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i tell you this up front, because i will ask you for a present here in a few moments.
no, really. i will.
even before i was a poet, i was a story teller. the art of telling a story has always inspired me. i love movies and books that find new ways to tell a story. i love poems that find new ways to tell a story.
today we are telling stories.
but
this exercise is about cutting and keeping. when you tell a story you have to know what to put in and what to take out of the story to make it effective.
over the last 4 years, one of the people that has helped me to condense a story and learn how to be creative in telling it quickly is Galen, or as several of you know him, g-man. he runs a weekly group on fridays that writes flash fiction or friday 55s. writers link up in the comments and read each other. (sound familiar?)
g has been there for me in a few tight spots over the years with a few wise (choice) words. so the gift i would like from you today—is to write a 55. it can be a poem. it can be prose, but…
it must be exactly 55 words.
it must tell a story.
then i want you to link up here—and link up at g-man’s. hey twice the fun today eh? his place is open now…just leave a comment letting him know you played.
he has no clue we are doing this. so if we bum rush his comments in a bit it will be a big surprise for him. for my birthday we are throwing a reverse surprise party. how’s that. ha. think of it as a flash mob. ha.
ok, so here are a few examples to get you started:
lingerie & edible things by Brian Miller
rocky road ice cream melts
in thick brown puddles, soaking
deep in the carpet
by the chaise lounge
where she lies in
sexy lingerie, dozing,
dreaming of prince charming,
as he sends one more email
from a desk miles away
picking at cold noodles
in a styrofoam container,
oblivious to flowers wilting
from loves inattention.
Evening Haze by Margaret Bednar
A muted silver haze
drapes its cloak
upon the winter pond,
envelopes me with a pair
of luminous swans
in a world of quietude.
Lethargic ripples
tickle the murky shore
where cattails
and winter grass
passively sway
and a blue heron’s
shadow sweeps
the water’s breadth.
I break the silence
whisper “Amen”
and walk home.
ok, there you go, now it is time to have at it. if you are new here, let me explain how this works:
- write a story in 55 words
- click on Mr. Linky below and enter your name and direct url to your poem/story
- go to g-man’s, after 8 pm EST and leave him a comment
- visit others here and there, seriously have some fun with it. they are 55 words…it take like 20 seconds to read.
- enjoy.
see you out on the trail. ~Brian
Victoria C. Slotto said:
Happy birthday, Brian. I’m running out the door for a date with the hubby. Back soon to read.
claudia said:
nice… have fun!!
brian miller said:
oo a date….nice….
howanxious said:
First of all, Many happy returns of the day. 🙂
That was an interesting prompt. Writing a story in 55 words. I participate in some flash fiction challenges; so it was really fun.
claudia said:
yeah – it is fun – and a good training as well
brian miller said:
cool….g-man is awesome….make sure you drop your link there in a bit as i bet all the 55s will make him smile…and its a great exercise in brevity….
claudia said:
nice… i like the g-man flashmob idea…oy… that’s going to be fun… and i love the cooking a poem down to its essentials as well…not always easy but fruitful as the two examples show as well… happy writing!
brian miller said:
smiles…i hope that people do…i think he would be tickled to see so many blow his doors in…smiles.
Heaven (@ScarletVerses) said:
Happy birthday Brian ~ What a lovely surprise for the G-man ~ I have participated in some FFF challenges before so I know the crafting and editing to just 55 words – tough !
Happy Thursday everyone ~
Grace
claudia said:
yes – i participated in g-man’s 55 fridays as well when i started writing poetry, then had to cut because of time issues but i just love how much can be said in 55 words
brian miller said:
smiles….i hope it is…
and thank you for the bday wishes grace….
Heaven (@ScarletVerses) said:
I forgot to share this link: it ‘s a word counter and helps you edit your words:
http://www.wordcounter.net/
brian miller said:
ah nice….used to use on of those when i did the 160s…
charliezero1.wordpress.com said:
Happy Birthday, Brain. 🙂
Can we write the 55 word poem here? or do it in our blog?
claudia said:
write it on your blog and link it up in the mr. linky
charliezero1.wordpress.com said:
oh…okay. Thank you. 🙂
brian miller said:
good to see you back charlie!
