Take a 3 x 5 card and write an entire short story on it, using only one side. To do this, you'll have to stick to the bare essentials. What is really necessary for this piece of writing to qualify as a story? Most likely it will have to be a very simple story, and you'll need to introduce the conflict immediately.

When you're finished, read your story to various people and note their reactions. Did they feel what you expected them to? Why or why not? Did they find it a satisfying (if brief) story?

If you feel comfortable sharing your story, e-mail it to me. A selection of the stories sent in will appear on a future Just for Fun page.