Use Shortform to Practice These 3 Writing Principles
#2 Cut the Clutter
Shortform is a unique type of writing in which we as writers have 150 words to get the point across. With these 150 words, a stand-alone piece, a promotional piece or a part of a collection can be crafted .
I found shortform writing last month during a writing challenge, and it’s been addictive to me. It sparks my best creativity to explore unique topics.
It also helps with practice of three important practices: the freewrite, cutting needless words, and experimenting with online writing.
Freewrite: Don't Censor Yourself
Writing is burning through the fog of your mind. — Natalie Goldberg
Freewriting is the process of finding your best stuff. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Pick a topic that inspires you and write deep into that topic. Allow your thoughts and feelings to come to the surface. Go beyond the obvious. Write what comes to mind, everything, regarding that topic.
I always start with a free-write when writing shortform. I think of the topic I want to write about- for example, the concert that I went to on July 1st. It was a Big and Rich concert at the ballpark after watching my hometown team.
Those are basic facts- what stood out about the concert? What was there to be heard, seen, felt, tasted, or smelled? I use the 10 minutes to write about the details and any stray thoughts.
When you’re done writing- what stands out? For me, it was the fact that the music had the ability to take me back in time. It was the memories it dug up.
What feels energetic or unusual? Oftentimes, the things we discover during free-writing aren’t what is at the top of our minds. What makes the writing unique is the sense of energy you have or the unusual details.
Cut the Clutter
Examine every word you put on paper. You’ll find a surprising number that don’t serve any purpose. — William Zinser
Once you have the details, it’s time to cut. Shortform is a small space to get your point across. The amount of space makes you consider every single word.
What are the purpose and function? Can the sentence be restated to include fewer words? Is every sentence in that piece doing work or is it piggybacking off another sentence that would serve just as well if the excess was cut?
This will also translate to larger works. I’ve only written a dozen or so shortform but I’m noticing that the longer articles I’ve been writing are more concise as well. It delivers the point quicker. It makes you question each thing that comes out in the article- is it working? Can you say it clearer with fewer words?
Experimenting and Testing
All the voices, in the end, must sound like you…You are a student of the world in a world hungry for meaning. — Roy Peter Clark
Shortform is a relatively new format, which Medium started to call attention to at the beginning of this year. However, it presents us another format, much like the personal essay, listicle, or researched piece in which to practice and refine our writing skills. It gives us a chance to deepen and develop our voice.
There are a lot of purposes of shortform. It can be written as a stand-alone piece that can express a single idea or concept.
They can be used to promote a longer piece by including a link. As long as you can create a smaller work to direct attention, you can call attention to the longer work you have created.
They can be used to throw a subtle nod to another writer’s work. In those moments of admiration and “I wish I had written that” but you don’t want to copy, shortform can be used to put a slight spin on an article. An added link to the original showcases where the inspiration came from.
When you want to test a new idea or something that you’ve been researching, shortform can serve in this capacity as well. It will give you feedback before you start working on a project from readers. It can also show you want you already know without looking at your notes to develop a lead.
Final Words
My journey with shortform is only beginning. However, it is the perfect way to experiment- both with topics and with writing purposes that can support the bigger plan. It is the perfect exercise to try to eliminate useless words while also cutting to the aspects of the topic that make it unique.
