  Short Stories
This week: All I Have To Do Is Dream Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Short Stories Newsletter. I am Shannon and I'm your editor this week. |
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Naked. Falling. Lost. Chased. Dying. We've all had at least one of these common dream scenarios, but can we use our dreams to power our writing?
"I don't dream. Maybe it's more accurate to say that if I do dream, I don't have any recollection of it upon awakening."
I can't tell you how many times I've said that over the years, but it is no longer the case. I've not only taught myself to remember my dreams, I'm dreaming more now than I ever have before.
Last month I had a vivid dream that woke me out of a dead sleep at 2:37 a.m. I rolled over and typed the details into my iPad's "Chronicle" app. Two days later when I sat down to write/submit my entry for March's "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest" [ASR] I realized the dream was a perfect way to introduce Tucker Ray, the story's protagonist--a man haunted by a heartbreaking history of abuse:
Last night I dreamt I bit into a shrimp and its guts torpedoed against the back of my throat. I retched, spat it out, and watched as its legs wriggled around on my plate.
So much for sleeping in.
This opening paragraph offered an ideal segue into Tucker's psyche, his abusive childhood, and the night terrors that followed. It sets the tone and (hopefully) draws the reader in to Tucker's world.
Whether you use your iPad, a journal, or a Post-it® note, the trick is to write your dreams down as soon as you open your eyes. Be specific, and don't forget to date and time them. Who was there? What did you see? Smell? Taste? Hear? How did you feel, and how can you use your dream to enhance your work in progress? And if your own dreams aren't inspiring your muse, browse through a dream discussion board to ignite the fire of creativity.
The more you practice and actively participate in remembering your dreams, the more dreams you will have and remember.
Thank you for reading.
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I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. Please remember to do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!
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March 2012 "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest" [ASR] winners. Enjoy!
 First Place:
 Second Place:
Third Place:
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The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (March 28, 2012)" :
Zeke  says, "Even when you don't agree with the writer's hypothesis, your review should be on the quality of the writing, in my opinion." I couldn't agree more, Zeke. Thank you.
Tasia714  says, "Awesome, that was great advice. Thank you, and Happy 6th birthday!" You're very welcome, and thank YOU!
Dawn Embers  says, "Good points made on the topic of dealing with a negative review. When I feel insulted by a review or that it was too negative, I find putting some space between reading it and considering the comments. By taking the break I can get over the emotional reaction and am able to see what they might have been trying to say even if it is poorly stated. On the other hand, I don't think I quite agree with going with the majority on all stories/poems/etc. I think there are too many who just give nice reviews and high ratings even if the story needs work. Unfortunately, there are some who give really harsh critiques but on the other side of the coin many also don't provide criticism and instead the writer may be left wondering why they get form rejections when they try to submit for publication. Finding a balance isn't easy, and those reviews that take time and effort to provide constructive criticism should be appreciated for in the end they will help more than any 4-5 star rating." I completely agree with getting some space between you and a negative review. Time allows you to be more objective and less likely to respond in kind. As far as going with the majority, I'm talking about serious reviews that provide specific recommendations, not cookie-cutter reviews like "This was great!" or "I hated this story!" If fifteen out of seventeen people say the scene in which John Doe has a flashback about how his father murdered his mother doesn't ring true, then it's probably a good idea to rework the scene. You said, "Those reviews that take time and effort to provide constructive criticism should be appreciated, for in the end they will help more than any 4-5 star rating," and I couldn't agree more. Those are the reviews I'm talking about. Thank you for reading!
Aennaytte: Free & Wild in GoT  says, "Happy Writing.Com account anniversary! You'd think I would be more on top of things, but just a couple of days ago I wondered if you were still on the site. I found you.  You gave me my first sig a long time ago when I went by Octobersun." I remember that sig!  Thank you very much for the birthday wishes.
warriormom says, "This is a great newsletter, Shannon! We all can relate to this. Your advice is sound and balanced. Guess what! We have the same WDC b'day! You're just 2 yrs. older. I used to love your images. I couldn't wait for the new month to see what new ones you'd made. (Shh... don't tell anyone, but I'm a bit of an image-a-holic. I'm cutting back and at least trying to give them as gifts when the urge overtakes me. ) Happy WDC Birthday. We are all blessed that you are such a big part of what makes WDC the magical place that it is.  " Aw, thank you so much, Pat! And happy b-day to you as well.
