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Writing.Com Newsletter Archives: Short Stories
Newsletter Archives Home
To view an
Short Stories
newsletter, click an issue date:
#12983:
February 12, 2025
by
Jeff
Vignettes
The difference between short stories and vignettes.
Do you consider vignettes different from short stories? Why or why not?
#12954:
February 05, 2025
by
Annette
Companion Animals
Pets come in many sizes and types.
Have you given your characters pets to make them relatable?
#12960:
January 29, 2025
by
Legerdemain
Personification
An article on giving human traits to animals or objects.
What are some of your favorite personifications?
#12950:
January 22, 2025
by
Quilli ☕
Let's Talk About It
Dialogue and how to keep it real.
Give us a dialogue tag for this sentence to set a tone: "That's not what I said."
#12933:
January 15, 2025
by
Shannon
Homophones: Theirye're, Problem Solved!
Homophones seem like small potatoes in the grand scheme, but improper usage can negatively impact your writing.
Do you have a favorite? :-)
#12925:
January 08, 2025
by
Dawn Embers
Should the Reader "Like" the Character
A look at the likability of the main character and whether it's important for certain genres in particular.
How important is it for the reader to like your character?
#12919:
January 01, 2025
by
Legerdemain
Prompts and Ideas
A newsletter about a couple cool WDC tools.
Do you use the Writing Prompts or Ideanary?
#12907:
December 25, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Finding the Inspiration to Write
Feeling uninspired to write? Try some of these tips...
Where/How do you find the inspiration to write?
#12896:
December 18, 2024
by
Dawn Embers
Checking Out the Competition by Reading
Looking into other entries in competitions and stuff already published in places you want to submit can be helpful.
Do you read other entries or check out things written in publications where you want to submit?
#12878:
December 11, 2024
by
THANKFUL SONALI Love my family
The Boys won't like it
An experience with third and fourth graders that served as an eye opener
Do gender-based dos and don'ts continue to rule?
#12874:
December 04, 2024
by
Legerdemain
What Are They Doing?
In the chaos, take time to observe.
How do you refresh the 'imagination bank'?
#12864:
November 27, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
In Three Acts
Tips for writing a short story by breaking it up into three acts.
Share a link to the most recent short story you've written.
#12847:
November 20, 2024
by
Shannon
Enter Contests to Improve Your Writing
“A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it.” ~ Edgar Allan Poe
Do you have a favorite writing contest that's ongoing or one that you've participated in?
#12834:
November 13, 2024
by
Annette
Five Questions for Character Naming
They can't all be Mary Sue and Gary Stu.
What is your go-to method for naming characters?
#12829:
November 06, 2024
by
Legerdemain
Are You Afraid?
Meet your fears.
What is your biggest fear when making your work public?
#12817:
October 30, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Trouble Spots in Writing
A short chat about grammar.
What aspect of grammar do you tend to struggle with?
#12785:
October 16, 2024
by
Annette
Talk About Talking
Dialogue is a powerful storytelling tool. Let's do it the correct way.
Why can't the queen, the president, and the prime minster agree on commas?
#12774:
October 09, 2024
by
Legerdemain
Ack! I'm Bleeding!
Comparing horror makeup to building a short story.
How do you construct your story?
#12769:
October 02, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Words You Can Use!
A collection of interesting, yet somewhat obscure words.
What's your favorite word?
#12755:
September 25, 2024
by
Shannon
Rearrange, Rephrase, Revise
"It is perfectly okay to write garbage as long as you edit brilliantly." ~ C.J. Cherryh
Do you use a checklist or similar tool to edit your work?
#12740:
September 18, 2024
by
Annette
Freytag versus Three Acts
The theatrical vantage point and three act structure want your attention.
Is an upside down V? Is it a pyramid? Is it a triangle? Or is it a rope with knots?
#12732:
September 11, 2024
by
Legerdemain
What's Next?
The birthday party is over, what's next?
