Tag Archives: Vignettes

30 November 2022Creativity CornerCreative Writing, Identity, Leuphana, Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Sandra Cisneros, Stories, Vignettes, WritingJanina Malena Sähn

“My Name” – Vignettes about You

By Maria Moss

Vignettes are wonderful! Sometimes described as a slice of life, vignettes can be so short that they take away the fear of ending up with a white page. Unlike a short story, there’s no defined beginning, middle, or end with a cast of characters, multiple conflicts, and the ultimate resolution phase. Instead, the vignette’s impressionistic scenes focus on one moment or give a particular insight into one character, idea, or setting.

The Mexican American author Sandra Cisneros is the unchallenged queen of vignette writing, and her collection of 44 vignettes, (1984) is a must read.

18 May 2022Creativity CornerAncestry, Birth Names, Creative Writing, Leuphana, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Names, Poems, Poetry, VignettesHenrike Kattoll

50 Minutes That Make a Name

By Johanna Gabriela Hernández Schäfer

I’m named after my grandfathers: Johann and Juan. My name is Johanna. Throughout my life, I’ve met many Johannas. At my university alone, I know nearly a dozen. It’s led to funny and to confusing situations, but it’s always been something to connect over. On their own, my names are nothing to brag about: Johanna. Gabriela. Hernández. Schäfer. Johanna and Schäfer are common names in Germany, Gabriela and Hernández are typical Peruvian names. Only together are they special. Only together are they me. But – had I been born 50 minutes earlier, my name might have been Paula (find out why at the end of the poem).