Beck Firing back up!  says, "Great newsletter about reviewing and how to take those reviews! If every author were to take to heart what the 'first person' said about his/her work, we'd never have most works published ... we'd never have had Harry Potter!" You are so right! Thank you for the great reminder.
Bikerider  says, "Shannon, I always look forward to your newsletter and this one didn't disappoint. Reviewing is such a big part of WDC and we all rely on reviews that are helpful and serious. My pet peeve is when the review is basically a synopsis of what I wrote. Then after giving a brief statement of what the story was about, they give a 3.5 or 4 star rating. Not that those are bad ratings, but the reviewer gives no information to explain their rating. I treat each serious review as a learning moment. Many of my stories have been improved by following suggestions made in a review. But it's difficult to find a use for a review that basically tells me what my story was about." I know exactly what you mean, Bikerider. I get them too. That's not a review, it's a recapitulation. I don't need to read a summary of a story I wrote; I know what it's about. I get "reviews" like this too, and I find them frustrating. I often wonder if the "reviewer" is just meeting the 250-character minimum in order to collect the auto-reward. 
blunderbuss says, "This was really encouraging for me. I haven't had a really horrible review yet but I had one which found a story hilariously funny which wasn't meant to be funny at all. Fortunately, I had already received praise from many others - but if the 'horrid' one had been my FIRST review - what then?" Yes, what then? Just breathe, take a break, get some distance between you and the review. Come back to it later after you've calmed down and your feelings are no longer hurt. See it from a different (objective) perspective, and write on!
RICH says, "The words of Allison DuBois, are one of the corner stone of life. Adding onto it - keep reality in mind, keep a balance. The critics are required to keep the balance, altho, never let them show the way, look, listen, and learn." I couldn't have said it better myself. 
bertiebrite hoping for peace says, "The example you provided is a perfect example of how someone can put a writer down for what the reviewer considers a lack of true knowledge. I remember once years ago, a singer on TV put down the Beatles because they had just released Yesterday, a song about a lost love. The singer thought they were 'too young' to understand such a deep song of loss. Ridiculous. I writer (a good one) transcends age, nationality, and even experience when they tell a tale. I am glad that you used this experience and moved on without total discouragement. Remember, Arthur C Clark wrote master pieces like 2001 without ever setting a foot off of planet earth. Blessings." Your Beatles story is a perfect example of creativity at work, and Yesterday is one of the most beloved songs of all time. Talk about eating crow! Thank you for sharing, and blessings backatcha.
Lorien says, "Happy WDC Anniversary, Shannon! Here's to six more delightful years! " Thank you, Lorien! I'm looking forward to them.
johnsings says, "Dear Shannon, it is easy to see that you are a kind and caring individual by your remarks in the newsletter on how to critique kindly and with encouragement. I am new to this site and still trying to figure out how to navigate properly and how to critique a particular piece. I'm sure I will figure it out. Thanks for the pep talk and keep up the good work. (I also have to figure out how to submit works of my own.)" Thank you, John! I'm glad you liked the newsletter and found it helpful. To submit works, I suggest reading "How To Create an Item" . In fact, reading "Writing.Com 101" [E] will provide you with the answers to most of your writing.com questions. Thank you again for taking the time to read and comment.
The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (March 21, 2012)" :
baronesslucy says, "I believe in chance encounters as there is always a reason for the encounter, even if it's brief." I agree 100%, Baroness. Everything (and everyone) happens for a reason.
The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (February 29, 2012)" :
Alexandra says, "This has inspired me to shut up and write. Instead of complaining I'm too tired, I don't have enough time or what's the point? I can never get published anyway, so I'll shut up and find time to do what I enjoy doing ... that is to write. Thanks for this page." That's the right attitude, Alexandra! Don't let anything or anyone (including your inner critic) stop you from pursuing your bliss. Write on!
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Short Stories: April 25, 2012 Issue [#5005]
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