Hmm, I have to say I'm a bit torn on this one. On the one hand I'd love to have more space, but conversely the "less is more" argument really does have its merits.
Yes, I do find it frustrating to be rattling away writing a backstory, and then suddenly hear that *bong! out of room!* sound, but quite often I find that on reading my own words back, I've waffled a bit and can edit the story down to fit.
As an artist, I was taught about the concept of "negative space" - i.e. how leaving something out of a picture can sometimes have a stronger impact than putting it in and making the picture too 'busy'. Likewise the same principle can apply to the written word - the imagination of the reader is possibly the writer's most powerful tool
Another forum I visit had a friendly competition once to see if people could write a love story in under 200 words - followed up by the tougher challenge of writing a murder story in under 100 words. When the challenge is on, it's amazing what you can actually say in so few words...the ironic part being it's more a case of what you're
not saying that ultimately sells the story to the reader.
To illustrate my point, here are the mini-stories I wrote :-
Under 200 word Love Story
The store was closed. He tried to wipe the water from his face, but to no avail - the rain was falling in solid sheets now.
The next store was closed, and the next. He was soaked from head to foot, and the wind was tearing mercilessly at him, flinging stinging droplets into his eyes.
With a heavy heart, he gave up and returned home, not knowing what he'd say.
In the hallway, he sneezed as he felt the shivers take hold.
She appeared next to him, her cool hand like magic on his brow.
"Sorry," he mumbled. "No anniversary present. Wanted something to say I love you."
She tutted. "You'll catch your death in those things - you need a hot shower."
In the bathroom, where the shower's warm hiss mingled with his cold sniffles, she smiled as she collected his drenched clothes from the floor.
These sodden socks, this dripping shirt - on this day, these spoke more of his love than any silly present ever could.
(169 words)
Under 100 word Murder Story
Another murder in the park. Nowhere's safe anymore.
But it's my shortcut, always has been - still safer than the streets at night.
A flicker of movement nearby, my heart pounds....
I see a young girl in red, wild eyes darting. I sigh with relief.
"It's not safe here - come with me," I say.
I take her hand, damp with the sweat of fear.
Near the gate now - "We're safe," I say, letting go her moist hand.
Moist, but not sweat....and her clothes are not red from dye....
"We?" she says, laughing.
Then I see the knife....
(99 words)
Personally I like the challenge of keeping a character's backstory neatly trimmed and punchy, so really I'm happy with the current limit.
But then again...maybe just one more word. Or five. Or fifty. What could it hurt?