Are you preparing for a busy upcoming holiday season?
#12728:
September 04, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
The Key Elements of a Short Story
Every short story needs these...
Have you read a Short Story on WdC that you loved? Share it here!
#12711:
August 28, 2024
by
Dawn Embers
Cast Size (characters) in Short Fiction
A little discussion on the word count space taken up by additional characters?
Do you limit the number of characters that you introduce in short stories?
#12690:
August 21, 2024
by
Annette
Plotting the Short Story
Forward, backward, back and forth - the structure is flexible.
How do you prefer to structure your short stories?
#12691:
August 14, 2024
by
Legerdemain
Gender Reveal
An article about gender inclusiveness and sensitivity.
Have you changed your style of writing to be more inclusive?
#12675:
August 07, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Literary Terms and Devices
Because understanding leads to proper usage.
Is there a literary device you have trouble understanding?
#12661:
July 31, 2024
by
Shannon
The Controversial Oxford Comma
"You know you're a language nerd when you have a strong opinion about serial commas." ~Internet meme, c. 2012
How do you feel about the Oxford comma?
#12610:
July 24, 2024
by
Annette
Good Dialogue
There are writing teachers who say that it's impossible to teach dialogue.
What tools and tricks do you use to make dialogue in your stories appear natural?
#12645:
July 17, 2024
by
Legerdemain
You Do You
A newsletter on personal content.
Do you review content you're not personally fond of?
#12635:
July 10, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
He Said, She Said
More on dialogue, Part 2
How much do you depend on dialogue to characterize your characters when writing?
#12615:
June 26, 2024
by
Dawn Embers
Online Appearances for Static Items
Taking a look at how the story will appear written on WDC on laptops, tablets and even cell phones.
Do you use the standard WDC text or do you make changes when creating an item on here?
#12605:
June 19, 2024
by
Legerdemain
R U Kidding Me?
A short editorial on cell phones.
What kind of technology do you use in your stories?
#12589:
June 12, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Understanding Dialogue
What is it and how do we use it?
When you write a 'dialogue only' story, how do you differentiate between speakers?
#12576:
June 05, 2024
by
Shannon
The Bell Jar
"Hurt people hurt people." ~ Charles Eads
n/a
#12565:
May 22, 2024
by
Legerdemain
What A Story Needs
A newsletter on structure.
What are some of your typical character triggers?
#12554:
May 15, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Really Short, Short Stories!
How do they do it? Tips for writing mini-stories - 150 words or less!
Do you enjoy reading/writing micro-stories?
#12539:
May 08, 2024
by
Annette
Emotional Fiction Writing
All the actions and things to see are spelled out but what exactly are our characters feeling?
Which emotion do you think you write well? Which emotion would you like to write better?
#12523:
April 24, 2024
by
Legerdemain
When In Pain
Pain can effect your brain function. Give it some thought.
How do you show pain or depression in your writing?
#12513:
April 17, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
All About Capitalization
A chat regarding the rules about capitalization.
Question: What’s the difference between a cat and a comma? {dropnote:"Answer"}One has claws at the end of its paws, and the other is a pause at the end of a clause.
#12498:
April 10, 2024
by
Shannon
Dear Boss
"Dear Boss, I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they wont fix me just yet." ~ Jack the Ripper
Do you think there's enough originality in the world of storytelling?
#12490:
April 03, 2024
by
Dawn Embers
Make it Fit - Decisions in Story Writing
Taking a look at some elements in story writing that require making decisions in order to not write a novel.
How do you decide what elements to put into a story when there is a limited amount of space/words allowed?
#12466:
March 20, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Character Mapping
How to keep your facts straight in a lengthy piece.
How do you keep character details straight? An outline, flashcards, post-it notes, or something else?
#12455:
March 13, 2024
by
JACE
Punctuating Dialogue Correctly
Enhance your story with proper dialogue.
Do you have trouble writing properly punctuated dialogue?
