December 21, 2005

About This Newsletter:

It is our attitude at the beginning of a different undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its outcome.
~William James

Life is a blend of laughter and tears, a combination of rain and sunshine.
~Norman Vincent Peale

Five "C's" of fiction: convincing characters caught in compelling conflict.
~Brandy Collins


Editorial:


SEASON'S GREETINGS EVERYONE!!!




It's that time of year when we eat enormous amounts of food, exchange gifts and visit friends and family. We also tend to reflect on the year that is passing and look forward to the promise of a new year.


Drama? You bet!



If you eat way too much, believe me, you're gonna have drama!



What about all the parties and visits? There will be someone who imbibes a bit too much, someone who is grumpy and someone who is never happy with anything. If not you, someone in the room is having drama. Take note, this can be great for characters and situations in your stories!



And gifts and the shopping involved! Walking through the doors of the local mall or supercenter is dramatic enough, if not downright frightening. The best, and worst, of humanity can be seen in these places. Watch, listen, really pay attention. You got it...drama.


But the type of drama you experience at this time of year is up to you. Drama is stress, excitement, anger, joy.
Make your personal drama a beautiful, memorable one!


And please, everyone, take a moment to remember our troops overseas. I would bet they would give anything for some of the "drama" we have at this moment.


A wonderful holiday to all~
Nikola








Editor's Picks:

I was in one of my "blast from the past" moods. I found some wonderful holiday stories that i felt held some drama. Enjoy!

ID: 274834   (Rated: ASR) No Christmas  Be careful what you wish for... by Roxxie

ID: 301120   (Rated: E) Donner and Morris  The story of how Donner saved Morris. by Writer of the Winds

ID: 375727   (Rated: E) An Unexpected Santa  How a real-life hobo changed my view of hoboes and who Santa really is. by Jill

ID: 506778 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 560552 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 568537   (Rated: E) Christmas Ornaments and Their Stories  The memories from my Christmas ornaments tell their own story. by Jill

ID: 582785   (Rated: E) Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus  Homeless but not hopeless...meet Santa Hootch. by Kathleen~TY for my freedom!

Ask and Answer:

From StephB : I love using the Thesaurus. I probably don't use it enough. It's a great tool to really change up words and spice up the writing. Good article this week.

Thanks Steph!



From BBINJC :Great article! I LOVE my Thesaurus. I have one for phrases and one for 'romance novelists' as well as the standard version. They all come in very handy!

I have the phrases one as well. I love it!


From LB: new wesbite :Personally I love my theasaurus, but my creative writing tutor thinks it leads to insanity and depression, because it offers the promise of the perfect word but you never actually find it in there. While this may, at times be the case, it's still fun to look at all the different words, and I do sometimes find 'that word' in there. Go theasaurus!

Just tell your tutor that there is no such thing as "perfect" and as long as you know that, your sanity will be fine.


From § Roseille - Writing ♥ :Thanks for an absolutely wonderful NL! I've found that a thesaurus can be really useful in writing; great advice! Thanks again.

Thanks Angel!