Short Stories: The Common Things We Can or Can't Do

Short Stories: May 06, 2026 Issue [#13727]


 


The Common Things We Can or Can't Do
       Editor: elfmage7
                   More Newsletters By This Editor  


Table of Contents
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions


About This Newsletter
Short Stories Newsletter by Dawn

Letter from the editor
Many of us know that there are some things we can skip or ignore when writing a story. In particular, in flash fiction or micro fiction, the focus of the story is to write down the important things to the story and limit anything else. This is why we don't often write about things that happen in the bathroom, unless the shower is relevant to the plot or something important with the characters. Things like putting on socks, brushing teeth, cleaning or running certain errands don't get added to the story.

Some refer to this as economy of words.

Word economy does the opposite of padding writing or adding extra details, instead focus on efficient use of words when considering limitations and necessity.

However, at times there might be a reason to mention not when someone does something basic but when they no longer can do something. Like my current struggle to put on socks due to health issues. My story in the past would have ignored that details other than maybe when finding special cat socks. At the moment, however, it's difficult and painful to get a sock on my right foot due to lymphodema. Having to ask for help isn't easy either.

The struggle to ask for help could be a personal conflict for a story and something a variety of characters experience on different levels. So, while we might think of strong characters going out to fight big battles on their own, perhaps some of the stories can be on a smaller scale.

Perhaps the next battle is with finding shoes that fit when the feet are not the same size...

Do you deal with any difficulties with things that others find easy? Have you ever written a story about a basic action as a conflict or struggle, putting it at the center of the story?


Editor's Picks
 
STATIC
Sticky Notes  (13+)
Tina failed to recognise coercion because it was disguised in love.
#2358083 by sumojoMail Icon
 Perpetually Purple  (E)
Written for The Adam West Conspiracy, April 17 & The Fortnight Ink Clash & TCC
#2357811 by cnasbyMail Icon
STATIC
Unicorn Poop  (E)
Who stole Mother's jewelry?
#2355970 by tuozzoMail Icon
 
STATIC
Lulu’s Little Lesson  (E)
Lulu taught his human friend how to wait and save
#2356645 by falguniMail Icon
BOOK
The Brown Bag Book  (18+)
A brown paper bag full of stories. What? You were expecting more?
#2332773 by jeremyMail Icon
FORUM
The Bard's Hall Contest  (13+)
MAY PROMPT: 100 Word Micro-Story!
#981150 by sgcardinMail Icon
FORUM
We Want Peace Contest  (E)
Contribute to the talks of Peace. May-Jun 15, 2026 NOW OPEN
#2342430 by wiesblaizeMail Icon
FORUM
The Contest Challenge  (13+)
Join by entering a contest a month for 12 months--Win Badges! Catching up is allowed!
#2109126 by schnujoMail Icon
 
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Word from Writing.Com
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Ask & Answer
Is there something that your character can't do or struggles to do that is a common action usually not used in stories?


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