#12440:
February 28, 2024
by
Legerdemain
Make It Relevant
A newsletter about relevant details to the story's era.
For historical writing, do you research the details?
#12427:
February 21, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Formatting and Why It's Important
Because it's important, we are gonna rehash this.
Do you need any help understanding formatting within WdC? Let us know so that someone can reach out and assist you.
#12406:
February 14, 2024
by
Shannon
To Be or Not to Be
"Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time." ~ Maya Angelou
n/a
#12391:
February 07, 2024
by
Annette
Word Count
Short stories frequently have a word count limit.
Have you ever been disqualified from a contest because you forgot to add a word count? Or because you went under or over the limit?
#12382:
January 31, 2024
by
Legerdemain
Lethologica
It's about that thing on the tip of your tongue.
What little tricks do you use to remember something?
#12377:
January 24, 2024
by
Quilli ☕
Writing Tips
Basic Writing Tips - though they may seem simple, they're a good reminder!
Do you have a writing tip to share with us?
#12351:
January 10, 2024
by
Annette
Writing.Com Time
There is only one Universal Time on this site.
Do you know what Writing.Com midnight is in your timezone?
#12348:
January 03, 2024
by
Legerdemain
Let It Snow
A newsletter about the many words for snow.
Do you find joy in finding just the right word to describe something?
#12333:
December 27, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
Grammar Stuff, Part One
Well, grab a cuppa something, and let's talk grammar.
Correct this sentence: "Lances parents decided that he could go but he could only stay an hour."
#12323:
December 20, 2023
by
Shannon
Blessed Is the Season
"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." ~ Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol"
n/a
#12294:
December 13, 2023
by
Annette
So Many Stories To Tell
Even when you think you're out of stories, you still have more to tell.
Do you know the many places that can get you to write more stories?
#12307:
December 06, 2023
by
Legerdemain
What's Your Finger Doing?
A newsletter about staying in touch.
What inspires you during the holiday season?
#12298:
November 29, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
A Writer's Notebook
What is it and what do you put in it?
Do you keep a 'writer's notebook? What sorts of things do jot down in yours?
#12262:
November 22, 2023
by
Annette
A Simple Tale
When simple doesn't mean boring or pointless.
Do you prefer stories that are realistic or all fiction?
#12257:
November 15, 2023
by
Annette
Get to the Point
In a fast-paced world, even fiction has sped up.
How soon do you think is too late to rope the reader in?
#12268:
November 08, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Royal Order of Adverbs
All hail the queens!
Do you consciously think of word order when writing?
#12248:
November 01, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
Let's talk about genres! Yes, again!
A few genre definitions to help you list your items correctly.
With regard to The Quill Awards, do you understand why genres are important?
#12233:
October 25, 2023
by
Shannon
Kindle Creativity
“Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working." - Henri Matisse
What do you do when your creative well runs dry?
#12221:
October 18, 2023
by
Gaby
I'd Like To Be Engaged - Without A Ring
Writing a short story can be a challenge in more ways than one.
What captivates your attention fully where you can't walk away from a story?
#12218:
October 11, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Short Story World Building
A few suggestions for world-building in shorts.
What tips do you have for short story world-building?
#12203:
October 04, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
30 Short Stories in 30 Days
A different approach to NaNoWriMo
What's the average word count for your short stories?
#12126:
September 27, 2023
by
Annette
Put the Cart Before the Horse
The site is packed with good, solid, relevant advice for writers.
Do you have an article or essay about the writing craft that would be helpful to the whole writing community?
#12189:
September 20, 2023
by
Dawn Embers
Things to Prepare for Writing
A quick glance at some things to prepare or consider when getting ready to write.
How do you prepare to write a story?
#12175:
September 13, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Greetings!
A brief article about the handshake.
Tell me a fun greeting you've written!
#12162:
September 06, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
Will you fall for it?
Suggestions on incorporating the autumn season into your stories.
Do you incorporate the season into your stories?
