Update 16/04/09

This workshop is now CLOSED. We have eight delightful entries, plus three bonus 50 word stories at the bottom. As usual, we want to encourage critique, and now that there is a new subscriber feature for critique this would be a great opportunity to show us what you can do as a critic!

Healthy Eating by *msklystron
Granola by ~LunaticStar
The Rose by =Lilith-Elina
Windowsill Memories by ~Kitz-the-Kitsune
The Tide by ~Halatia
Highway Signs by *GrecianUrn
Mess and Margaret by ~brytning
Spring’s Caste by =AstarteKatz


Before the typing error of word limit was noticed, we had a few entries with only 50 word limits. Although they are now not part of the task, they are still worth having a read.

Two of Hearts by ~brytning
The Future is all we’ve got by ~humorous-asterisk
Truly Guilty by ~lighting-jolt



Update 15/04/09

After having 5 days off work, `Beccalicious thought today was Monday! Actually it is Wednesday and that means last call for submissions for this workshop! Please ensure your piece is in before Midnight GMT.

Thank you



Update 07/04/09

Please note! There was a typing error in our write up for this workshop and therefore please be aware the word count for this task is 500 words, and not 50 as originally stated. We apologise to anyone who may have already submitted.



`Amberlouie’s Workshop: Netting the Vignette


`Amberlouie is an Australian writer, critique and friendly crazy. She enjoys zine culture, stockings, Nam Le and smiling at strangers. Amber has been published in ReadThis, 150 words, and a collection of new writing.

Netting the Vignette

A vignette is not in your cupboard at home. It is a branch of short story writing. Close relative of Microfiction or Flash Fiction, a type of short story relying on word count.

The vignette is a snapshot, an insightful glimpse into a scene. It should give off a sharp impression of a character, notion or setting. Vignette lends itself well to poetry and theatre.

The style of writing does not conform to sequential format, but establishes structure through symbolic and linguistic connections to other vignettes or adjoining scenes. The form is precise, not in language, but in the images, emotion, and compacts its narrative to make it wholly meaningful.

Usually, a vignette has an aspect of the traditional narrative structures of a short story:

1. Introduction
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Denouncement

Vignette’s usually only focus on numbers 2, 3 or 4, because they are the strong points in a story. Surprisingly, there doesn’t need to be conflict in a Vignette. It’s a postcard; it should take its reader to the place you are writing about through your chosen symbol.

The best way to start a vignette is by using a object of significance, or a thought, etc.
For example: fruit, bicycle, shoes, the colour red. Be creative with your object, place, and make it a memorable moment.

Examples of Vignettes:

House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Liza Falzon’s 50 word fiction blog: [link]

Your task: Write a Vignette, approximately 500 words long, including an image or symbol as the crux of the story. The story must make sense, it must be lyrical. Choose from one of the above narrative structures, and make sure your Vignette follows the form. Make an impression, take me somewhere. Take me nowhere.

I look forward to your responses!


How to Submit

After submitting your entry as a new deviation or scrap, send us a note with a link to your piece. Include the subject line "VINGETTE" in your note. The deadline is midnight April 15th 2009. All times are set for GMT. `Amberlouie will respond to the entries on April 19th, 2009.

A note from *Writers-Workshop Please note that this is a PROSE workshop, meaning that we will accept prose entries only. Proofread your work before you send it in so that grammatical and spelling errors are minimal. And most of all, have fun with it!


Call for workshop hosts!

As always, we're looking for people to come along and host a workshop! Did you know that any member can partake in a workshop? If you have a good idea, then why not consider sending us in a proposal? We’re always willing to look at applications for workshops.


Chat rooms

We have discussed in the past about *Writers-Workshop and the use of chat rooms. Whilst we have currently concluded that at this moment in time we do not wish to host anything official on damn, we would like to draw your attention to a couple of the literature chatrooms available to you all. Some members of *Writers-Workshop already are involved in these chat rooms, but they are a place where you can seek critique or share ideas not only on your workshop submissions, but your other writing also. These rooms also connect you to the literature community, giving you opportunity to meet more people who share the same passions for writing.

#getLIT is the main official literature chatroom for damn, where there is a regular fluctuation of conversation and critique. It is a friendly and open room, and probably the most recommended for people new to damn.

#PoetRangers is a chat room for poets. they have regular set critique nights. This is a more mature level room, and the level of critique a little more blunt.

There are many other literature based chatrooms, and not every room is going to suit you. So shop around, you may find some really great people.



Dont forget to our News Article [link]