Blurbing for Structure

What exactly does Blurbing for Structure mean? I wasn't sure, but I was curious when I saw the article title in the Long Ridge Writers Group's enewsletter recently. Long Ridge Writing Instructor and author Mary Rosenblum is kind enough to explain what she means by this phrase. Ms. Rosenblum shares how to remedy issues with story lines by using a blurb to identify exactly what the plot is and where it is headed.




She starts out by explaining how this is a helpful tool for novice writers, but I think that she outlines a good method for all writers, novice or not. She compares blurbing to the description on the back cover of a book - the interesting, yet brief summary of the story. I liked her suggestions and think that they will be useful for all types of writing. Check it out, I'd like to hear what you think. What structure will you be blurbing today?



Happy Writing!


P.S. Last call for the Fields of Grace book giveaway. It ends tonight, so if you'd like to participate, click here for details.

You Did WHAT?

Carol Alexander wrote this flash fiction story using the writing prompt from Thursday's post. She kindly allowed me to share it here. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks Carol! If you have a minute, check out Carol's blog, Everything Home...with Carol.



Don't forget to stop and comment on Monday's post (8/31/09) if you'd like to enter the book giveaway. I'm giving away Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell.

The Vase

by Carol Alexander

“You did WHAT?”

“I stopped at a few yard sales on the way home. Wait till you see what I got!”

“You bought something? Where did you get the money? I don’t even have money for groceries, for crying out loud!”

“Awe, come on, honey. I didn’t spend much. Look, ain’t it a beaut?”

I could not believe my ears and eyes. My unemployed husband goes to yard sales when I’m scraping coins together to buy groceries. And now, he’s spent that on the most hideous looking vase I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m sure my face screamed everything I was thinking.

“Aww, come on, Carol. You’ve got to love it.”

“Is it for me?”

“Do you want it?”

“No. It’s ugly. What did you spend on that thing?”

“Not much, I tell ya’. It’s something special. I just know it is.”

“Special, my eye. What did you pay for it?”

“Guess.”

“Five dollars.”

“NO! I got this exquisite piece for only 35 cents.”

“Thirty-five cents!?! Do you know what I could do with 35 cents? I can’t even buy groceries, for crying out loud, and you’re spending good money on this worthless junk!”

With that, I stormed into the house and left him in the garage, with his exquisite piece, combing through his antique books.

Weeks passed and I eventually calmed down. Tim stashed his vase in some safe place where I didn’t have to look at it. Eventually, the entire incident was forgotten. Until…

“What are you all smiles about?” I asked as Tim came in from the car.

“This,” he replied, cracking a brand new $100 bill in my face.

“Where’d that come from?”

“I sold it! He didn’t even bat an eye. I told you it was special.”

“Sold what? What are you talking about?”

“The majolica.”

“The what?”

“That vase I bought for 35 cents. I told you it was special. I was right. The dealer told me it was what you call majolica…some kind of pottery or something. Anyways, it’s worth a lot of money. He’s gonna put twice that on it.”

“What are you gonna do with the money?”

“After I take you out to dinner? Why, buy groceries, of course.”

A Writing Prompt

I think it is about time for another writing prompt. Ready to stretch those writing muscles? Here goes!

Write a flash fiction story (300-800 words), starting with this opening line:

"You did WHAT?"

If you'd like a little more info on what flash fiction is, click here to see a previous post about it.

When you are finished, email it to me at karenelange@gmail.com. I can post it here, with your permission, of course, or if you'd rather not, that's okay too. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Blessings to all, and as usual, happy writing:)

Writing Prompt, Anyone?

Have you ever tried using a writing prompt to get those creative thoughts flowing? I have, and they can be quite useful. You never know where it will take you, writing wise, that is, and if nothing else, it gets you thinking and writing. And thinking and writing are good things!

I also like to use writing prompts for my online writing co-ops. I teach writing to homeschool students in grades 9-12. (For more info, visit the co-op website at www.hswritingcoop.bravehost.com) Writing prompts often offer an opportunity to write from a different angle, providing some cross training to stretch our writing muscles.

The following prompt is borrowed from a recent co-op lesson; I've also included some general info about Flash Fiction that might be helpful as you write.

No doubt you've heard of Flash Fiction. In case you haven't heard of it - Flash Fiction has various definitions and interpretations (just as poetry or a novel can). There is no big secret to Flash Fiction; it is merely a type of short story. It has been around for a while, and has been made more popular through the Internet.

Flash Fiction contains certain components that set it apart from longer works of fiction. The first, of course, is that it is short. Average Flash Fiction word counts range from 100 to 1500 words. Some are even shorter, and some slightly longer. The idea is that the story is written tightly and efficiently. The writer makes the most of their word choices.

Another important component to Flash Fiction is that it provides a snapshot: small flashes of life, events, thoughts, and so on. They can provide different perspectives: a bird’s eye view, a fly on the wall, a first person experience, and more. The focus is on the action. Readers are enlightened about a particular slice of life, an angle on an event that they may not have considered before. Surprising plot twists are not uncommon with Flash Fiction. They may be short, but they can pack a punch.

Some Flash Fiction stories have even been written in unlikely forms, such as a quiz, a biography, a survey, character sketch, or an advertisement. Flash Fiction tones and styles are as varied as their authors are. They can be funny, serious, surprising, cynical, ironic, philosophical, etc. They reflect whatever the writer wants to convey to the reader.

**Here is the actual writing prompt...

Begin a Flash Fiction scene using this question,

"How much is this bunch of carrots?"

Use the question as your opening and move from there. Feel free to do whatever you like, using it in context or using it in something completely out of context. Shoot for a word count of 300-700 words. I'd love to see the finished product; feel free to email it to me at karenelange@gmail.com.

Happy writing!

Writing prompt info copyright 2009, Karen Lange.