  Short Stories
This week: A Day in the Country 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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On Saturday August 10 I was in Cascade Idaho riding my 4-wheeler along the remote wilderness trails above Cascade Reservoir. The air was thick with smoke from area fires, the temperature was a moderate 82°, and the scenery was beautiful. I'd heard on the radio that suspected kidnapper/murdered James DiMaggio's Nissan Versa had been found nearby the day before, and I was a little concerned about inadvertently running into him. Someone capable of doing what he was being accused of was definitely NOT someone I wanted to cross paths with in the secluded Idaho wilderness--or any other time, for that matter.
As it turned out, my day was uneventful. DiMaggio was shot and killed by an FBI agent later that day (I thought I heard three gunshots, but it could have been a far-away truck backfiring or someone setting off fireworks), and Hannah Anderson rescued.
When DiMaggio's death was announced I thought, There's been some pretty high-profile crimes in Idaho. I wonder what else has happened here.
The internet is an amazing thing; a world of information literally at your fingertips. Anything you want to know and/or write about can be researched ad nauseam. All you have to do is pick a topic.
I was surprised by what I found--criminals and crimes I'd never heard of and, unfortunately, some I had, including:
 From 1915-1920 Lyda Anna Mae Trueblood of Twin Falls, Idaho, fatally poisoned four husbands, one brother-in-law, and her three-year-old daughter Lorraine.
In 2005 Joseph Edward Duncan III murdered Brenda Groene, Slade Groene, and Mark McKenzie in their own home outside of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, abducted and sexually assaulted Dylan and Shasta Groene, and later murdered Dylan deep in the heart of Montana's Bitterroot Mountains.
In 1905 Harry Orchard set off a bomb in Caldwell, Idaho that killed former Governor Frank Steunenberg.
In 2006 50-year-old Alofa Time of Nampa, Idaho beheaded his wife and tossed the appendage out the window of his truck before purposely plowing into an oncoming car driven by 36-year-old Samantha Murphy, killing her and her 4-year-old daughter, Jae Lynne.
Famous people born in Idaho include poet Ezra Pound, actress Lana Turner, Olympic skier Picabo Street, jockey Laverne Fator, and actor Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad), just to name a few. Some are even buried here, including writer Ernest Hemingway, and many films/books take place right here in the gem state. We boast the "Niagara of the West" in Shoshone Falls, and Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America.
What the heck does any of this have to do with writing? you ask. There are stories all around you, right where you are--people and places who repel or intrigue, thrill or horrify us. I'm not saying you should steal other people's stories, but you can write your own based on places, events, and people just outside your door. Research your state to see what you can come up with. Google it, then go visit in person. Let your imagination run rampant and your muse amok. You never know where your creativity will take you.
Thank you for reading.
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In last month's newsletter I challenged you to write a short story of 1,000 words or less based on three or more of the following words: heat, lawnmower, children, sprinklers, air conditioning, dump-truck, construction workers, humming, barking, traffic, bees, dryer, shadows, alley, hammer, sirens. The winning entry received a 10k awardicon and a merit badge of the author's choice.
Before I announce the winner I'd like to thank everyone who entered. I enjoyed reading your stories and was thrilled by the various ideas that sprung from this little list of words. The only downside to running a contest like this is that you have to pick one winner, and it's difficult when you liked all the entries. I chose this particular winner because of the author's creative incorporation of the words ("The hammer inside her head picked up stride, and now the beatings were merciless."). So without further ado, please join me in congratulating this month's short story winner. Congratulations, Adorre  !
|  | Summer Heat (13+)
Surviving a heat wave in New York City means one must appeal to innate human kindness
#1944335 by Adorre |
I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. Please do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!
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#1861311 by Not Available. |
| | | Perfect summer (13+)
Contest entry for Writer's Cramp. 1000 word limit. Prompt about a phonecall on the beach
#1943232 by Volpone |
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#1938915 by Not Available. |
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The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (July 17, 2013)" :
Marci Missing Everyone says, "I love the idea about making lists. I find inspiration around me all the time, and I keep a journal, kind of. However, the list idea would help me keep things more organized. Great tip!" I'm glad you like it! Let us know how it works for you, and send us a link to the story that results. 
Sum1  says, "Shannon, I'm glad to see you featured "Unicorns and Redemption" in your newsletter this week. I just read it a couple of nights ago, and loved it!" Me too! It's a spectacular read, and I highly recommend it to those who haven't had the honor. 
Quick-Quill  says, "AWESOME NL! Lists, I hadn't thought of that. Add to my note taking. If you made a jar with words on slips of paper then take out 3 or 4 and write a story based on those. It might get you over the Middle of the Novel slump! Who knows what lurks in the jar?" Yes! I have a gratitude jar--something that could be repurposed for something like this. Great idea! 
Lesley Scott says, "Hi, I learned a lot from your Newsletter. I never thought about making a list of nouns. I usually do make a rough outline, though. I am going to get into the habit of the list of nouns. Thank you for sharing." You're most welcome, Lesley! I'm glad you found the NL useful. 
The following items were submitted by their authors:
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Short Stories: August 14, 2013 Issue [#5830]
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