Self-imposed word counts or restrictive genres like flash fiction can really help us focus our purpose with a piece of writing, what we want it to be and do (as you describe here). This is also why I loved assigning flash fiction to my students because it encouraged them to think about each word choice and, in doing so, help them develop their ability to analyze literature (in theory, anyway—I hope it helped). Revising a small piece can be an exhausting, laborious experience, though, so I applaud your effort here. It shows in the final draft!
Your best students will have gained immensely from the experience and I imagine they would thank you for it. Because you're right: getting such a small piece to cohere IS an exhausting, laborious experience. But, as with anything that requires hard work, your effort will be rewarded.
I applaud your new discipline. It reminds me why people think poetry is "simple" and "quick." I'll forgive the trauma to my kitty heart (I could never watch Pet Sematary) and because of my ignorance of such had a moment of panic thinking you had watched your sweet furball be struck. Ugh. Need future disclaimers that "No animals were injured in the writing of this piece." Keep up the good literary work, though! ❤️
I'd like to say, "thankfully, it wasn't my cat..." but that implies that I'm glad that it was someone else's kitty that was struck--but, yeah, "thankfully" the kitty from the story was not one of mine but, to be clear (at the risk of giving you all nightmares), I only borrowed the quote from Pet Semetary, not any of the imagery. It scared me enough to ensure that no cat of mine will ever roam around outside without direct supervision. Such a horrid sight!
This was (and im lacking a better word) gnarly
I don't think we need search for a better word, to be honest--nailed it!
Self-imposed word counts or restrictive genres like flash fiction can really help us focus our purpose with a piece of writing, what we want it to be and do (as you describe here). This is also why I loved assigning flash fiction to my students because it encouraged them to think about each word choice and, in doing so, help them develop their ability to analyze literature (in theory, anyway—I hope it helped). Revising a small piece can be an exhausting, laborious experience, though, so I applaud your effort here. It shows in the final draft!
Thanks, Jacob!
Your best students will have gained immensely from the experience and I imagine they would thank you for it. Because you're right: getting such a small piece to cohere IS an exhausting, laborious experience. But, as with anything that requires hard work, your effort will be rewarded.
I applaud your new discipline. It reminds me why people think poetry is "simple" and "quick." I'll forgive the trauma to my kitty heart (I could never watch Pet Sematary) and because of my ignorance of such had a moment of panic thinking you had watched your sweet furball be struck. Ugh. Need future disclaimers that "No animals were injured in the writing of this piece." Keep up the good literary work, though! ❤️
I'd like to say, "thankfully, it wasn't my cat..." but that implies that I'm glad that it was someone else's kitty that was struck--but, yeah, "thankfully" the kitty from the story was not one of mine but, to be clear (at the risk of giving you all nightmares), I only borrowed the quote from Pet Semetary, not any of the imagery. It scared me enough to ensure that no cat of mine will ever roam around outside without direct supervision. Such a horrid sight!
Yes! Here's to the Indoor Cat Initiative so no more HBCs (Hit By Car) at any veterinary offices. And when possible, long live the catio! 😻🐾🐾❤️