Lila stared into the eyes of her reflection for a long moment, studying the way the unnatural red of her mouth changed her into someone else. Someone who didn’t mind the sweat of strangers on her skin. Next the black brush, carefully applied to lashes until they looked like the ones on her doll, discarded only the year before. She pulled her boots on over fishnet stockings and smoothed the tight dress over barely budding breasts. Her brothers wept, hiding their tears behind their hands, as they did every night before she went out. Hers she held in. Makeup wasn’t cheap.
The Power of Imagery with Nina Schuyler
September 12 & 13 on Zoom
Enrollment closes Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 PM Pacific
If your descriptions are vivid but your stories still feel thin, this workshop is for you.
Join award-winning author Nina Schuyler to learn the difference between description, which tells a reader what things look like, and imagery, which carries plot, character, and meaning at the same time.
In just two days, you'll learn to choose images that hold emotion without naming it, pair them so each one deepens the other, and build patterns that gather meaning as the story moves.
Excellent piece of micro fiction
You are too kind, John.
The bitter reality of life for some people! marvellously captured
Thank you Khadija. When it comes like that it’s like it’s from a place other than my head.
Wonderfully told. Every sentence is revealing.
Thank you, Miera. Your words are kind.
beautiful
Thank you so much, Ren.
I’m new to flash fiction but have learnt a lot from this. So much has been said in so few words. I think this is amazing.
I’m curious as to what you learned, Alison.
Thanks, you guys! I’m trying to improve my technique and feedback helps so very much.
Beautifully tragic story.
Thank you, Arch! I had a scene in my head.
This is an excellent story and very well told.
Thanks, that means a lot, Derek.
Great story! Beginning, middle, and fabulous ending!
It floweth. Those stories are like gifts, are they not, Ruth?
For sure, Deanna!
Excellent story and not something you read everyday.
That is so great to hear, Michael! I hope you google me for more reading material.
Beautifully tough and sad story in just 100 words! Every sentence is revealing. Simply written without any literary affectations (which is really the best part!) but wrenches your heart…great writing Deanna…I want to write like this!
Thank you Rekha, so do I!
Excellent piece. Tragic, sad story.
Thank you so much, Michael!
You are an incredibly gifted story teller, Deanna. Beautifully written.
I am so grateful for your wonderful compliments, thank you, M!
Subtle and poignant
Thank you, Gautam Sen, I appreciate that so much!
Powerful. Not a single word wasted. And a world of pain and stoicism conjured. Great work.
Thank you, Jon. Your words mean mountains as well.