3 Minute Story

First off: more apologies. I have not written here for 3 months. So...I guess it's fitting, to keep choosing the number 3.

I want to write here about the "3 Minute Fiction contest:" a contest featured on NPR. Basically: you have to write a 600 word original fiction story. It has to be able to be read in 3 minutes on air. Two directives: 1. You have to tell a joke in the story. 2. A character has to cry.

Now, I could never do this. But some of you can. The winner gets their story read aloud, on NPR. You also receive an autographed copy of the contest judge, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's collection of short stories, "The Thing Around Your Neck."

What I like about this: is learning the discipline, of writing SHORT STORIES, or short pieces of any kind of writing/ or speaking. We get so verbose. [I'm speaking to myself too. I am as guilty of this as the next person. ] We think every word is so necessary. But it's a wonderful practice to learn to edit yourself. It's wonderful to learn, how NOT to bore your listeners, with your rambling stories. It's wonderful to learn how to be succinct in your writing and speaking.

So, have at it! Give this a try! I wish you success. Everyone likes a free book!