New Novel Writer

it's 'fading' - plus, as my copy-editor would say - it's 'lacking in colour'.

Using the poetry format to explore your short story idea forces you to condense your thoughts into fewer words.

Take a newspaper report, a news item, or a scientific article (say) and 'make up' a story based on the facts laid down before you.

Don't beat yourself up. Lower your own expectations - of yourself - loosen up, and take the pressure off yourself.