  Short Stories
This week: Edited by: Legerdemain  
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The purpose of this newsletter is to help the Writing.com short story author hone their craft and improve their skills. Along with that I would like to inform, advocate, and create new, fresh ideas for the short story author. Write to me if you have an idea you would like presented.
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Improving Your Craft
In my opinion, part of being a good writer is working on improving your craft. Like an Olympic trainer, you have to practice until you get noticed, then train even harder to become a champion.
I'm still working on getting noticed. 
One piece of advice that published authors give is to read. Read, READ, READ!!!
READ short stories with an eye for the author’s style. Examine how they travel along the timeline of their plot. Check out their characterization. Was there an interesting twist in the story? Take notes!
READ interviews with published authors. How did they get into the business? What inspired them to write? What advice do they give?
READ newsletters. Hey, most of these are free! The ones at Writing.com are free. We like free, don’t we? I get many free e-newsletters from publishing, freelancing, and writing websites. All those free little tips can add up! Sure, sometimes you have to sift through the hype, the advertising and sales gimmicks, but there is some valuable reading in those newsletters. It's always a good idea to keep up with industry trends and opinions.
Some newsletters have leads to publishers and freelancing jobs. (Be sure not to fall for the publishing traps out there. If it costs you money…it’s probably a rip off.) A woman named Angela Hoy runs a website that warns freelancers of companies that have not paid their writers.
There are tons of newsletters that publish to specific trades, hobbies and interests. If you have an anecdote or an essay about a specialty, check out related newsletters – magazines –publications in that field. They could be looking for your work. Query them if you have an evergreen story they could use.
READ Google searches. Google can be your friend. Right from the Google search field on Writing.com, you can find leads to interesting articles on writing. Try searching with keywords like “writing”, “freelance”, and “publishing”. There are tons of sites to help with your “grammar”.
READ magazines and books for writers. Even the oldest, saltiest dog can learn new tricks. Learn from those who have already been down the road you're on. If you can't afford to subscribe or buy, check out your local library. Join your local writing groups and swap publications. Watch auction and publishing websites for great deals and clearances.
Most of all READ AND REVIEW right here on Writing.com. Examining other stories can help you improve your editing skills, and spot errors in your own work. Plus other authors will visit your port and give advice.
I hope you find this newsletter helpful. Be sure to check out the Feedback area and send in your items you would like featured.
Leger~
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Excerpt: There was nothing but darkness in the depth of a dream, until I sensed a presence, subtle, soft, that came nearer and nearer ... and nothing. I was awake on this hot summer night; nobody seemed to be around, the only movement was a light draft through the window making the curtains flow smoothly; then subside again.
Excerpt: I once knew a man whose world sat in his dictionary. The pages contained whole continents, the Northern Lights, mountain ranges, pens and pencils, furniture, assorted haberdashery, boxes -both empty and full-, picture frames, lives, the passing of time -past, present, future, the space in between-, ands, ifs, nouns, love.
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Excerpt: Monique Holden stared at the clock in her darkened bedroom. She blinked her eyes and the glowing green numbers rose to the surface of the clock’s black face. They looked like dead men rising from the cold depths of Lake Michigan. The wind whistled through the spring night. Unthawed air wafted over her bare shoulders and her skin pebbled. It was the demon's time, but she felt so tired.
Excerpt: Intimidation is a survival skill. In my life you either excel at it or die, it’s as simple as that. I find it important to cruise my neighborhood on occasion. Walking , I stare people in the eyes until they look away. I am the predator, they are my prey, I can never let them forget that. My clothes, jewelry and even the way I move, send signals I am still strong. One flash of implied weakness will end my life. These are the rules of the street.
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Excerpt: Jester Rabbitti (last name chosen because of his Rabbit Family) was a tiny man. Tiny in stature, but not in heart, he was known by all the forest creatures as “The Healer”. He instinctively, without any type of formal schooling, knew what to do to heal the animals when they were hurt.
Excerpt: As a child I would sit with my father on our front porch listening to the stories of his life's experiences. He would sit in his rocking chair like a king on his throne. I would sit on the red brick steps gazing up at him. Clutching a bottle of cream soda, I would take a swig from it every time he took one from his. I tried to mimic him, from the way he would wipe his mouth on his shirtsleeve, to the ever-satisfying "Aahh" that soon followed.
