I have an idea! Sort of. It hasn’t come together.

I have just about given up on writing for these things anyway. I always get a good idea mostly outlines then run out of time to write. Always. FML.

 

It’s interesting how differently we think about this.

To me this prompt isn’t shorter.

It’s longer.

The prior competitions had no minimum word count. Entries could be drabbles of 100 words or flash pieces under 1k.

This time they can’t be short. They have to be at least 2500 words each.

Maximums are always easy for me to fit within.

 

Excellent and that makes sense!

 

Intend to at least write, or review. I would say casual readers were never discouraged from voting, and pumping out a 200 word review is a five to fifteen minute thing if you don't want to put in @Blorcyn level effort into it.

Readers who don't even intend to review (not even a single story) should not vote though because they aren't participating at all.

 

We have said in the past that you should only vote on the topics if you had at least a vague desire to write - not just read/review - but Halt is correct that it does appear to be shifting to ‘participate’ which includes reviewing.

But if you only want to read (not write and don’t intend to review) then you don’t have much business voting.

 

Try the 7-Point Plot system for a basic outline?

Spoiler: Seven Plot Points

The Parts of the Seven Point Story Structure
Hook — Your character’s starting point. This is the opposite of the Resolution.

Plot turn 1 — The event that sets your story in motion and moves you from the beginning to the Midpoint. You introduce the conflict and your character’s world changes. This is basically when you character sets out on his/her journey.

Pinch point 1 — This is where you apply pressure. This is often used to introduce the antagonist.

Midpoint — Your character moves from reaction to action. He/she determines he/she must do something to stop the antagonist.

Pinch point 2 — This is where you apply more pressure. Your story takes the ultimate dive. Your character is at his/her darkest moment. He/she has lost everything.

Plot turn 2 — Here you move the story from Midpoint to the end, the Resolution. Your character gets or realizes he/she has the final piece of information to achieve what he/she set out to do in the Midpoint.

Resolution — This is the climax of your story. Everything in the story leads to this moment. Here, your character achieves (or fails to achieve) what he/she set out to do.


Instructions on How to Work With the Seven Point Story Structure
In order for this structure to work effectively, start at the end, with the Resolution, first before you write down the beginning, the Hook. By starting with the Resolution you can make sure that your main character begins the story at the opposite end of where he/she will finish the story (if he/she ends strong he/she should start weak).

The next step is to write down the Midpoint before you write down the Plot turns. Since the Midpoint is central to your story because Plot turn 1 leads to the Midpoint and Plot turn 2 leads away from the Midpoint to the Resolution it will be easier to outline your story if you have the Midpoint before you think about the Plot turns.

At last, write down the two Pinch points to apply more pressure to your story.

In conclusion, this is the easiest and most effective order in which you write down the events in the Seven Point Story Structure:

1. Resolution
   
   
2. Hook
   
   
3. Midpoint
   
   
4. Plot turn 1
   
   
5. Plot turn 2
   
   
6. Pinch point 1
   
   
7. Pinch point 2

Once you have the plot points sorted out (using the above copy/pasted guidelines) you can turn it into 8 short scenes that take you from the start through each plot point.

Loads of other ways too. But I still default to this when I'm trying to plan out stories. I personally like it for short stories in particular, as if each of those scenes (which may not actually BE scenes) I get from these plot points ends up at 500 words I get a 4k story.

 

When a scene feels dead, add metaphorocal explosions. A character walks through the door, something literally blows up, introduce a plot element or twist. Obviously this method has its own pitfalls and requires editing to become good, but is effective at extending scenes and breaching word limits.

 

Just get high. The first 25k words I ever wrote was under the influence.

 

Sounds like a personal problem. Your age isn't public. I'll ban you into a social life if you call me a dolt again.