#12146:
August 30, 2023
by
Shannon
Life Is Just a Fantasy
"Fantasy mirrors desire. Imagination reshapes it." ~Mason Cooley
n/a
#12122:
August 23, 2023
by
Annette
Describing Characters
Show us what they do instead of telling us what they look like.
How do you incorporate descriptions of characters into your stories?
#12133:
August 16, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Extra, Extra!
A newsletter on character editing.
Do you end up adding more to your short stories or trimming them?
#12104:
August 09, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
Gut Punch
Ideas on how to provoke emotions from your readers.
Is there a scene from a book that has stuck with you for a long time?
#12082:
August 02, 2023
by
Annette
Bits and Pieces
First sentences, ideas, dusty journals, and digital notes ...
How many short stories did you start and never finish?
#12083:
July 26, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
The Vignette
Vignettes are sometimes confused with short stories and flash fiction.
Have you tried your hand at writing these?
#12077:
July 19, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Junky Jargon
A few words about jargon.
What "fuzzwords" do you see or dislike?
#12066:
July 12, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
Inspire me! PLEASE!
Ugh, my muse has left me high and dry!
Because I know I'm not the only one struggling, please share how you overcome the dreaded 'writer's block'.
#12049:
July 05, 2023
by
Shannon
The Power of Language
"Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic." ~ J.K. Rowling
n/a
#12035:
June 28, 2023
by
Gaby
Challenge Yourself
If you ever get a comment that you should expand your short story, then it means you did a pretty good job with it.
What are some of your challenges when writing a short story?
#12030:
June 21, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Snack Attack!
A newsletter about fueling your mind.
What is your snack choice? Is it healthy?
#12010:
June 14, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
The Whole Truth
Writing a non-fiction short story about yourself!
Have you written an autobiographical short story? If so, please share the link!
#12004:
June 07, 2023
by
🐕GeminiGem🎁
Snack Attack
A short story can be a useful tool to draw a reader to your novel.
Have you ever read a short story that lead you to reading a novel or series of novels?
#11989:
May 31, 2023
by
Annette
Classic Story Character Types
Archetypes and other ~types appear similar but are not the same.
Is there a stereotypical cliché that you like to use in your stories?
#11983:
May 24, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Geek Pride
A newsletter on geek pride.
What kind of geek are you?
#11963:
May 17, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
What's in a Title?
Tips and formulas for selecting a title.
Do you judge a story/book by its title?
#11951:
May 10, 2023
by
Shannon
Science Fact
“Everything is becoming science fiction." ~ J. G. Ballard
What's something that's science fiction right now that will be real in the foreseeable future?
#11939:
May 03, 2023
by
🐕GeminiGem🎁
I'm Calling You Out
Are word count limits really that limiting?
What is an ideal word count limit when entering a contest.
#11933:
April 26, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Cousin It
Genealogy in your writing.
How do you get information into your story without an info dump?
#11913:
April 19, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
April Showers bring May Short Stories!
Sometimes our writing and productivity can be influenced by external things like the weather.
Does the weather affect your ability to write, or what you write?
#11905:
April 12, 2023
by
Jayne
Unlocking the Potential of Short Stories
A Dive Into Five Captivating Tales
What's your favorite short story? Why?
#11882:
April 05, 2023
by
Annette
Spring Into Writing
Fresh air, blue sky, nature bursting with life all around.
Does spring awakening make you feel like writing more or less?
#11886:
March 29, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Fanfiction
Some resource links regarding publishing fanfiction.
Do you write fanfiction? What characters do you admire?
#11874:
March 22, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
I'd like you to meet...
A few ways to introduce new characters into a story.
What unique ways have you used to introduce new characters in your stories?
#11857:
March 15, 2023
by
Shannon
This Day In History
"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." ~ Winston Churchill
How has history inspired your stories? Share your creative ideas based on memorable dates!
#11830:
March 08, 2023
by
Annette
Right-Hand Man Trope
The second in command to the leader can help you tell a short story.
