Minimalism is characterized by sparseness of story, mainly in setting, description, and in characterization. The storytelling is more straightforward. In the 1980s minimalist stories typically focused on what literary critic Arthur Saltzman said was �a flatness of narrative tone. . . sparseness of story. . . a striking restraint in prose style. . . blue collar workers, misfortunate family relationships, unhealthy lifestyles, and lonely people.� To write in minimalist style, you need not focus only on unhappy people. However, you will not have long passages of description or introspection. Dialogue and specific details are the main focus of this writing style. While the writing is sparser, it does not mean it will have less impact.
For examples of this style, read the works of Raymond Carver, Ann Beattie, or Bobbie Ann Mason.
As the name suggests, maximalism is the opposite of minimalism. There is no sparseness to the prose. The character�s inner environment is present rather than implied. Sentences tend to be more circuitous. But maximalism is more than merely stringing together longer sentences. Author Karen Salyer writes, �Above all, maximalist work is vision, and vision is made literal. It is present in the profusion of language on the page.� Symbolism is often present in such works. Some authors well known for this style are: Cormac McCarthy, Toni Morrison, and Lee K. Abbott.
The exercise:
Read stories or excerpts written by the authors mentioned above. Pull out a scene from one of your stories. Rewrite your scene in minimalist style, then again in maximalist. If it�s easier, use blatant imitation of each author as you do your rewrites. When you�re finished, reread your scenes. How did the change in style affect the impact of your own writing? Which style is your writing most like? Try this exercise from new scenes you create. Here are some suggestions for new scenes. Use one of these or choose one of your own.
� visiting with friends
� dinner in a restaurant
� traveling in a car
As always, have fun with it!
