Some of you may have noticed that I’ve been posting some “Micro Horror” Lately. It’s a big departure from the short stories from before (as they’re a fraction of the size), but I hope that they’re as entertaining and wildly random to read, as it is my putting them together.
If you don’t know, Micro Horror is a really, really short Horror Story. There’s some difference in what word count constitutes Micro Horror, but in the case of the Dark Opera, the max word cound cap is 100. I’ve seen sites with 50, but then you’re getting into what tends to be poetry.
What I like most about the format is that it’s a great outlet for those imaginative, spontaneous little ideas that aren’t necessarily fit for the short story or novel treatment. BUT, that doesn’t mean it’s a breeze to make one…
Editing one of those little passages has taught me a great deal about word choice and cutting the fat. You try and shave 50 words from a bite-sized story you think looks great at 150.
In fact, I think you should try it for real. As daunting as it may seem, give it a go and post the results in the comments. I’d love to see your work. It’s a great exercise in creativity and a perfect jump start to write more afterwards!
- Josh
Here's an example of Micro Horror from this site:
The Screaming Books
By Joshua Paquin
That the manor was abandoned and hidden, made it inviting. In the foyer was when I first heard the wind howling. In the basement was where I realized that the howls were screams from several shelved books.
Distressed, I removed the seven and flipped through their pages until the screaming stopped. A passage read, “My eyes, they’re achy and raw. My eyes, your eyes”. I was possessed, I needed to read more. I was forced from my body into the books and placed back on the shelf. I could feel myself in pieces. It was then that I started screaming.
For more, click HERE
If you don’t know, Micro Horror is a really, really short Horror Story. There’s some difference in what word count constitutes Micro Horror, but in the case of the Dark Opera, the max word cound cap is 100. I’ve seen sites with 50, but then you’re getting into what tends to be poetry.
What I like most about the format is that it’s a great outlet for those imaginative, spontaneous little ideas that aren’t necessarily fit for the short story or novel treatment. BUT, that doesn’t mean it’s a breeze to make one…
Editing one of those little passages has taught me a great deal about word choice and cutting the fat. You try and shave 50 words from a bite-sized story you think looks great at 150.
In fact, I think you should try it for real. As daunting as it may seem, give it a go and post the results in the comments. I’d love to see your work. It’s a great exercise in creativity and a perfect jump start to write more afterwards!
- Josh
Here's an example of Micro Horror from this site:
The Screaming Books
By Joshua Paquin
That the manor was abandoned and hidden, made it inviting. In the foyer was when I first heard the wind howling. In the basement was where I realized that the howls were screams from several shelved books.
Distressed, I removed the seven and flipped through their pages until the screaming stopped. A passage read, “My eyes, they’re achy and raw. My eyes, your eyes”. I was possessed, I needed to read more. I was forced from my body into the books and placed back on the shelf. I could feel myself in pieces. It was then that I started screaming.
For more, click HERE
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