Writing question

[Bandit1]

What do you do with a story that is just short of the 750 word minimum for Lit. when adding the extra wordage would screw up the story?

 

[Guest]

What do you do with a story that is just short of the 750 word minimum for Lit. when adding the extra wordage would screw up the story?

hrm
well, have you checked the letters and transcripts section?
maybe...in the beginning/ending you could add a paragraph describing just what you were after. this would count towards the 750 base.

 

[Guest]

What do you do with a story that is just short of the 750 word minimum for Lit. when adding the extra wordage would screw up the story?

I've never had that, as I'd find it almost impossible to write a complete story with that few words (although I know some do, and they make a fantastic job of it - takes a lot of talent to write flash fiction, I think!).

As for what I might do, should I find myself in that position, I think I'd attempt adding another scene, or expanding on any dialogue. You could add a little more set up at the beginning, or more to the conclusion. Anything else you think the reader might find interesting?

Without reading the actual story, it's tough to advise.

Lou

 

[Bandit1]

What I have been doing is writing my own version of something that I saw years ago.
After drinking a LOT of extra strong coffee I struggled through adding enough words to the story to make the minimum.
Now all i have to do is to decide which catagory to submit it under.
I know, Laurel etc. will put it in the catagory that it belongs in if I screw up.

BTW, the title is "Drinking WithThe Devil".

 

[Guest]

Well, you're not James Joyce cos he's dead, but if your story really is perfect as is then be proud and show it to friends. If you want to submit it to Lit., work a bit harder on it.

Perdita

 

[R. Richard]

Now that you have enough words, I would suggest a certain amount of research in selecting the category.

Literotivca readers are, in my experience, very picky about the style of submissions to certain categories. A style that works well in one category may get very low ratings in another category.

You need to read currently submitted (and rated) stories in each of the practical categories for your story and try to submit in the category where your story will be best accepted.

JMHO.