Writing is my passion, but I haven't had time to do much of it lately. I've done a few writing-related things, but the actual writing has been pushed to the back burner. Life has made many demands of me and actively thwarted my literary attempts. Last weekend I decided to move my writing to the front burner and turn it to the high setting.
I wrote a short story for an upcoming contest. I'd nearly forgotten the euphoria of sitting down at my computer, typing a simple idea, and then transforming it into a cohesive and hopefully entertaining tale. The problem is the fact I tend to be pretty wordy. My story is supposed to be flash fiction with a maximum of 750 words. Once finished, my first draft was 1534 words. I've been working on edits for a couple of days.
I'm thrilled with how my story turned out, even though it's too long. I can use it in other contests, for which I shall have plenty of opportunities soon. The smart thing to do is to save my original draft and edit a copy. I've begun that process, but I admit it's excruciating. I hate deleting perfectly good words.
I enjoy bringing my characters to life subtly. I try to reveal things about them bit by bit and build the layers of their personalities until my readers have a good idea of who each character is. All the while, I'm leading up to the action. This slow approach results in lengthy stories and sometimes novels.
Don't get me wrong. There is beauty in brevity, as well. With flash fiction, there's no room for subtlety. Flash fiction is fast paced and unforgiving. The action must occur quickly with minimal exposition. The characters must carry the story through their actions and dialog.
I've had some success in flash fiction over the years, so I'm not a novice. I will probably love my finished piece, but right now it's no fun. My husband actually told me that editing makes me cranky. I can't argue that point. That's why I try to do my editing when I'm by myself. It's better for both of us that way.
When I finish my flash fiction story, I have several other stories of various lengths and genres I plan to write for upcoming competitions. I also need to make the time to finish my Christmas cozy mystery before I completely miss the season. I was hoping to work on it during my vacation in Texas, but my family had other ideas. Finding quiet time with three small children in the same house was a monumental task. Therefore, I didn't get much written at all.
I have a full-time job, which I enjoy for the most part. I even do some writing for my job. However, that writing is information based on facts and statistics, not the excitement of new love or the mystery of a whodunit. Perhaps someday I will be able to work on my writing full-time, but that day is many years or a winning lottery ticket away. Until then, I shall make as much time to write as I am able, but progress will be slow.
I have a paranormal romantic suspense novel entitled Sally's Secret Legacy being published on Kindle Vella one episode at a time. It has some steamy parts, great characters, and a plot that I hope will keep you guessing until the end. You can use my link here: https://amzn.to/3pmB63h.
If you'd like to check it out and prefer not to use my link, you can find it by going to amazon.com and searching my name, Margarite Stever. Sally's Secret Legacy should pop up (as well as my short story collection, Moonbeams and Ashes). You can select it by clicking on the title. 24 episodes are currently available.
I encourage you to read something by a local author soon. Small time authors like me really appreciate the support.
I am an Amazon Associate and receive a commission on items purchased through my links. #Ad
Sally's Secret Legacy https://amzn.to/3pmB63h
Moonbeams and Ashes https://amzn.to/3Py36M7
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