How to Write: Very Short Very True Stories
Perfect for
Being surprised by the stories you might have forgotten.
Creating a list of ideas that could be developed into longer pieces in the future.
Writing your GO TO stories fast and like a grocery list is a great way to get yourself in the writing mood.
Lists take the pressure off your insecure writer self. They help you outrun the internal censor that’s screaming in your brain, “You aren’t a writer. That’s not the right word. You don’t have any ideas.”
Lists help you realize: 1. You can write. 2. Who cares what word you pick, and 3. You’re loaded with ideas.
Materials
My sample Very True, Very Short Stories
The Book of Eleven by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (optional, but lovely for adult readers)
Prep
Read my sample piece (or Amy's on page 21 - not kid friendly BTW).
Notice the tone of these BIG but super short stories. It’s bare-bones writing without any marshmallow fluff. You get to the point without being fussy about your words. This recipe writes fast – like shove something in the microwave instead of simmer on the stove for hours fast.
To prime the pump, think of one of your GO TO stories. This is a story you've told over and over again. All your friends have heard it. Relatives roll their eyes when you tell it yet again at the Thanksgiving dinner table. When you meet new people, you get excited because you've got someone who hasn't heard your story yet. Yes, that one. Start with that one.
Time to Write
Begin your list of stories with your GO TO story. Be accepting of whatever story your GO TO story leads you to next.
Then, using the Quick Write Method (see number 3 below), write your 11 very true very short stories.
Quick Write means write for 12 minutes, 5 seconds without stopping or talking. (Studies show that 12 minutes, 5 seconds is the perfect amount of time for this piece.)
Keep pen/pencil/keyboard moving the entire time.
If you get stuck, write I’m stuck I’m stuck I’m stuck until you aren’t anymore. Cross that part out later.
Don’t worry about spelling.
Quick Writes grow writing love because writing fast for a short period of time helps you outrun the inner voice that says, “You can’t write. You are bad at this!”
Tell yourself, “I don’t have time to listen to that critical voice. I’m gonna go for it!”
Share Your Words
1. When you are done, read your piece aloud – to a real live human, your dog, or your bathroom mirror. It’s essential to hear your writing aloud. You’ll hear what works. You’ll hear what doesn’t work.
2. If you do read this to a real live human, ask them to tell you a word, phrase, or sentence that stands out to them (this is called SAYBACK ). Don’t ask for or receive advice about revision or editing. Just absorb what someone likes about your writing and say, “Thank you very much.”
3. Select one line you like the best – or one that moves you the most - or one that stands out the most. I call these golden lines. It’s good to notice what you are already doing well as a writer. Often, if you get response from a human, your golden lines might be the same! That’s fun and tells you a lot about what readers think is good writing. a. I’d even suggest making a collection of all your golden lines in a journal. Over time, you’ll see a pattern of all your writing awesomeness!
So sweet writers, you've got lists to make.
This week, in addition to your grocery list, make a list of 11 Very True, Very Short Stories!