charliezero1.wordpress.com said:
Thank you sir…It’s good to be apart of something special in this big group. 🙂
claudia said:
smiles..nice having you here
charliezero1.wordpress.com said:
I’m going to post a poem I just did right now…and I will follow the link. trust me you will get a kick out of what I wrote. 🙂
brian miller said:
look forward to what you bring this time around as well…
charliezero1.wordpress.com said:
Trust me this is all for you. and you will get a kick out of this…I’m going to post my blog right now. 🙂
Margaret said:
This is so FUN! 55’s are my favorite and I agree, Brian. Galen has encouraged me EACH WEEK with his kind comments and praise. Sometimes it has been his enthusiasm that has made me want to try again as am my own worst critic. Thanks for showcasing my poem! I was tickled pink. 🙂 Tonight will be a busy Thursday evening, but how fun.
claudia said:
it’s a beautiful poem…lots of great images and i love the peaceful mood
brian miller said:
smiles…you are def a staple in the 55 group margaret….
and i love g—he is like a pops to me…and he is a great encourager….so i def wanted to give just a bit back…smiles…thanks for letting me use your poem too!
tinkwelborn said:
~ Happy Birthday! ~
brian miller said:
thank you sir!
Björn Rudberg (brudberg) said:
First of all Brian, happy birthday, secondly stories and limitations in term of words is one of my favorites… I do 33 100 333 but never the 55. Love to meet an exact limit and play a twist at an end.
claudia said:
smiles… this is such a men thing..isn’t it…ha…smiles
Björn Rudberg (brudberg) said:
Ha.. I know a lot of women doing the same, but you have a point 🙂
brian miller said:
ha. ahem. just keeping my mouth shut on this one…smiles.
MarinaSofia said:
Happy birthday, o mighty Brian, may He live forever! (I was just rereading A Horse and His Boy). And what a great way to celebrate! I don’t know if I’ll still be awake to post anything in 55 words, but perhaps I’ll still be able to do it tomorrow morning.
claudia said:
looking forward to it…and hey.. i think about writing that o mighty brian part on the mirror behind the bar…smiles
brian miller said:
ha. i hope i dont live forever…that might get a bit lonely…smiles…but def like the sentiment…smiles….look forward to it….
Glenn Buttkus said:
it is def a fact that God and a throng of angels danced on golden streets the day you were born, and All that spiritual horsepower is intact in the glory we know as BM. Have a grand day, Brian. So many of us out here think of you as family. I followed you over to Galen’s Flash55 blog, and did enjoy my many stopovers since. Thanks for the tribute to G-Man, and the chance for all of us to kick brevity’s butt.
brian miller said:
thank you man…haha and have a kick ass weekend…smiles.
shanyns said:
Happy Birthday my friend! Be brightly blessed and have a great time! Neat prompt, can’t wait to see what everyone does. Will set my reminder to post at g’s place later on.
brian miller said:
cool that would be great…i think it will be a great surprise if he doesnt catch wind of it first…smiles.
Mary said:
Happy Birthday, Brian! A cool idea for G-Man. I have never done these challenges, though I have read some of them that have been done for others. The very short story poem was fun to write. Waving to everyone who is here.
brian miller said:
waving back….ok my arms are tired from waving traffic honestly…smiles. you did well with it mary…
brian miller said:
cool…i will be back soon…i have bus duty so i have to get them out the door and i will be back to read and comment…..
ayala said:
Happy Birthday dear Brian! I wish you a magical day and a magical life!
brian miller said:
thank you ayala…smiles.
Joseph Hesch said:
Happy Birthday, Brian!
On Tuesday, I took a photo while headed east on I-90. It was a beautiful dawn and I just had to take it. I’d hoped to use it as an illustration for a poem. But then this prompt came along. On Thursdays I tend to write a five-sentence bit of fiction anyway, so this was — or is — a two-fer.
Congrats, again. 🙂
brian miller said:
very cool…hope you had a nice trip and that stare not follow you for too long…and hey drop it at g’s ina bit and it can be a three-for….
Martin Shone said:
Happy Birthday, Brian…. my little story is posted to linky 🙂
brian miller said:
thank you martin…be over in a few….
Maggie Grace said:
55 to celebrate 40? The speed limit on most highways…whatever metaphor that might be. Same old story for me but had a fun ending with hubby’s influence. Getting to a specific number of words is fun and challenging. I like it. Happy Day!
claudia said:
nice…off to read…
claudia said:
haha… and don’t talk to bri about speed limits…just saying…smiles
brian miller said:
hey what are you saying…just cause i made it to new york so fast…hahaha
Laurie Kolp said:
Hope you’re having a wonderful birthday, Brian. Sorry I’m late. It’s been a busy day and it’s not over yet. This high school stuff might just wear me out (until she starts driving, but I’m not ready to think about that yet).
brian miller said:
haha…i hear you…i work in one…smiles….oh yeah, driving is a whole other story…..shivers…smiles.
claudia said:
have to start working very early tomorrow morning – so off to dreamland… have fun writing everyone – and bri – enjoy the rest of your birthday.. would love to have a piece of that key lime pie…smiles
will link up with g-man tomorrow morning…
brian miller said:
oh yes, no birthday cake here….its key lime pie on my birthday every year….xtra tart….mmm…..
