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March 11 Slice of Life

Sandbox fiction writing…a short scene on a beach.


The dog suddenly stopped the insanity of running to and from the water. What was it accomplishing, the boy wondered. Was it playing a game with the waves? Was it looking for food? Mad or crazy? The boy could no longer stand the biting flies in the sand dune where he hid from the dog by sight, but not by scent. The dog knew he was there and sought to entice him out. But for what purpose?




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3 Comments


Heidi C
Heidi C
Mar 12, 2023

This is a great quick write writing strategy. Writing a scene versus a story is far less daunting. (How did you learn of Sandbox Fiction Writing?) Is this a photo you took? I love the dog!!! Heidi C. (Book Dragon)

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margaretgeorge815
margaretgeorge815
Mar 12, 2023
Replying to

Hi Heidi,

It's good to hear from you. "Sandbox Fiction Writing" is a name I came up with to lighten the mood of the activity in the classroom. The idea to write short fiction scenes came from educator and author Linda Rief. I've had the privelege to attend workshops where she's been a regular presentor in Bar Harbor, Maine—sponsored by Heinemann. What I loved about this activity is that she would set the scene, we write about it, then she would change an element and we would quickly rewrite it. She might say that a huricane was coming, or that the dog hadn't eaten in weeks. What I love about quick and short is that it's okay to be messy…



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Patricia Emerson
Patricia Emerson
Mar 11, 2023

What a beautiful dog! (I love German Shepherds—so regal, even with their tongues out.) Is that a photo you took? Gotta say, the scene looks a lot like one I get to feast on here at the Oregon Coast. I love the view into the dog's mind. I've written about mine (insanity definitely fits her) and might just try it again, thanks to your inspiration. (Also thanks for identifying yourself as a newcomer to the Challenge.) Welcome!

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