Llanor Alleyne
Writer | Editor | Artist
In the last few weeks I have been exploring ways to keep writing every day. In addition to the notorious “free write” (taking 15 minutes to just write without stopping), and polishing half-written short stories that I’d set aside ages ago, I have taken to writing microfiction via my new twitter account: @scetches.
Although many of my friends don’t get it, I love the limitations of Twitter, which I think is an excellent tool for writers. When you have only 140 characters to tell a story or create a lasting impression (image), you make every word count. This is one of the many reasons why I love writing, and now with Twitter I can exercise what one of my favourite creative writing professors called my “compact writing style.” I love packing a punch with as few words as possible.
Your postcards are prettier than ours; snow-capped mountains, sunburnt dunes. Their guns, our hunger, the growing dead veil our vistas.
The gully swallows him for seconds at a time. She sees his parka flitting like a red-breasted robin among the brush. Her broken leg throbs.
There is nothing new to report. Dee’s heart is still shattered, mine less so. We lie next to each other waiting for ropes and glue.
Creating these brief lives–presenting just a sliver of a life that somehow informs a whole character–has honestly kept me sane and focused during a most difficult time.
I like your work a lot! I'm so glad you followed me, so I could follow you!
I am utterly astounded by your tiny twitter tales. Your artful way with words is utterly breathtaking. Thank you for writing! Lots of love from South Africa.