shorter length and ‘perfection’ you try to attain in such a space.
My ‘Outpost’ should be published soon, I’ll leave clue to that when it does over on my side of the blogging-pond.
Again, well done. Hope it does well.
Comment by RG Sanders — February 3, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
(FYI I noticed something you might wanna quick-fix: “rolled on warn boot heals to stand”)
What’s really tough for me is thinking of a short story idea that’s good enough.
IMO, a good short story idea has to:
A. have lots of layered meaning. I want my stories to mean something and get the reader to emotionally attach to what’s happening. Hopefully, the layered meaning will warrant a re-read or two.
B. be self-contained. I want the short stories to seem complete and whole in their condensed, vacuum-packed worlds.
C. have a profound ending. I think this one speaks for itself.
Big Blue isn’t nearly as steeped in layered meaning as En Prise or even The Fire Lizard and the Great Oak Tree is, but it does meet all the other criteria.
Comment by Nick Enlowe — February 3, 2009 @ 4:44 pm