Steve E said:
This note for Claudia…b/c Bri M probably out there doing 110 mph on a city street.
It prob was YOU who put my “55” in there. Without knowing, I posted it again. Could ya just delete the one I shoved onto the site few minutes ago? So much thank yews for that.
Really inspired you were to let us know all this goin’ on. But you are just a thoughtful girl. (And sexy, too)…WHAAAT am I writing here? OK, I go away now and be a good boy…
🙂 Oh, also thanks for getting me on the page…..
PEACE!
brian miller said:
110…i have only ever broke that mark twice….once in a police car…in the front seet mind you….smiles….
ha. ahem. i will leave the rest to you steve…smiles…
brian miller said:
i took care of that link as well…not above doing a bit of work on my birthday…smiles.
brian miller said:
gonna head home from school now…will pop back in once i get there and before dinner….thanks for all the bday wishes….i will see you shortly!
Myrna said:
These are the good ol’ days Brian. Enjoy.
Thanks for hosting on your B.D. I bet G-man will be surprised.
brian miller said:
ha. i hope so…smiles.
its the ol’ part that worries me…haha
seasideauthor said:
Happy Birthday! Did my best, guess I was too early for G-man?IDK
brian miller said:
yes, he does not open for another couple hours…figure we can get a good crowd together and then go crash it…smiles.
Oloriel said:
Happy birthday to you!I wish you all the best,the prittiest, the most beautiful,the most fullfiling and everything else that you dream of,wish for, need!!!
brian miller said:
smiles…i will take it…thank you….
Nandini Deka said:
Happy birthday!!! 😀
brian miller said:
thank you ma’am
Tony Maude said:
Happy Birthday Brian! It’s late over here, so I’ll write and link tomorrow … and that’s a promise.
brian miller said:
cool….look forward to seeing you then…and thank you tony…smiles.
ManicDdaily said:
Hey Brian – Happy Brian Day Birthday – ummmm … so so so tired right now. I love Galen and will try to come up with something. Hope you are having a wonderful day. Loved your examples – Margaret’s beautiful, yours typically sardonic but funny but winsome but all kinds of things. k.
brian miller said:
got your email but could not respond at work…
get some rest friend….
hugs
ManicDdaily said:
Thanks, Brian — could not resist the call of you and galen combined. Hope you had a great b-day. k.
Ginny Brannan said:
Happy birthday, Brian!! Hope you are having a great day! Afraid my piece isn’t all sugar and frosting, however the results were my own “icing on the cake!” Not sure if its the kind of thing to share with GMan (I have posted there once or twice.) Had two lines written and wasn’t sure where to go–the 55 word brevity works for me! Thanks for the idea. Enjoy the rest of your day!!
brian miller said:
hey it was great news for sure…and that is def what matters…oh he will love it…he’s like a big teddy bear for happiness so….smiles…thank you ginny
kkkkaty1 said:
I’m glad to join the group in wishing “Happy Birthday” Brian! Although it’s getting late in the day where you are, I’m sure there is daylight left..and the evening is far from over…enjoy!
brian miller said:
oh yeah, just getting ready for dinner….how are you? smiles
ihatepoetry said:
Happy Birthday Brother! Just for you I shall take on this challenge now! Posting soon… Have a great day and a greater year ahead. It is an honor to be your friend.
brian miller said:
smiles…back at you mosk…
will be looking for it….
and look forward to reading more of you in the new year…that will make it all the better….smiles…
ihatepoetry said:
Here’s today’s 55 words – consider it your birthday present!
Victoria C. Slotto said:
I’m back and enjoyed your post, Brian. I’m more and more attracted to brevity in poetry lately. Enjoyed yours and Margaret’s 55.
