I came across the micro story concept in Sulekha blogs a couple of years ago.
A story has to be told in limited words , in this case, less than 125 words.
This idea suits someone like me whose time before the home PC is severely limited.
But this also means one spends much more time thinking up ways to narrate, using a limited number of words.
Thinking can be done while doing other “ real” work anyway.
Medhavis would surely guess the narrator/protagonist of the micro story below .
Previously posted at Sulekha.com
************************************************************************
The Ambush
Sometimes I feel he is too kind for his own good…
He does not believe that the other chap is here with reinforcements only to harm him…
I clamber down the tree and touch my weapon.
You cannot touch the kind hearted one before killing me first…
But the other chap is here and why are his hands folded above his head!
“Forgive me for my Mother’s sins!” He cries and falls at the feet of our elder Brother…
The kind hearted one embraces him and as they shed tears, I stand there , tears streaming down my face…
Even if I come back again to accompany the kind one, I doubt whether I can truly understand him…
***********************************************************************
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by narensomu, 2009-07-22 03:09:48
Thanks. I liked the idea of spending just 15 minutes or so to type and another 10 minutes to edit at the most.
Easier to read too.:-)
Regards
ns
-
- +0
-
-
written by narensomu, 2009-07-22 03:06:36
Yes, it does allow a lot of reading between the lines-the author gets to embed teasers here and there.
There is another 250 word format-and another 50 word format-and yet another 6 word format [ more of an one liner rather than a story].
This one can only be understood by people who know the background story-working on a brand new story of this size may be a challenging task.
Regards
ns
-
- +0
-
-
written by P. Desikan, 2009-07-21 21:51:30
I did not immediately get inspired to pitch in and give my micro-story.
But I thought I would give an extract from an old favourite.
Excerpt from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (Swami Nikhilananda Pub 1944) Vol 2: At the Star Theater(II): Sunday, December 14, 1884
A frog had a rupee, which he kept in his hole. One day an elephant was going over the hole, and the frog, coming out in a fit of anger, raised his foot, as if to kick the elephant, and said, 'How dare you walk over my head?' Such is the pride that money begets!
The Master's parable, in translation, has as many as 55 words!
Narensomu, I was also impressed by the coincidence of your microstory appearing in tmj around the time as Dwai's novel started unwinding itself. Felt like attending the great wedding at Himalayas and telephoning sage Agastya at Podigai about it.
Warm regards. Partha
-
- +0
-
-
written by karigar, 2009-07-21 13:12:13
Thanks for introducing this nice concept at Medha...
(I remember seeing this at Sulekha but never paid much attention really..but it sounds nice, especially in these rushed times! Any more medhavi Micro-authors out there?
-
- +0
-
-
written by Dwai Lahiri, 2009-07-21 11:48:28
I hadn't thought about this format for writing fiction.
Yes, it leaves a lot of scope of "reading between the lines"...but the exciting thing about this format is it's great to brain-storm and get a basic plot/storyline build. Fill in the masala later...
-
- +0
-
-
written by P. Desikan, 2009-07-21 03:14:01
for bringing your micro Bharata-rasam alive to us at Medha as well.
India's hoary legends have a few Bharatas, two of them, the sons of Kaikeyi and Shakuntala being the most famous. The latter is believed to have given his name to Bharatavarsha.
But, when you look at the history of this land through the ages, it has all along been unique in its enduring respect for elders. Bharata of Ramayana is
exceptional in this quality and has become a shining symbol of such devotion and respect in the Indian psyche.
Perhaps Bharata varsha should have been named after this self-effacing totally devoted brother of Rama, after all!
Warn regards. Partha.
-
- +0
-
-
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. Iam now emboldened to post another one.
If asked to decide between whose devotion was greater -Bharatazhwar or the never- apart [ even in temples] -Ilayazhwar [ Lakshman]-its hard to say.
Both are role models for ordinary people.
Both performed different kinds of tapas during the years of exile.
Yes, may be the nation was really named after this Bharata who was symbol of sacrifice, virtue and valor?
Its heartening to learn that Bharata has a temple in his honor in Kerala with the Bharatapuzha flowing beside it.
As for the eldest Brother, he knew the hearts of both-no jumping to conclusions for him.
Lakshman on the other hand loves his Brother so much and reacts thatw ay as he is over protective of him.
His quick temper [ it is also endearing ] becomes tempered , I think after about 14 years or so.
The master's story brings a smile and at the same time makes us think.Thanks for that.
Am also reminded of the mahout-Brahmam story -may not be longer than this makes us smile and think.
Humor, lesson and knowledge all in one small story.
Iam sorry to say it wasnt a coincidence-I was inspired to post this story thanks to Dwai's series.:-) Also felt emboldened enough to do that.
Regards
ns