h2g2 Fiction... Microstories
Created | Updated Jun 22, 2003
How long does it take to tell a story? A novel is usually around 100,000
words, a short story typically a couple of thousand. But there is a new and
increasingly popular form of writing where the writer limits him- or herself
to a mere 50 words.
Variously known as microstories, mini-sagas or ultra-shorts, these tiny
tales contrive to pack in all the elements of good storytelling: a
beginning, middle and end; something happening which intrigues the reader;
conflict and resolution. Their limitation can also be a strength, because
brevity brings an intensity rarely found outside a poem. No point is
laboured, and there are always unanswered questions to leave the reader
thinking.
The other great thing about these stories is that they don't take long to
write - anyone can find 10 minutes to jot one down - nor to read. Boredom
is (hopefully) eliminated. The aim is a single great idea, clearly
expressed.
h2g2 Microstories
As part of its mission to encourage fictional and creative writing within
the Guide, h2g2 Fiction Central is arranging an
"exhibition" of these microstories, written by our own researchers. It's
not a contest - there will be no prizes, no winners and losers - just a
chance to let your imagination run free, and share the results with the
community. Particularly noteworthy entries may, with the researcher's
permission, be included in future editions of The Post.
There are no restrictions on subject matter, style or tone. The only
requirements are:
- Your story must be a complete fictional tale with a beginning, middle
and end, and something happening - not simply description or
rumination. - Its length must be exactly 50 words, plus a title of up to 15
words. Hyphenated words count as one or two, at your discretion. - It must be in (non-profane!) English.
When you have written your story, post the entry number to the Microstories
Thread to let Peregrin and Positive Feedback know about it. The closing date for
the exhibition will be July 31st 2001.
The following examples are offered to show a couple of ways in which the
form can work - but there are many more. Explore and experiment!
Ten Billion Years After Darwin
The Sun collapsed to neutron death. Planets cooled. The last scientists
left the silent Earth, convinced life was extinguished. A billion years
passed. On Mercury, tidal forces generated heat. Ice melted. A bundle of
chemicals captured energy, learnt to replicate itself. Black flowers
embedded in dark rock. Life had returned.
Sixteen Fifteen to Edinburgh
King's Cross: departure delayed. A green-eyed man munches noisily on a brie
baguette.
Peterborough: leaves on the line, the train leaves later still. Checks his
watch.
At Grantham, out comes the mobile phone. "I'll be late, dear. Again."
By Doncaster he sleeps.
At Newcastle, rude awakening: he lives in York.
The Daily Telegraph/Arvon Foundation1 "Mini-Saga" Competition
For UK residents who feel more confident of their abilities, or who just
have a more highly-developed competitive streak, there is a chance to take
on hundreds of other writers for a £2,000 first prize in a contest
arranged by the Arvon Foundation and the Daily Telegraph.
It's not cheap to enter this competition - £5 per story (10p per
word!) is a hefty stake - but as well as the cash prizes of £2,000 and
£1,000 there are Arvon writing courses or £50 book tokens to be
won, and the 200 best stories will be collected in an anthology. However,
don't think about it too long - the closing date on this one is July 2nd!
is a registered charity, whose aim is to encourage and develop creative
writing in all its forms. They run some of Britain's most respected writing
courses.