Now, you enjoy every moment left of your birthday and this new year of life coming up.
brian miller said:
most def…chasing every moment….
pandamoniumcat said:
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday Brian, hope you have a great day! 🙂
brian miller said:
thanks di….nice bit of a tale you spun there this evening….
pandamoniumcat said:
thank you 🙂
Rene said:
Happy Birthday, Brian 🙂
brian miller said:
thank you rene
ramblingsfromamum said:
as I sing in my perfectly pitched morning voice…. *cough* Happy Birthday to youuuuu”, that’s all I can muster for this hour of the morning. Happy Birthday Brian- will try my best (oh – and thanks Grace for the counter). PARTAY!
brian miller said:
have at it…it is fun…have def enjoyed playing 55s over at g’s place…its a little work…smiles
and thanks for the song…
ramblingsfromamum said:
well you have introduced me to G’s too, though I don’t know how I shall keep up lol..
you are welcome the pitch wasn’t very good…but I just woke up 🙂
ramblingsfromamum said:
with time differences – when do I post to the G Man? It’s 9.30am Friday morning here.
brian miller said:
about 8 minutes from now….
ramblingsfromamum said:
ta 🙂
Gay Reiser Cannon said:
What! I’m late to the pub again and haven’t toasted to the good health of OUR Brian!!! A round on me y’all and best wishes for many many more – For he’s a good fellow – hurrah!
brian miller said:
ha. smiles…thanks gay…..
brian miller said:
alright 8 minutes til g man opens…
grapeling said:
Brian, if you get a frosty mug of beer cold enough, it’s JUST LIKE ice cream. Cheers, hope you’ve had a kicking birthday! ~ Mike
brian miller said:
ha. were you the one that commented the other day about my inclusion of ice cream in poems? someone did…that is funny….thanks man
grapeling said:
not I….
Samuel Peralta / Semaphore said:
Happy birthday Brian!
And thanks for always being there when I need help in a tight spot!
brian miller said:
aw shucks….thank you good sir for all you do educating me…smiles….
Heaven (@ScarletVerses) said:
Hi Sam ~ I think the timing is perfect, smiles ~
ramblingsfromamum said:
I’m not sure if mine is a story or simply prose…help? *smiles*
ramblingsfromamum said:
2nd thoughts – I’ll pop it in and hope it fits.
hedgewitch said:
You’re a good friend, Brian, to ask for a birthday present for someone else. Way to go, and double Happy Birthday.
brian miller said:
smiles. i hope he likes it…well he already emailed me and was smiling so that is a good sign…thank you joy…
Beth Winter said:
Happy Birthday, Brian 🙂 I think birthdays are special and hope yours is fantastic.
55 words is a challenge. I’m working on it. I guess I’m just talkative today 🙂
Um… Any extra cake? A corner piece with lots of icing, maybe?
brian miller said:
will key lime pie do?
thanks for the bday wishes….
55s are def not easy…esp if you really go for telling a story….its hard to build and then relieve tension so quick…but it def can be done….
Beth Winter said:
Yes. Key lime sounds wonderful.
Would you mind changing the challenge to 178 words?
ninot said:
Happy birthday, Brian. Many many happy returns of the day. Hope the boys made you pancakes and baked a cake!
brian miller said:
even better…they made me a key lime pie….my favorite….mmm….
Ruth said:
hey everyone, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRI!! (& many more…………………..)
(did you know today is also my sister’s b/day? -no i guess you wouldn’t 😉
i have to run off now – dress rehearsal for 3 concerts my choir is putting on this w/e – but will be back later tonight to read & comment, promise
brian miller said:
yay happy bday to your sister as well…
wow you are in for a busy weekend as well…hope all goes well at practice and you will have to let us know on the performances as well…
Teresa said:
I’m so glad I popped in to see what today’s challenge was! Hope your birthday has been wonderful! I have to say, I love G-Man’s Flash 55. It has been one of those links to prose that helped me take the leap into novel writing.
brian miller said:
that is very cool…and congrats on your book…
brian miller said:
alright…i am done for tonight…be back in the morning…
thank you to those that popped in at g’s…that is awesome….
claudia said:
oh wow…almost 50 entries…goodness… i got something to read….smiles… need a coffee first though…smiles
claudia said:
returned comments….linked up with g-man and have to leave for work now… will catch up in the evening… and bri… i just love that on your own birthday you gave this present to galen.. shows a bit of your heart…smiles
Akila said:
Happy bdday! Brian! already into friday. ll see if I can pitch in! 🙂
brian miller said:
happy friday to you….smiles.
shanyns said:
Will be around in the morning to read and comment – it is one of my favorite things to do. Drink coffee and read poetry by you lovely poets!
brian miller said:
coffeeeeeeeee…..just putting down my first cup…..smiles…good morning shanyn
Cressida de nova said:
Happy Birthday Brian. Inedible lingerie is my favourite poem of yours. 55 suits you although I do not believe you have reached that age yet:)Hope you enjoy your day!
brian miller said:
thank you…smiles
and its one of my fav 55s i have ever written
Arnab Majumdar said:
Happy Birthday Brian… hope you have a great one! Cheers…
brian miller said:
thank you good sir
Tony Maude said:
As promised, I’ve wirtten my 55 and linked here and at G-Man’s – it’s my first time linking over there. Now that it’s not your birthday, allow me to say Happy Unbirthday, Brian. Whaddya know, it’s my unbirthday too … smiles
brian miller said:
ha. i must find you an unbirthday present tony…smiles….
