At this very moment, at least.
I have been writing, but not completing stories. I get stuck and move on to another story idea. Even knowing that flash submissions are required to be short doesn’t help; I take forever to get to the point.
Advice from my teacher-self says: Keep writing until the good part materializes, then chop. Only I’d say it nicer to my students.
Writer-self is whining.
What do you say?
Not that this helps with your flash stories, but I’ve always loved that your stories amble on for 63 chapters without really coming to a point. I’m sure you know which story in particular I’m referring to and the best part of it is the journey. I’ve never felt that it even needed to have a point. This can’t apply to all writing, I’m just saying I’ve always liked it.
I’m having similar trouble with a couple stories. I know I need to just slog through it, get it down on paper in a first draft. Writing can be an ugly, painful process. Revising is much more artistic.
I was grateful and relieved to have received good grades on my recent essays, but I had felt very disappointed by the results of my efforts on them. I feel very frustrated with my inability to organize my thoughts and coherently communicate on the page the myriad impulses of my brain. I have not found the answer. Best wishes!
Write long and chop is definitely my method, often cut 25% or more from draft to finish.