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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9086
Short Stories: September 26, 2018 Issue [#9086]




 This week: Titles
  Edited by: Annette
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Dear short story readers and writers, I am Annette and I will be your guest editor for this issue.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B085272J6B
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Letter from the editor

Titles


Why titles?


The few words you have to use in your title can make or break your short story. How do they have so much power over all the words that follow? Simple. If your title is boring, non-descriptive, or misleading readers will either never be interested in reading your story, or they will leave it as soon as it doesn't turn out to be what they expected.

I will be the first to admit that I am among the WORST at finding good, catchy titles. My titles are usually the name of the main character. Newsflash, even Harry Potter doesn't have that kind of clout. Even he has to be weighed down by rocks, scared by prisoners, tested in tournaments, or mystified by deathly hallows.

What about Robin Hood? Easy. He's a robber in a hood. His name is not his name. It's what he is. Plus, he's hundreds of years old, so just because his stories can ride on his name recognition alone, yours can't.

Don't be like me. Give your short stories titles that draw readers to your writing. Give them a title that hints at what's to come without taking away the whole story. Think along the lines of Mission Impossible. At least you know to expect some action, maybe peril, and other explosions.


Editor's Picks

Touché  (13+)
300 Word Flash Fiction Contest Winner
#1863392 by Angus

 
STATIC
Energy  (13+)
A super-powered fighter accepts an unreasonable bargain to protect a child's life.
#2166452 by Eric the Fred

 
STATIC
Rough night!  (13+)
Flash fiction contest entry, nightmare
#2166184 by BlueJay

 
STATIC
Doomsday Prepper  (E)
Survival of the preparedest!
#2164833 by Genipher

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#2161368 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#2160669 by Not Available.

STATIC
 A Walk in the Park   (E)
Nanny & poodle have a secret language of their own until they meet a stray at the park.
#2160091 by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷

 SHARKNADO  (E)
This is a TRUE Story (only the facts are completely distorted).
#2159850 by jonblair

FORUM
WEIRD TALES CONTEST   (18+)
A Contest Inspired by the Old Pulp Fiction Covers of Weird Tales Magazine
#2083492 by Beacon's Light

FORUM
Second Time Around ~ Birthday Special  (E)
Have you entered previous contests that you didn't win? Do you feel cheated? Step inside.
#2164876 by Choconut

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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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Ask & Answer

I received the following replies to my last Short Stories newsletter "Winter" 

gingerlyme wrote: Good food for thought on incorporating winter in all its forms into short stories. Thanks for featuring my short story, too!

You're welcome for the feature.

willwilcox wrote: Great Newsletter and thanks for the Trinket

You're welcome for the trinket and thank you for the praise.

GaelicQueen wrote: I like your article on winter. Living in the south, it's rarely cold. It did snow one winter back in 1977. Today is winter solstice. Tonight a sliver of moon hung low on the horizon - mournful.

Winter Solstice is my favorite holiday. We have a big feast and exchange presents. The days are getting longer and all's great. And we don't get any snow either here in Southern California.

Quick-Quill wrote: One of my many favorite thrillers is Wind Chill Factor by Thomas Gifford is a wonderful book set in the upper midwest during the cold of winter.

Brr. Sounds cold. Maybe I'll check it out.

dragonwoman wrote: My goodness, Octobersun! The fire in the chimney sounds dangerous!(I'm sure you meant fireplace) but thought I would show how carefully I read this newsletter. Being from the Near North, I often write about winter.

Language barrier. English is my third language. Some friends are really foes. Like burning chimneys. *Fire*

Bubblegum Jones wrote: Good article! Another side is the "winter blues" and the "Winter blahs"- no fear involved with either. One is more associated with a seasonal affective disorder, the other is just the state of being sick of winter, so both can bring forth a real sense of sadness, angst or anger. We do things here like jump in frozen lakes and burn snowmen to cheer ourselves up LOL I suppose there's some stories in that :)

Wait! Your burn snowmen!??? PLEASE tell me more!

Christopher Roy Denton wrote: Thanks for the inspirational ideas about winter for a setting in your newsletter, and also for plugging my short story "Winter in Palm Springs" 

You're welcome for the plug and thank you for your kind words about my newsletter.


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