How to Write a Vignette

A vignette is a snapshot in words. It's different from flash fiction because you're not aiming to tell a story. The vignette focuses on one aspect, mood, character, setting or object. Use it as a descriptive exercise, for character exploration, wordplay or just to get something off your mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Use the clustering technique to write your vignette. Begin with a word that has meaning for you, like "mother," and write it at the center of the page and circle it. Then brainstorm other words, writing them in circles and connecting them with lines to the center word.
2. Decide on one idea to write about. It could be a single word from your cluster exercise or a group of words related to one idea.
3. Pick an image that represents the idea you want to explore in your vignette. For example, write about the bravest person you've ever known if you want to explore courage.
4. Find a quiet, comfortable place to lie down for 10 minutes. Set an alarm so you don't fall asleep. Close your eyes and visualize the image.
5. Choose the form of your vignette. It can be a poem, description, monologue or a dialogue between characters.
6. Write the first draft without thinking too much about words, structure or quality. Just as a camera takes a picture of what's there, your vignette should photograph what's in your mind.
7. Set the vignette aside at least overnight. Read it out loud to feel the rhythm of the language. Pay attention first to how well it expresses your idea, then to how well it's written.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be intimidated by the short length of a vignette. Focus first on what you want to express, then on how you'll write it.

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