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Make the short story tremendously succinct - with a very…

“Make the short story tremendously succinct - with a very short pulse or rhythm - and the closest selection of detail - in other words summarise intensely and deeply and keep down the lateral development. It should be a little gem of bright, quick, vivid form” quote by Henry James
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“Make the short story tremendously succinct - with a very short pulse or rhythm - and the closest selection of detail - in other words summarise intensely and deeply and keep down the lateral development. It should be a little gem of bright, quick, vivid form”

Henry James

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates extreme brevity and vividness in short storytelling, limiting digression.

In simple terms: Write concise, vivid stories.

Key Takeaway

Trim excess, focus on core.

Themes

writing brevity focus

Mood

analytical creative

Type

instructional literary

When to use this quote

  • flash fiction
  • journalism
  • creative writing workshops

Key Concepts

literary technique storytelling efficiency

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we keep depth in a tight narrative?
  • When is detail essential?
A Different Perspective

Risk of losing depth for speed.

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