The Beginnings of a Short Story

Jun 11, 2004 21:33

So Michael tells me if I want to write I need to begin with shortstories and get to it. If this were the beginning of a story, would you continue reading ( Read more... )

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madamebovary June 12 2004, 07:14:44 UTC
I'm going to be honest, cause that's...well...that's me.

I have two gripes with it, eventhough i'm amused by the hint of the plotline - both have to do with the language. I think that the language that you use is too...flat (to be blunt). I think you need more active verbs, and more description of the café (i know that seems to contradict itself, but i don't think it necessarily has to). I also really hate pronouns, so i would work it so you use less of them. Since René can also be a female name, i would suggest a name that's less ambiguous.

I don't really have any attachment to the story yet, there's nothing pulling me or driving me to continue reading besides knowing what's in the box. I think you should set up why René is at the café, give him a plan or soemthing for afterwards.

oh...and i love the bit about him tipping well. :)

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phildow June 12 2004, 07:38:04 UTC
I wouldn't want anything lest than honest ( ... )

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madamebovary June 13 2004, 18:59:24 UTC
how about "RD" for the name of the dude? hip, yet reminiscent at the same time. and it sounds overwhelmingly male (no other letter reminds me more of men than r for some reason).

while the cafe might not be important to the story, it is in a way. It lets the reader situate the story. if you're going to start off with a place, you have to be willing to describe it.

The delivery man was done well. i get what you're saying about making it surreal or something. you could even make the delivery man kinda curt with Rene in order to show a contrast between their personalities which will also help with the characterization of rene.

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anonymous June 13 2004, 01:55:34 UTC

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