Action/Adventure: December 16, 2020 Issue [#10522]
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 This week: Do You Have a Sweet Tooth?
  Edited by: Leger~ Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

The purpose of this newsletter is to help the Writing.com author hone their craft and improve their skills. Along with that I would like to inform, advocate, and create new, fresh ideas for the author. Write to me if you have an idea you would like presented.

This week's Action / Adventure Editor
Leger~ Author Icon



Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor


Do You Have a Sweet Tooth?


A fun way of thinking about the structure of a short story is like baking a birthday cake. It's sweet, it's delicious...but you have to remember to not get carried away.

The main layers of the cake is the story structure. Having solid characters, a steady story arc and a reliable world in which they operate is essential. But like a cake, a short story can't have too many layers or it will topple. Layers upon layers atop one another or stacked next to each other means you've gone too wordy and built a novel wedding cake. While that's fine, it's not a short story. Go with a few simple layers and build from there.

Next is the filling between the layers. Those are the interesting idiosyncrasies of the characters or the luscious setting. Too many flavors in the layers and it turns into rainbow tutti-frutti and your reader will become distracted and confused. Keep it unique and uncomplicated.

Last is the icing. This is your wonderful hook at the beginning of the story and your fantastic ending. It doesn't always have to be a happy ending but it has to satisfy your reader. Leaving a little for the reader to imagine is always a delicious treat. Too much icing, glitter, candles and sparklers will have everyone jumping back and walking away dazed and confused. Trimming to the best parts of the story is recommended.

Work toward making your story simple, delicious and elegant. I guarantee your readers will be back for another taste. Write on!


This month's question: What tips can you offer others for keeping your story simple?
How do you use that in your writing?

Answer below *Down* Editors love feedback! *Heart*


Editor's Picks

 
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The Five-Eyed Wolf Open in new Window. (13+)
The Five-Eyed wolf cares more about manners than you think.
#2239453 by T. Merle Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Bushes cracked and swished, almost like angry claws tearing at the young woman’s clothing. Each swish of the leaves whispered in her ears
“You won’t outrun him”


Daily Flash Fiction Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Enter your story of 300 words or less.
#896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Flash fiction is fun to read and a challenge to write. It must contain all the elements of a larger work of fiction, but in a much shorter space. Are you up for it?

 
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A Hitchhiker (Christmas Special) Open in new Window. (E)
On Christmas Eve, up in the mountains, a single mum gives a curious hitchhiker a lift.
#2192506 by J.B. Ezar Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: She slammed on the brakes, and the tires locked for a moment, desperate for grip. Her car stopped a few metres short, and the man jogged to reach her.

“Good evening, madam,” he said, opening the passenger’s door, but did not leap in right away. “It was so kind of you to stop.”


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2239365 by Not Available.

Excerpt: Edith Smithers was found dead at her home on 1213 Cardinal Drive. She was found lain face down, arms spread out in angel form, with her walker tossed aside. She clutched in her hand a single golden locket.

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FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by SophyBells Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Each day around 12pm NOON WDC time, one of our dedicated volunteer judges will judge the previous day's entries and post a writing prompt.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2237324 by Not Available.

Excerpt: Seventy-two years ago, while he was walking in Misty Woods, a young man named Guy Brown sidestepped the beaten path to relax under the canopy of a majestic oak tree.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2238373 by Not Available.

Excerpt: It wasn't until they started to screw the coffin lid down that I realized I could still hear!

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Season Tickets Open in new Window. (E)
Purchase Raffle Tickets for a chance to win some AWESOME prizes and support a GREAT cause!
#783934 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: 'Tis the season to be giving...And we've got some AMAZING gifts to give out! Purchase Writing.Com Raffle Tickets for yourself and your friends!

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FORUM
Weekly Goals Open in new Window. (13+)
Motivate yourself to conquer your goals this week! Post on Monday; update us on Friday!
#1949474 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Post your goals for the world to see. Motivate yourself to accomplish them!

 
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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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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer


This month's question: What tips can you offer others for keeping your story simple?
How do you use that in your writing?

Answer below *Down* Editors love feedback! *Heart*


Last month's "Action/Adventure Newsletter (November 18, 2020)Open in new Window. question: How do you manage your creativity time during the holidays?
Send in your suggestions!

No replies.


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