What if I leave the dog out?
You can’t leave the dog out. It’s hilarious.
How about the two phone calls?
Necessary to the plot.
But it’s got to be less than 100 words. What if I leave out the storm descriptors?
Then, excuse the pun, you destroy the atmosphere.
How about the phrases I worked hard at?
Like ‘freckled sensibility’ ?
Yes.
It’s a frilly phrase..
But ….
Kill your darlings.
So what do I do?
Regroup. You can fit anything into 100 words.
‘War and Peace’?
Yes, even ‘War and Peace’.
John Malone 
I used to join in with a 100 word challenge, I feel your pain 😂 nicely done .
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Juliette; I still like the challenge from time to time,including this post which is exactly 100 words 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I spotted that🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a huge challenge to write less to say more
LikeLike
you got that one right, Beth 🙂 it would not work, however, in my previous post ‘In Which the Dog Loses His Cool’:: some posts have so much energy they need space to romp around 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
A very good 100 word explanation of the problems with reduction. 🙂 You could reduce War and Peace to 100 words but it would lose everything that made it a classic. As you say… some things need space… to romp around or even to spread out and be a bit lethargic or pensive. But I did thoroughly enjoy your 100 words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks 🙂 you’re right: I’ve seen these synopses of the great classics — they were quite the rage decades ago — and while they nail the plot they leave out the substance
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did War and Peace in three words, which leaves ninety seven for the dog. You have to have the dog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree; everything else can go; the dog has to stay 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good move!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Challenge accepted; war and peace 100 words or less; when’s this assignment due? I love the leash of a word count; brings out the best. 😊
LikeLike
soon as possible, Karen; you’ve got me looking forward to it already; i love ‘the leash of a word count’ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Distilling liquors of the highest quality takes time, John, but I’ll try to get the drip going in war and peace to quench any thirst. We could collaborate 50 words each? You take war and I’ll attempt peace? 😉
LikeLike
Lol; no, you go for it, Karen: you’re going solo; you can do this 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel encouraged, and yet a bit cast off like a red balloon that you’ve let go skyward towards deflation and inevitable pollution. Still, a noble task. Will sleep on it 😉
LikeLike
you’re not cast off, Karen: I’m passing the task to you: i’ve got s lot on my plate atm; I know what I can handle — and you seem up for it —
LikeLiked by 1 person