Have you ever thought of making the second in command the main character?
#11841:
March 01, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Interactives
A newsletter on interactives.
Do you like finding ways to add interesting content to interactives? Which are some of your favorites?
#11819:
February 22, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
It was a dark and stormy night...
Creating memorable beginnings to hook the reader.
What is the first line from your favorite story or book? (Please give us the title and author, too.)
#11814:
February 15, 2023
by
Dawn Embers
Expectation or Tradition
Expectation or Tradition: Which is it?
Does your character do something because it is expected or out of tradition?
#11777:
February 08, 2023
by
Annette
Short Story, Preface, or First Chapter?
Some short stories grow too big for the confines of low word count restrictions.
Have you written any short stories that were really the first chapter of a novel?
#11790:
February 01, 2023
by
Legerdemain
Am I Good Enough?
How we measure up against others.
Do you compare your writing to other authors?
#11773:
January 25, 2023
by
Quilli ☕
Show me so that I can see and feel it!
"Show, don't tell." It's either been said to you or you've said it to someone else.
How would you rewrite "The traffic was bad." to show, rather than tell?
#11758:
January 18, 2023
by
Shannon
Murder in a Small Town
"I have too great a soul to die like a criminal." ~ John Wilkes Booth
n/a
#11748:
January 11, 2023
by
🐕GeminiGem🎁
What's Your Name?
Things to think about when picking a character's name.
How do you come up with names for your characters?
#11743:
January 04, 2023
by
Legerdemain
So Many Short Stories
Time to clean house and publish!
Have you considered creating/publishing an anthology?
#11713:
December 28, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
And the beat goes on...
A closer look at dialogue and how to use 'action beats'.
In your opinion, in what ways does dialogue help your readers get to know or connect with your characters?
#11700:
December 21, 2022
by
Annette
The Longest Night
Only one day? Not the Romans! They celebrated Saturnalia from December 17 through December 24.
What kind of stories do you come up with when the night is long and the day is cold?
#11699:
December 14, 2022
by
Annette
by: Artificial Intelligence
Art is no longer the creation of humans alone. Machines can do that for us.
Are you going to let a robot tell you how to think, love, and live?
#11668:
November 30, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
Say That Again...
Try these more specific adjectives to spice up your work.
What are your favorite adjectives?
#11670:
November 23, 2022
by
Shannon
Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
"Truth is not only stranger than fiction, it is more interesting." ~William Randolph Hearst
n/a
#11655:
November 16, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
In the thick of it!
If you're participating in NaNo - keep going! Here are some helpful tips!
What motivates you to keep writing and complete your NaNo project?
#11654:
November 09, 2022
by
Legerdemain
Character Inspiration
Let other characters inspire you, don't steal them.
Do you add attributes to your characters in edit?
#11626:
November 02, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
Let's Get Writing!
Some tips to help get you writing and maybe even writing better.
What are you currently working on?
#11634:
October 26, 2022
by
Dawn Embers
The Idea of a Residency
Some consideration on the option of taking time away for a writing residency and the challenge of applying.
Would you consider or apply for a writing residency?
#11610:
October 19, 2022
by
THANKFUL SONALI Love my family
Me, Myself and Eye
What we see and how we respond
What's the first thing you notice when you open your front door?
#11609:
October 12, 2022
by
Legerdemain
Suspense
An article on adding suspense to your mystery.
How would you describe a favorite scary scene?
#11586:
October 05, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
A Short Story Cycle
If you think you can't write a book, consider a short story cycle (a.k.a. a composite novel)!
What is your favorite 'short story collection'?
#11577:
September 28, 2022
by
Shannon
Tell Me Lies, Tell Me Sweet Little Lies
"Don't lie about anything, ever. Lying leads to Hell." ~ Jordan Peterson
How do you feel about telling lies?
#11532:
September 21, 2022
by
Annette
Very Short Short Stories
Short, shorter, micro fiction!
