Craft of fiction: Example of 55 word fiction

“Housewife” by Amy Hempel:

She would always sleep with her husband and with another man in the course of the same day, and then the rest of the day, for whatever was left to her of that day, she would exploit by in-canting, “French film, French film.”

Here we have an example of a story with a plot, main character and theme. In this case we have an insight into the main character’s attitude towards adultery. Within a mere 55 words we are able to get a complete snapshot. It is harder than you’d think and although there are some that feel that micro fiction is not true writing, I disagree. It is an exercise in brevity, a way to practice craft and learn how to get a message across without wasting words. Where I do agree that practicing detailed description, dialogue, character development and scene are vital, it is also important to learn how to be succinct.

Have a go and enjoy.