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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11497
Short Stories: August 24, 2022 Issue [#11497]




 This week: The One Essential Element
  Edited by: THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD
                             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

While reviewing short stories, I came across some that had it, and some that didn't. What's 'it'?


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Dear Reader,

In the beginning, there were no Gift Points.

It's true!

When Writing Dot Com began, there were no GPs! There were only interactive stories. Yes. One item type, Interactive Stories. It was called Stories Dot Com.

From there, the website has grown. Grown in steps, grown in leaps, grown in bounds - to become the online home we know so well and love, with its 'new' name, Writing Dot Com.

I remember when giving a member's user link did not result in tagging the member. I remember when there were no tags for reviews, if you wanted to share a review you had received, you had to copy-paste the entire text. There were no group affiliations for reviews then, either. During review raids, group leaders counted reviews manually off the public pages.

There are so many, many features that have been added over the years. Those who have been on longer than I have can tell of the changes they have seen ...

And yet, one thing remains. The community spirit. We're friends, we're family, we're a team. And we're all addicted to Writing Dot Com.


Did you enjoy reading that? Why (or, possibly, why not)?

While reviewing, I've come across many short stories that have left me in complete awe of the writer's skill. This got me thinking - what did the writer do, to make me feel this way? What element was there in the story, that I responded to? I have attempted to showcase some of those in the brief story above.

So - here goes - the essential elements in a short story
1. Something old, something new
'No Gift Points' Is an old fact, which would have brought back memories for some and a gasp of surprise from others. I joined WDC when GPs were already in constant use, and couldn't imagine a time when they didn't exist. Mentioning that in my story would, hopefully, have hooked both types of readers to continue reading. It gave something to relate to.

2. Something borrowed, something blue
The emotion. Bringing out what we feel about WDC. I've borrowed from each member of the community when I've written about the friendships and the family-feeling. The true-blue sense of 'home'. So, something that gives an insight about what you have felt, seen or experiences. Something that deepens your understanding. It borrows from what you have been through, and widens the scope of that to a more universal experience. It validates an emotion you feel, or helps you understand what someone else feels.



If a picture paints a thousand words, it certainly tells a story.

Let's explore 'the most important element' in a picture.

Take a look at the image. What strikes you? Is it the action? Is it the bond the two share? Is is the physical appearance of each one, and of the tableau they create together? Is it the emotion you see on each face? Is it the startling symmetry of the arms and legs in motion? Your story could be about each of these, or something else that I haven't even noticed. It could be about a combination of these elements. Whatever spoke to you, if you put it down truthfully, it'll speak to your reader, too.

Shared by Ann


(Thanks, Alan Philps for permission to use this image.)


And finally, I asked the community what the ONE essential element in a short story is.

At the time of writing this newsletter, the responses are:

1. Tileira A change in the character or a change in the reader's perspective. So either the character experiences some sort of revelation by the end, or the reader does when the "truth" of the story is revealed (either a plot reveal, or the reveal of a moral)

2. Schnujo is in the Falklands I agree with Tileira. If there isn't a change in me or the character, why did I read this? lol

3. Annette: Free & Wild in GoT Brevity

4. Vaishali Physical appearance description. I like to imagine the person how he/she looks if the appearance is described well.

5. WakeUpAndLive️~🚬🚭2024 A twist at the end.

6. Angelica- Spring forwar school Setting. Everyone has a place to be. It would be weird to not know the place.


Yes, there needs to be some change, some evolution ... else why did the story take place? Brief, certainly, but there are various definitions of brief. I think I agree with the guideline that a short story is one that can be read in one sitting. Possibly what Annette also means is that there is no place to belabour a point or a description.

For me personally, the other three responses above could be open to interpretation. Whether these are in your face or implied, spelled out or hinted at, would depend on the style of the writer.

So - the ONE essential element?

What is it?

Give me the answer in the in-and-out or the newsletter comments section below!

Thanks for reading!
Love my dragon sig

If you'd specifically like to add an 'element' you thought was left out, please feel free to add here.
 Essential in a short story  [E]
What's ONE thing that is ESSENTIAL in a short story? - For a Short Stories Newsletter
by THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD


If you'd like to comment on this edition of the newsletter, please give your feedback *Down* in the section below. Feedback is always welcome! *Smile*

Writing.Com Support has highlighted this newsletter in "Note: View this Note". (Thanks, @support! *Smile*) If you prefer newsfeed interactions, do leave a comment there! *Delight*


Editor's Picks

By our authors! *Smile*
 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1563811 by Not Available.

 Mr. Bob WC 297  (ASR)
A young woman visits Mr. Bob in Camelot Care Center.
#2266605 by jackiesmuse

 Mani  (ASR)
When there’s no one else to talk to, there’s always the moon. Incomplete.
#2272823 by Whiskerfacebythefireplace

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#2276729 by Not Available.

 Taxes  (E)
Flash Fiction
#2257931 by Jacky

 
STATIC
"The Day Begins" [A]  (18+)
Days of Future Past (198 words = 251-53)
#2224715 by Kåre Enga in Udon Thani

 
STATIC
The Debatable Friends   (E)
Hilda and Ann are friends. Which one is seeing things wrong?
#2270310 by Lornda~Hopping in Wonderland~

STATIC
Chaos Knows  (18+)
Alexi resists her husband's advances without an explanation. A short and funny read.
#2276037 by Nixie is recovering.

STATIC
Dear Friend  (E)
If you are reading this, it's meant for you!
#2157795 by Lilli ☕ still Quilling


Check out this contest! *Smile*
FORUM
A Newbie Short Story Contest  (E)
presented by The Fox's Socks//OPEN MARCH 1 - 31, 2024
#2273966 by 🌷GeminiGem🦊


All time favourites! *Smile*
GROUP
WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  (E)
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of six Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann

FORUM
Question of the Day!  (18+)
Come answer a question, share a laugh, encourage one another, and bring me a coffee!
#2142667 by Lilli ☕ still Quilling

FORUM
Anniversary Reviews  (E)
Celebrate Writing.Com member account anniversaries with reviews. GPs and exclusive MBs.
#1565040 by Annette: Free & Wild in GoT

GROUP
The Snail Mail Group  (E)
WDC's first letter writing club
#1982168 by Annette: Free & Wild in GoT

IN & OUT
Three Word Mayhem!  (13+)
Mayhem is afoot!
#555590 by Jay's debut novel is out now!

GROUP
The WDC Angel Army  (ASR)
Dedicated to promoting positivity, encouragement, and support to the WDC community.
#1188309 by iKïyå§ama-BacktoWonderland!

FORUM
The Writer's Cramp  (13+)
Write the best story or poem in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPs!
#333655 by Sophy

 
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Ask & Answer

Thank you for the responses to "Which story do you tell?

Paul I am working on a story based on a post mark I found. It’s a very early airmail cancellation and is addressed to someone in New York from England.
It seems to me you have a plethora of stories to tell. Several written from different view points based on the same post mark might be interesting. One on the history, one on getting the letter and what it influenced you to think and do, one on actually visiting the place and describing all of the feelings and thoughts. Maybe more like taking a relative or friend or just meeting someone and describe a guided tour.
I think with your very wide source of material you can generate some nice pieces. I wish you good fortune with it. Paul

Happy 2024! Love the stories of the post marks, Sonali!

Thanks, Writing.Com Support for "Note: View this Note"

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