Can you tell a whole story in just a few words?
#11560:
September 14, 2022
by
Legerdemain
Itch, Scratch, Itch
A newsletter on forensic science and flaky skin.
Where do you leave your clues to the mystery?
#11535:
September 07, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
Planning Your Writing
Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, here are some tips to consider!
When you're writing a short story, how much time do you spend on planning; if any?
#11520:
August 31, 2022
by
Annette
Just A Glance
Short stories thrive on a limited plot that uses exact details.
Do you enjoy reading stories where you are dropped into the plot and expected to accept it the way you find it?
#11497:
August 24, 2022
by
THANKFUL SONALI Love my family
The One Essential Element
What has to be there.
Complete the statement: 'No short story can be without ---"
#11517:
August 17, 2022
by
Legerdemain
So Much Conflict
Keeping your conflict clear in your short story.
What type of conflict do you favor in your short stories?
#11495:
August 10, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
Once Upon a Time...
A few tips on writing fairy tales.
What's your favorite fairy tale?
#11487:
August 03, 2022
by
Shannon
Is Seeing Still Believing?
In the 1990s, academic researchers developed a terrifying technology with tragic real-life consequences.
How will your character respond when faced with false accusations and damning evidence?
#11420:
July 27, 2022
by
Annette
Revise!
The first draft is not perfect. You must proofread, edit, and revise it.
How many times and how much should you change your story until you can call it finished?
#11464:
July 20, 2022
by
Legerdemain
Puce!
Does anyone know what color puce is? Let's talk about description.
What are some of the best descriptions you've written?
#11454:
July 13, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
The Benefits of Writing Short Stories
Four reasons why writing a short story can help make you a better writer.
What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?
#11439:
July 06, 2022
by
Jeff
Experimentation
Using short fiction as a test kitchen for new things.
Have you ever used short fiction to attempt something new with your writing?
#11410:
June 29, 2022
by
Annette
The End
For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.
Do you prefer open endings or a definitive outcome?
#11427:
June 22, 2022
by
Legerdemain
Can I Put The Body In A Glad Bag?
A few comments about name brands in your stories.
Where do you hide your bodies? The dead ones, I mean.
#11403:
June 15, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
Types of Drama
There are four different types of Drama and understanding them may help you with your next story.
Which do you prefer writing: comedy, tragedy, tragicomedy, or melodrama?
#11395:
June 08, 2022
by
Shannon
What If?
"Maybe life is random, but I doubt it." ~ Steven Tyler
Do you ever wonder... "What if?"
#11373:
May 25, 2022
by
Legerdemain
Who Are We?
A newsletter about trying something new.
Have you tried unfamiliar genres? What happened?
#11357:
May 18, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
The 5 Elements of a Short Story
A short explanation of the 5 elements of a short story.
Which element of story writing do you tend to struggle with?
#11350:
May 11, 2022
by
Annette
Author Filtering
She looked at him when he saw the dog noticing the treat.
Have you ever counted how often your characters look at or see something in your stories?
#11335:
April 27, 2022
by
Legerdemain
Keep It Simple
A word or two about keeping a short story simple.
What details or features do you add or delete when editing a short story?
#11315:
April 20, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
First, Let's Brainstorm!
Some things to consider before you start writing your next short story.
How much planning goes into your short stories?
#11307:
April 13, 2022
by
Shannon
Anamnesis
Plunder your abundant memory cache
What experiences have you written about?
#11289:
March 30, 2022
by
Legerdemain
The Art of the Pick Up Line
A newsletter on dialog.
What tools do you use to start dialog between characters?
#11258:
March 23, 2022
by
Quilli ☕
Riveting Openings
Tips for writing a first paragraph that will keep the reader locked in.
Have you read a great short story by another WdC author this week? Please, share the link below!
#11248:
March 16, 2022
by
Annette
Do Whatever Works
Overcoming the blank page is the single hardest task a writer faces.
What is your secret to get started writing? Will you share it? Please?
