Yesterday I saw a movie trailer that really got my heart pumping. It was well composed, well designed and cleverly built drama through the trailer and left me thoroughly wanting to know what happens at the end. I found the entire experience very interesting and exciting.
I've always wanted to create that kind of experience for someone reading my work, and I could barely believe that the makers of this movie trailer were able to achieve it in such a short time, so I decided to try. I wanted to write a building drama that leaves the reader wanting more, in the least amount of words possible.
This is my first attempt.
Guy smashes window, screaming girls name, whilst house is on fire.
11 words.
Guy smashes window, screaming girls name, while the house burns.
10 words.
I'm not sure which one I like more, but it's a start. I'll keep writing short drama snipits, I really like the idea and think it's a great way to practise setting action and anticipation for longer stories.
If you want to try it yourself, find a song, a movie trailer or anything that you find exciting and use it as inspiration. Write about the song, or movie, write about anything that struck you, stuck with you or that inspired you. Try to write something action packed with as few words as possible. If it starts off as a paragraph, that's OK. In this case starting big is OK, work your way down to less words if you want to, but they key is to write! Keep writing and have fun! Enjoy the drama, the excitement and the thrill of leaving your reader wanting more.
-Brandolyn
I'm not sure if you heard, but there's an interesting anecdote about Hemmingway and short stories. Legend has it he was bet in a bar that he couldn't make a complete story with less than ten words, to which he replied "I can do it in six.". The story goes something like this.
ReplyDelete"For sale: Baby shoes. Never used."
You're in good company, and great post!
Thank you so much Mike! That means a lot.
DeleteAlso, I did not know that story. Amazing.