Excerpt: Mr. Ivins, well renowned Master Chef, has always hated heroes.
Oh sure, you may very well say that he hated a lot of things. He hated waiters who dropped plates. He detested barmaids that spent more time leaning over the counter and flirting than serving drinks. He hated the small elven folk who shared a single meal between four of them, but still took up an entire table.
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Excerpt: "Here," I said, offering her a freshly-picked violet. "Take it, it's yours."
That was years ago, though I remembered it always. Her eyes lit up, and she smiled as she took the flower. I remember her playing with me in the sand and tall grass, embarking upon the half-imagined adventures of childhood with a violet tucked behind her ear, a radiant spot of purple against a sea of shimmering golden hair.
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Excerpt: In the days when Glasgow was painted in charcoal from industry, the city thrived on steel works and the shipyards; the world was at war for the first time. A young boy named James was a messenger for the Fire Brigade, not yet eleven and still at school.
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Excerpt: Not long ago Martin Gosset, a handsome young Secret Service Agent, dressed grimly in black with the expression of unyielding dedication to his job stands protecting the President at the White House. He glances from the President only for a second to catch the eye of a beautiful new tour guide adorned with long golden locks. She reminds him of a lady in his past he once fondly referred to as “The tour guide from hell.”
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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This month's question: What do you read to improve your writing?
Last month's question: What are some of your favorite writing devices?
Replies
Mavis Moog  :
Two of my favourite writing devices
Vivid picture painting involving metaphor and seminal images. Authors such as J.G. Ballard and John Steinbeck are/were masters of this art.
I try to ask a story question as early as possible in the story. This makes for a gripping opening, and as long as the question is eventually answered, it gives the story a coherant form.
Each scene, in fact, should have some point. I think of it as a question leading to an answer or a further question which eventually leads to a satisfactory conclusion. In other words all the questions set up throughout the story need to be answered by the end.
Comments
fyn  :
Great newsletter with literary devices useful to all writers. Thanks for reminding me (at least) of their usefullness. *minds starts spinning....thinks a bit...aha!! That's what I need for when the mysterious stranger comes around the corner on that early morning...*
Budroe :
Another excellent Newsletter, Leger. Thank you for the article on plot devices. I would like to see an article on what you think are some of the best classic short stories. I would like to create a short reading list for my students.
Please keep up the good work. Your words continue to invigorate my writing.
Good luck on your journey. Thank you for being a part of mine.
PlannerDan :
It was a pleasant surprise to see one of my stories showcased in your last newsletter. Thanks. That's why I read this newsletter, you always spread it around...good job.
likenion:
Another excellent newsletter. If there is more about the mechanics of writing a short story, do tell. To tell you the truth I have used almost all of these techniques even without knowing what they were called. Shows how much of a writer I am, but hey I'm still learning the ropes.
We're all learning. 
billwilcox:
So that's how you spell segue 
dejavu_BIG computerprobs :
Another incredible newsletter, I always learn so many new tips from you and really liked your description of using red herrings and foreshadowing in this weeks Newsletter. You presented some truly intriguing ideas, I especially like the one about darkening skies symbolizing a darkening plot.
Topic suggestions: plotting short stories, character building.
Turtle :
I love this newletter. I learn so much! One tool that I make sure to use in my stories is body language, showing the character's emotions through the tenseness in their muscles, how they cross their legs, facial expressions, etc.
There are so many things that can improve our writing. One that I'd like to see addressed is using symbolism or a motif. I'm not sure about either so if you get around to explaining those, I'd be very happy. Thanks for the great newsletter, Legerdemain. I always look forward to my issue.
SmokeyMtn :
Since you asked for suggestions and I know you write romance, I dare you. A love triangle in a rodeo setting. The smart, good looking barrel racer. The self-assured kinda cocky bull rider. And the rodeo clown his life depends on. Lots of locations, they hit a different city every weekend.
If that doesn't suit you, how about "When Worlds Collide". Turn of the century Appalachia where an uneducated but "earth wise" country girl begins to fall for the "big city" logging boss.
Good luck and let me know. If you have specific questions about either of Appalachia or rodeo I might can help. I've lived in East Tennessee for the last 4 years and spent a season or 2 in my youth riding rough stock.
Hmmm...there's an idea..... |
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Short Stories: May 30, 2007 Issue [#1738]
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