I've re-visited a lot of my old blog entries recently, deleted a slew of them, and rediscovered some I'd more or less forgotten about.
Some of the old memes we played around with were a darned lot of creative fun.
One was a challenge issued by Somyr Perry--whom I dearly wish would come back soon--to write a 101-word story. My entry was true. Others were fiction. A lot of people had a great time playing within the constrictions of the form. Plus, it can be done quickly. No need to get bogged down in endless narrative.
It's been nearly 18 months since the original exercise. That's practically geologic time on OS. So I'm throwing down a 101-word story and I'd be delighted if anybody else feels like playing. (Link to your story in comments if you do!)
By the way, this description of the challenge is now officially 60 words longer than the story is allowed to be.
"This is your partnership corner," says the Persian psychic whose kohl eyeliner refuses to meet at the outer corner, sweeping instead upward on top and outward on the bottom, whispering away at the ends like white condensation trails airplanes leave in the summer sky.
"Place pairs of items here. Only things that come in pairs. "
It's a simple quarter-round wood shelf, full of random belongings that haven't yet found real homes.
"And if I don't?"
She shrugs.
"It is up to you."
For months it remains cluttered with absolutely nothing.
Then, finally, the cleaning.
And creamers.
And sugar bowls.
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Comments
I think this is a great idea. Due to timing I hope to have something by Sunday. I'll look forward to the 101 word challenge.
i might give it a try. if anyone else needs it, heres a handy tool for counting words:
word count tool
I don't know though, 101 words? Sheesh, I'm a wind bag, so...;)
p.s. i like yours, especially the eyeliner. ;
http://open.salon.com/blog/smalltownwriter/2010/04/09/101-word_story_maggie
And thanks for the challenge!!!! -R-
http://open.salon.com/blog/sandra_no_longer_miller/2010/04/09/seeing
101nWord Story - Sleeping With Sasha
now,off to read the others
http://open.salon.com/blog/webbigail_mcduck/2010/04/09/101_words_-_the_tourist
http://open.salon.com/blog/deborah_young/2010/04/09/101_word_story_the_flight_attendant_became_my_mother
http://open.salon.com/blog/zul/2010/04/09/101_word_story
Femme's 101-word story, "Ashes to Ocean, Dad to Dust"
Thanks for a great way to get my mind going on a Saturday!
-rated-
open_call_-_101_words_one_speeding_ticket
Thanks for an awesome open call!!
http://open.salon.com/blog/sparking/2010/04/10/101_words_finding_my_voice
Happy weekend to you Denise and thank you for the inspiration.
Excellent idea.
I've read quite a few by now and they are excellent.
You've got quite a tight handle on description. A complete short story so well told.
Thank you again for this.
http://open.salon.com/blog/outside_myself/2010/04/10/
101_words_-_we_are_listening_to_you_osers
http://open.salon.com/blog/dirndl_skirt/2010/04/10/101_words_for_a_squirrel
Here's mine:
http://open.salon.com/blog/caroline_marie/2010/04/10/101_words_target_check-out_on_christmas_eve
And it's all your fault..... (thanks)
http://open.salon.com/blog/scarlett_sumac/2010/04/09/niagara_rebirth_-_101_words_with_photos
http://open.salon.com/blog/susanmihalic/2010/04/10/thirty_years_on_101_words
http://open.salon.com/blog/zul/2010/04/10/101_words_again-_the_b_side
Here is mine. :)
~ES
Your partner story: loved the sugar bowl with the creamer!
Okay, I did it with a twist. Maybe people will take me up on the challenge: http://open.salon.com/blog/oreally/2010/04/11/throwing_down_the_101_gauntlet_with_a_dare
And my other half wrote this one: http://open.salon.com/blog/cartouche/2010/04/10/why_ive_been_missing_101
http://open.salon.com/blog/elizabeth_stark/2010/04/11/conflict_resolution
Addiction (a story in 101 words)
I apologize for not being able to come back until this very moment. This weekend the Real World walked up to me, looked me in the eyes, and invited me to dance. And so we did.
Someday, I hope, I'll write about it. The story is just beginning.
But until then: Hey, Wind! I just hurled an armload of Caution at you.
Catch!
Family Ties (a story in 101 words)
http://open.salon.com/blog/blue_in_tx/2010/04/14/lost_chance