#11214:
February 16, 2022
by
Shannon
Alternate History
"History is a set of lies agreed upon." ~ Napoleon Bonaparte
If you could change one historical event, what would it be and why?
#11205:
February 09, 2022
by
Adore lol♥
Short Stories: An Occurence on Owl Creek
This issue will look at the life and works of Ambrose Bierce
Does suspense help a short story out?
#11195:
February 02, 2022
by
Legerdemain
Who Is Your Character?
A newsletter about character development.
What questions do you ask your character to get to know them?
#11130:
December 22, 2021
by
Shannon
Secret Rooms and Hidden Tunnels
"The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places." Roald Dahl
Are you good at keeping secrets?
#11113:
December 08, 2021
by
Legerdemain
Don't Stress
Coping during this busy season.
How do you keep your stress level down?
#11078:
November 17, 2021
by
Adore lol♥
Short Stories - The Tell Tale Heart
This issue will look a one of the best short stories from one of the best fiction writers Edgar Allen Poe
Who can know the heart?
#11069:
November 10, 2021
by
Legerdemain
Who Has Time To Write?
People watching can enhance your writing.
Do you use body language to show your character's emotions? How did you show that?
#11040:
October 27, 2021
by
Shannon
Stories From Around the Internet
Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
What's an unexpected place where you've found inspiration?
#11027:
October 20, 2021
by
THANKFUL SONALI Love my family
Which story do you tell?
Sharing stories of my collection of post-marks, I have to choose which one to tell, based on my audience.
Personal or universal, which has more impact?
#11024:
October 13, 2021
by
Legerdemain
Fiction about Non-Fiction
A few questions about writing a story based on history.
How do you meld history and fiction in your writing?
#10953:
September 29, 2021
by
Quilli ☕
Armed with Words
Words have the ability to bring out strong reactions.
What word(s) brings out a reaction from you?
#10987:
September 22, 2021
by
Annette
Be Dramatic Already!
Lack of drama kills stories.
Do you dare letting it rip in your stories?
#10979:
September 15, 2021
by
Legerdemain
Creepies
Hey Google - some passive research can end up in your stories.
How did something odd end up in your story?
#10960:
September 01, 2021
by
Shannon
Fearless Writing with Émile Zola
"I am charmed to observe that my brother journalists possess the sensitive nerves of young girls." ~ Émile Zola
n/a
#10948:
August 25, 2021
by
Warped Sanity
Info-dumps
The dreaded info-dump
Have you been guilty of the info-dump in your short story writing?
#10937:
August 18, 2021
by
Legerdemain
Stories Where You Find Them
Finding inspiration in blogs.
Do you read blogs and what do you take away from them?
#10904:
August 04, 2021
by
THANKFUL SONALI Love my family
Perspectives, Re-discovered
I re-discovered 'perspectives' while doing some reviewing.
Who were you when the incident occurred?
#10847:
July 28, 2021
by
Annette
Cultural Hangups
The short story might be American, but telling stories that are short is international.
Do you dare challenge the established "hero's journey" in your short stories?
#10890:
July 21, 2021
by
Legerdemain
Don't Let Brief Be Too Brief
It's about the brief description.
How do you use your Brief Description area? How do you choose keywords to expand your audience?
#10864:
July 07, 2021
by
Shannon
What Scares You?
"My 'fear' is my substance, and probably the best part of me." ~ Franz Kafka
...
#10833:
June 30, 2021
by
Annette
First Word
Homer modeled it thousands of years ago.
Do you think the first word of a story is important?
#10848:
June 23, 2021
by
Legerdemain
Show, Don't Tell - Again
A comment on a basic rule of Show, don't Tell.
How do you discover a "tell" in your writing?
#10803:
June 09, 2021
by
Choconut
Boosting Creativity
A newsletter aimed at helping writers of short stories to find inspiration.
Do you build your stories around a character, or a plot?
#10792:
June 02, 2021
by
Annette