Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

"Brevity demands a sense of ruthlessness." -- Miriam Ruff, The Shortest Distance (2010 Bumbershoot, Inc. Press), on the challenges of writing "ultrashort" fiction -- complete short stories in 150 words or fewer (quoted passage is in the preface).

A longer section, for context: "While it might seem that the small figure would make it easier for a writer to quickly jot off a story or two, that's not the case. When you are limited in the number of words, you do not have the luxury of writing full descriptions. You have to choose each word, each phrase, with care, making sure every part contributes effectively to the story as a whole. And even if you particularly like the way you described something, and you desperately want to keep it, if it doesn't fit your purpose or it doesn't advance the story, it has to go. Brevity demands a sense of ruthlessness."

[I'm pretty sure she doesn't read this journal, but just in case: happy birthday!]