I have a story coming out this Friday that was part of a competition which is over 1000 words and then I have something that I’m editing just now that’s 7000 words and will be split into 3 parts. I’m missing my 100 word stories! 😁
Congrats on the semester, Nathan, and I enjoyed the story! A great example of how a simple phrase (I clenched my fists) can be repeated in a loop to build both tension and understanding.
A writing exercise in public. I liked your voice in this one, it reminded me of your initial pieces here on Substack, gentle, clear, poetic and transporting the reader to a new space.
Well done, Nathan. I love this kind of "situational" vignette where at first it may seem something as mundane as two people waiting for a train but turns into something so much deeper.
"Are we still talking about this?" is such a telling line. In the end, the pigeon flies and I suspect that the main character is preparing to do the same.
Thanks, Jim. Some of the authors I'm most drawn to paint vignettes where nothing much happens but existing in that space is the whole joy of the reading, so I wanted to experiment a bit with that.
Pitch perfect moment in time you've captured here. Well done. I'm glad you've wrapped your semester and can now focus on the far more important task of writing the novel you've promised all of us. :)
Very nice. I always like it when a writer rounds a piece off by referencing the beginning, bring it round full circle. It gives a sense of completeness. On my writing courses I teach flash fiction and flash nonfiction, so i am looking forward to checking out those links you provided, Nathan.
This is good. You’ve nailed that weirdly specific yet universal human moment where a half tucked shirt and a stubborn pigeon somehow say more than a monologue ever could.
I will also be checking for the fist lol. Thank you for sharing
I loved this Nathan, I too am greatly inspired by Ben's short portraits although unless I study the cows - a possibility they do have very different characters - I am not blessed with actors for the stories up here!
I am counting days... 13 class days to go including today which is yet to begin... The insanity of end of the year reports, lethargy and now extreme heat too is debilitating beyond words and time for anything non existent too... enjoy your break my friend - I am deeply envious!
Thanks for the mention Nathan 🙏
I have a story coming out this Friday that was part of a competition which is over 1000 words and then I have something that I’m editing just now that’s 7000 words and will be split into 3 parts. I’m missing my 100 word stories! 😁
Oh wow. Incredible. Can't wait to read those.
Oh and just so you know, the long story takes a sharp genre change midway through. Gotta love those wild swings 😁
Great! That feels on point given what we've just been discussion on Notes. :)
Congrats on the semester, Nathan, and I enjoyed the story! A great example of how a simple phrase (I clenched my fists) can be repeated in a loop to build both tension and understanding.
Thanks, Kate! Another one down. Tick!
Fist-clenchers everywhere! Lost in thought? Lovely vignette, Nathan!
Thanks, my friend!
Loved this, Nathan. Is there more to come?
Thanks, Claudia! I don't think so for this one, no. Just a standalone, brief window on a scene.
A writing exercise in public. I liked your voice in this one, it reminded me of your initial pieces here on Substack, gentle, clear, poetic and transporting the reader to a new space.
🙏
Pigeons are so distracting. Love this.
Thanks Emily! That they are. :)
Terrific piece Nathan. So subtle it both lulls you and makes you uneasy at the same time. Great job. - Jim
Thanks so much, Jim!
Well done, Nathan. I love this kind of "situational" vignette where at first it may seem something as mundane as two people waiting for a train but turns into something so much deeper.
"Are we still talking about this?" is such a telling line. In the end, the pigeon flies and I suspect that the main character is preparing to do the same.
Thanks, Jim. Some of the authors I'm most drawn to paint vignettes where nothing much happens but existing in that space is the whole joy of the reading, so I wanted to experiment a bit with that.
"Are we still talking about this?"
Pitch perfect moment in time you've captured here. Well done. I'm glad you've wrapped your semester and can now focus on the far more important task of writing the novel you've promised all of us. :)
Hehe. Yep, it's on the list, Ben, don't worry. ;)
who hasn't had this conversation? haha. nice work, Nathan.
Thanks Joseph. Glad you can relate. :)
Bah! Love that telepathic interaction with the pigeon.
Hmm I'll check out the 100 word guy. I liked the sounds of that ✌️
👍
Thanks Chris! Glad you enjoyed.
This scene really draws you right into it. Nice and crisp. Has me very aware of my hands now...
Hehe, so long as no-one is walking behind you then you're all good. ;)
Thanks so much, Bryan.
You paint a picture well. Not many words, even if over 100 🙂
Thanks, Shoni! :D
Very nice. I always like it when a writer rounds a piece off by referencing the beginning, bring it round full circle. It gives a sense of completeness. On my writing courses I teach flash fiction and flash nonfiction, so i am looking forward to checking out those links you provided, Nathan.
Awesome to hear, Terry! Thanks.
This is good. You’ve nailed that weirdly specific yet universal human moment where a half tucked shirt and a stubborn pigeon somehow say more than a monologue ever could.
I will also be checking for the fist lol. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for reading and your thoughts. Much appreciated. 🙏
I loved this Nathan, I too am greatly inspired by Ben's short portraits although unless I study the cows - a possibility they do have very different characters - I am not blessed with actors for the stories up here!
I am counting days... 13 class days to go including today which is yet to begin... The insanity of end of the year reports, lethargy and now extreme heat too is debilitating beyond words and time for anything non existent too... enjoy your break my friend - I am deeply envious!
Thanks Susie. May those days fly by and your well-deserved rest be here as soon as possible!
The marinade worked. Bravo!
Aw, thanks Sue!