Let’s talk about drabbles—a form of storytelling that stretches through the ages and a particular writing passion of mine.
As far as stories go when we read one, do we let the words take us on a journey? Or do we race through the pages, only lingering long enough to catch the dialogue and descriptions? Perhaps we wade patiently through the various conflicts and resolutions or skip through all that to peek at the ending.
We want to read stories that grab our attention, challenge our way of thinking about the world, or sometimes merely provide a means of escape. Good fiction writing of any length does all that.
Short storytelling versus longer works has to do with the details. In short works, you have little space for basic story elements, so you have to be very specific.
Also, you have to be creative. A good short story has enough detail to make it interesting, but even that can be tricky. Drabbles are particularly challenging to write because they are limited to one hundred words.
With any good story, you want to leave the reader wanting more. You want them to continue living the story in their own imagination.
Given its format, drabble writing affords an ideal outlet for my writing muse whether I’m feeling struck by writer’s block or in want of a quick, creative outlet. So here’s the first of a series of drabbles I have written thus far, with many more to come.
Enjoy!
The Dance
I am on the way to a ball, with a light heart and a light step. I am on my way to dance. The competition be it fierce; I have nothing to lose. I know my own worth. I don’t waste time on those I won’t choose.
If I fall in love tonight, it will not mean a thing. If he sees me as his future, I will be flattered, but I know better. I am not here to marry. It’s all just a game.
I will think differently someday — young ladies know what they must do. Tonight, I dance.
