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500 Words

Flemzo · 2007-08-19T03:28:34Z

I gave myself a word limit of 500 words. Normally when people do this, they struggle to cut down to 500 words. I, however, took a week trying to get up to 500 words. Do a word count yourself: this piece has exactly 500 words in it. Enjoy. *********** I have 500 words. That's enough words to tell a story. A story that will make a reader cry, laugh, scream, sigh, and shudder, possibly all at the same time. Enough words to tell a story of great triumph over an even greater adversity. A story of love and hope. A story of hatred and deceit. A story of a journey that one must take in order to save a community, and quite possibly, themself. A story that will make a reader check every corner and closet in their home before going to bed. I have 406 words. That's enough words to keep a reader engaged from beginning to end. To make a reader care so much about a character that they will cheer when they do good, and scream when they screw up. Enough words to create tension so thick it can be tuned to a pitch, to have a character make a difference in a person's life, if only for a moment. Enough words to have characters love each other to pieces, while simultaneously finding five things to hate about each piece. I have 316 words. That's enough words to describe a landscape so beautiful, so awe-inspiring, that the characters would have no choice but to stop and stare at its beauty. Enough words to describe rolling hills, rustling leaves, and grandiose mountains that stretch past Heaven, to capture the scent of an approaching storm and the chill of sudden winds, to describe intricate settings where a character gains an ally, or loses a lover. Settings where battles rage, both inside and out. Settings a reader can retreat to when lost in thought. I have 225 words. That's enough words for a gripping climax, for the guy to get the girl, for the hero to vanquish the villain, for the Average Joe to continue living, for love to blossom or whither. Enough words for the characters to live happily ever after, to ride off into the sunset, or to cradle a friend in their arms, watching the life slowly slip out of their eyes. Enough words for that pinnacle moment, where all life is suspended, and the very fate of the human race depends on a final, crushing blow. Enough words for peace of mind, a new hope, or uneasy sleep. I have 116 words. That's enough words to answer any lingering questions and provide closure to such a captivating story. To show how the citizens of a once-doomed town readjust to a not-so-normal life, how the guy and the girl continue to love each other, how no one is safe as the loyal followers plan another uprising, how to continue on after the death of a friend and mentor. To provide a definite end, or to leave a reader hanging on until the sequel. To provide a life lesson to apply to everyday life. To show, from beginning to end, just how surreal life is when looking from the outside in. All of this in 500 words.

JimmyTheMighty

Gender

Points 1255

Reviews 20

Mon Jan 17, 2011 5:33 am

JimmyTheMighty says... · Mon Jan 17, 2011 5:33 am

Wow.

Despite what some other reviewers have said, I think this is wonderful.
Just the quality of your descriptive language is exquisite! I couldn't skip a word, I was so fascinated to see the way the sentences all flowed together. You have some amazing talent there!

One of my favourite things about this story is the way it completely lacks a plot, I found this refreshing and allowed you to give the supreme limelight to your beautiful words. Congratulations, you have constructed a masterpiece.
5 1/2 stars! ;D

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ASH1397

Gender

Points 6553

Reviews 122

Thu Jan 20, 2011 8:49 pm

ASH1397 says... · Thu Jan 20, 2011 8:49 pm

Hey, I really don't usually read this kind of thing, but you did really good. I like the part where you explain how 500 words is enough to make people become attached to a character, and such.

I think you accomplished whatever goal you were after. Good job. It is really a beautiful piece.

Continue your creativity,
Ash

And just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she turned into a beautiful butterfly.

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You got rid of them. Yes, that's just like you. Getting rid of everything unpleasant instead of learning to put up with it.
— Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

500 Words

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