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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/981-.html
Short Stories: April 12, 2006 Issue [#981]

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Short Stories


 This week:
  Edited by: Diane
                             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

Welcome to this week's edition of the Short Story newsletter. Each edition of the newsletter highlights issues of concern to short story writers.

~*Flower4*~ Diane ~*Flower4*~


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Creativity and Copyright


I love the creativity inspired by prompts. It continues to amaze me how a single idea can spawn several different stories. I see this demonstrated through contests on Writing.Com every day. For this reason, I was shocked when I heard accusations made by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh against Dan Brown for his novel, Da Vinci Code.

These authors contested that Brown stole the architecture, or ideas, presented in their non-fiction book and used it in his own novel. This accusation confused me, because I was under the impression that ideas are not protected by copyright. Authors frequently use ideas presented elsewhere as a jumping point for their own stories. This is perfectly legal.

Copyright protects authors from having their works copied in whole or part by another writer. The central theme of the story can be copyrighted. For example, a writer can not take the plot from one story, change the character names, introduce a new character, and call it a new story. This is copyright infringement. On the flip side, an author can take a single idea, and turn it into several different stories. The characters and plot development should change the story so that copyright is not called into question. Dan Brown was found innocent of the charges and is free to continue marketing Da Vinci Code, which is a good thing for all involved.

Imagine if we were limited to only non-developed ideas for stories. It would be nearly impossible to write something without using published facts or fictional ideas. Luckily, we don't have to worry about this when we write! The contest entries on Writing.Com clearly show that there can be creativity without infringing on copyright. A single prompt can spark creativity in several authors. I challenge you to look for a prompt on the site and write a story. After the contest ends, compare your story to the other entries. I'm sure you'll be amazed at the different directions each writer chose to take, despite using the same prompt as a start point.

Until Next Time,
Diane


Editor's Picks

I've selected a few stories for your enjoyment. Please remember to send the author a review. *Smile*



A hope and a nightmare  (13+)
A birth mother's story - my contest entry
#1077216 by arch_addicted to WDC



 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1080852 by Not Available.



 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#927633 by Not Available.



 Bill's Story  (18+)
A man who is ignored. i would appreciate constructive criticism.
#1092235 by lubloo



 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1032163 by Not Available.



Featured Contest:

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1090764 by Not Available.


 
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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

The editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable. We appreciate your responses.


*Note1* Rikjam "How can I read last month's article about show vs tell? Can you give me a link?
Thanks so much."

The Newsletter archives can be reached here: "The Writing.Com Newsletter Archives" , and the specific newsletter you requested can be found here: "Short Stories Newsletter (March 1, 2006)" . *Smile*


*Note1* futrathr "How do I submit my work to be read by others?"

Welcome to Writing.Com! You can add your work to your personal portfolio by clicking on the Writing link at the top of the page. The most common item type for short stories would be a Static Item. Click on that link to begin creating an item in your portfolio. *Smile*


*Note1* ftrinta "Thanks for the great NL this week. Your small hints are really useful to use in short stories. I appreciate them and for sure I'll be considering them when writing short stories from now on!"

Thanks for the feedback, Nanda. I'm glad you find them useful. *Smile*

*Note1* zwisis "I've just attempted my first "novel", and you're so right - it's completely different from writing a short story. There's so much more time to be able to describe the setting, the characters and even their moods. It's a real challenge. And when I think about holding a reader's attention then I break out in a cold sweat! I'll have to follow your advice, Diane!"

Every type of writing holds its own challenges. I know branching out really makes you appreciate what you know! *Smile*

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