Sfurti Juztamom said:
Wish you a delightful Birthday. First time here and first attempt at 55. Will submit soon 🙂
brian miller said:
welcome to dverse…i met you over at PJ earlier this week, right?
will be over in just a moment…
Kirsten said:
Happy “belated” Birthday! Thank you for this wonderful prompt. This is my first “55” I’ve ever written – it was fun. I linked here and now I’m heading over to G-mans. Have a fantastic Friday
brian miller said:
very cool…have fun with it and thanks for the bday wishes….
Kirsten said:
It was fun and a wonderful lesson in moderation 🙂
Irene said:
Happy birthday Brian. I’m off for a birthday Japanese buffet. 55 words exactly? Geez. I’ll have to think on it.
brian miller said:
yum, i love japanese, so i am a bit envious….
hope you get a chance….
Susan said:
55 exactly, giving you the present you asked for. Even though Thursday has left us. Of course, I believe in 30 day birthdays with many many happy returns!
brian miller said:
oo 30 day birthdays….now that sounds fun…ha…thanks susan….
Susan said:
Many welcomes, Brian. I’ll be back to read more later.
brian miller said:
most def….good morning….smiles…
aprille said:
Don’t you have that feeling? The fortnights either side of my birthday are the best weeks in the year. Every year, so I count on this now.
I’m making my way through the comments: sounds like a glorious time was had by all at your party do.
brian miller said:
thank you for the wonderful card as well aprille….smiles. hey i am def in for a good week…
aprille said:
Know what?
I could hear the scratching of the fork on the styrofoam tainer, and the sound plus the cold noodles made me queasy. Now that is writing!
hypercryptical said:
A Happy (if not belated) Birthday wish to you Brian. Hope you had a wonderful day!
Anna :o]
brian miller said:
thank you ma’am…hope you have a great day as well…
Pamela said:
Happy (belated) birthday, Brian. I hope it was absolute fun.
Pamela
brian miller said:
smiles…hope those kids dont wear you out too much today…smiles.
aprille said:
Did a ‘proper’ one: an actual story in 55. How difficult that is.
kelvin s.m. said:
…..hello Brian…. happy 25th birthday… hihi… 😛
brian miller said:
ha.yes….maybe in how i act at times…smiles.
kelvin s.m. said:
…coming late & almost out of cake… i see… no… but we also celebrate my grandma’s 70th birthday today…ha… just a close family celebration & gathering ye know… grandma has like 11 siblings so that’s quite more already to create a full blast party… hihi…. hope you had a wonderful celebration Brian… smiles…
…shall polish a bit my 55 & link soon… smiles…
brian miller said:
yay tell gramma happy bday for me….
def had a bit of fun yesterday myself….
Ninot said:
Happy birthday Brian! That is my third wish!
Kelvin! Your grandma is 70 today. Both Brian and her on the same day 😉 she must be a storyteller too! Mine was, and she is unforgettable.
brian miller said:
smiles. i bet she is as well…
Misky said:
Happy birthday wishes, Brian, and thanks for the fun prompt. 🙂
brian miller said:
woot. good to see you misky….and thank you…
tigerbrite said:
Happy birthday and have fun:)
brian miller said:
woot woot thank you sir
Sherry Blue Sky said:
Brian, I know we are supposed to write about someone else, that is typical of you. But I pick you – however, were I to try to write 55 words about you, they wouldnt be enough to laud your humor, your big heart, your kindness, and the way you manage somehow to comment on everyone in the ‘sphere’s poem (I dont know HOW you do it!) Just thank you, Big Guy, and Happy Birthday.
brian miller said:
ha. you make me blush sherry…smiles….
Glenn Buttkus said:
When I dropped by MR. KNOWITALL this morning, as you hoped, he has a huge turnout for his Flash Friday 55.
Linda Kruschke said:
Brian, Great prompt! I’m a little late, but better late than never. 🙂 Peace, Linda
claudia said:
i’m way late…busy day but out on the trail now to catch up…
The Course of Our Seasons said:
Oh shoot – late again – happy day after your birthday, Brian – smiles! K
brian miller said:
ha. you are good…i am late tonight….i am just getting home from the HS football game and filming…playing catch up…