Write Different

[Pamila Payne]

Hello Sixers. This is kind of a plug, I've got a short Flash piece up that is part of a Flash Fiction challenge - I had to take somebody else's opening paragraph and build a story off of it. My piece is called Liquid Silver and can be found here: http://www.powderburnflash.com/?q=node/257

Aside from wanting people to read my story, I'm also posting because exercises like this can really pull your writing out into different styles and places, so I suggest you try it. I was surprised at the direction this story took based on what I was given, I think it's good to stretch your fingers now and then.

And while you're on Powderburn, check out our very own Paul Brazill's Red Winter. Our Brit in Polish clothing has written a beautiful, tensely drawn thriller that should not be missed.

Have you had any experiences with exercises that taught you something new or inspired you to write differently?

[peggy]

I read it, Pamila. Great imagery and taut writing. Thanks for introducing me to the site, too.

[Robert McEvily]

Thanks for this Pamila - I'll be checking it out later today...

(In the meantime, check out Pamila's newest work HERE.)

[Paul D Brazill]

Liquid Silver is a very impressive story. I liked what Sandra did with your para too. Have you read it yet? He's a really good writer. There are links to Sandra's stories on her page. She did a really good one for crooked magazine #1. Cormac had a story in there too.

Thanks for the plug for Red Winter. it was my first non 6S story. and very stressful! (Keith Rawson did a very good job with my para. BTW)

[peggy]

Okay, I'm reading these comments and started the explore for Powder Burn Flash, and I'm very interested in reading these other stories mentioned. Could you include full author names, so I can find them?

I'd like to see what all your first paragraphs were, and find the other 6S writers who are gaining success elsewhere.

[Pamila Payne]

I'll reply and post a link when I get home tonight. Based on what Paul and others said, they found the exercise fruitful. Maybe we should do a six challenge - we'll swap a first sentence and try to finish the story? I agree with Paul that some good stories came out, but I think what's learned from trying out different subjects or voices from what we usually choose on our own is the point.

[Pamila Payne]

A very cool lady named Patti Abbott instigated the challenge and posted links to all the stories on her blog. Here's a link to the list of stories and their links:

http://pattinase.blogspot.com/2009/02/flash-fiction-challenge.html

Again, I viewed this as an excellent exercise in stretching out of my comfort zone. My opening paragraph went to Sandra Seaman who turned it into a story called, "Lost in Vegas." She did a great job with very little to start from.

[Kathleen Gilbert]

Pamila,

I loved your story.. The writing was wonderful. I am a fan.

[Daniel]

Read it, loved it, want more. Thanks for the intro to the website also. I think I'm gonna stay focused on my other projects right now. Too many challenges dilute the pool I think.

[Pamila Payne]

I think I'm actually with Daniel now, and have had done with challenges at the moment. But I really value the exercises when I need to jumpstart my writing.

[JMac]

Ah, yes, the Pamila we all have come to love, oh, so horrorfully. You already know I love your writing, it's only a matter of time and concentrated effort before the world starts checkin' in to Romeo's creepy Motel (New York Best Seller's List). As I read Liquid Silver, I had the most eeiry feeling that I had already booked myself a room...

Fantastic.

[Anthony Venutolo]

I'm a fan as well! Thanks for the link!

[Pamila Payne]

Thanks for all the nice comments you guys. It means a lot coming from such a talented bunch.