beginnings

Frequent Failures of Contemporary Writers: Story and Character

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Workshop Question In a short story, is it NECESSARY to have the character on a mission trying to  accomplish something?   William Trevor and Alice Munro have so often been cited as masters of the short  story form, and often I can’t figure out what their characters are “up to.” What  are they trying “to do.” It just feels like they show characters living their  lives.   Let me know what you think?   Answer I admit I come with a very narrow aesthetic sense at this.  It’s story that makes me warm and fuzzy, stories where something happens and the characters … Read More…

Story Beginnings (13): What Engages You?

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Below are thirteen story beginnings of less than sixty words all from award-winning stories.  Which engages you the most and makes you want to read on?  Which engages you the least?  Analyze why, to find principles applicable to your own writing. All stories are available for free at www.storyinliteraryfiction.com. 1. After a six-hour drive north from Toronto, John Hampton arrived at the family home of his departed wife, Grace, and her daughter Candy, both dead six days.  The house was dark; his sister-in-law, Ruth, greeted him in a nightgown and robe, and knee-length woolen socks . . . she led … Read More…