CREATIVE types are being asked to try their hand at writing a story – using just 81 words...

Whinfell resident Adam Rubinstein has set up a website www.81words.net to encourage people to have a go.

It aims to inspire those who enjoy wordplay and appeal to those who don’t to have a go.

Adam, a former artist, explained: “Twenty five years ago when I first moved to the Lakes I entered a national competition to write a story using just 50 words.

“I didn’t win but really enjoyed the challenge. The shortness of it makes it a challenge but it’s also not so demanding.”

Adam hopes people will create their own story themes and the website already has a number of contributors.

He was also impressed by a nephew who wrote and self-published a 100,000 word novel – at the age of just 18.

“I enjoy exploring words, grammar and punctuation so that each word adds to the picture of the story and each sentence says more than just the words,” he said.

People can submit stories under different genres like animals, crime, sci-fi, humour and travel, and they are rated out of five stars by other readers.

“Lots of people love the idea of writing but may be daunted by a big blank sheet of paper. With 81 words that isn’t an issue because it’s just a few lines.”

The quickest 81 word story Mr Rubenstein has written only took 15 minutes.

“But it wasn’t very good.” he says.

“Half an hour is more realistic and then I usually leave it a day or two before reviewing it. I can always find some improvements. Saving a couple of words here, means I can get more colour into the story.”

81words.net welcomes stories from people of all ages and schools can make use of the site by creating a group for the exclusive use of their own pupils.

If it’s popular, Adam hopes to publish the best stories with any profit being shared out between contributing authors.

To get started just go to www.81words.net and register. You can also email Adam at info@81words.net