  Short Stories
This week: Edited by: Mavis Moog  
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Happy June. This newsletter brings you some great stories to read, and a little advice about honesty in fiction.
Should short stories have a job to do? Or do you like paddling in the shallows? |
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Honesty in Fiction
I like stories which make me think differently, or put me in an unusual situation. I'm not talking about twists and surprises, although I do like those too, but more about ingenious points of view and the exploration of serious issues. It's the honesty of the work which fascinates me.
Sometimes I find myself wondering about the author's true opinions, while I read a story which seems to satirise a particular character or opinion. Is it satire? I wonder, or does this person really think like this? It can be very difficult, particularly if you want to review the story. I mean, you don't want to say something like, "What an absolutely vile character - you brought out their prejudices and small-mindedness perfectly," and then find out the piece was a treatise of the author's deeply-held convictions. You usually realise your error when a curt, "Thanks for your comments," arrives in your mailbox.
The other side of this problem is when I want to express something dear to my heart in a story. I hope I illustrate and decorate sufficiently so it does not appear to be a lecture to the Political Debating Society, but I get a distinct feeling of stripping-off in front of a crowd. I feel myself wanting to place a fig-leaf here and a pixilated box there. Sometimes it's hard to be honest, but a story with integrity is worth 10 candy-floss novels.
The best authors are thoughtful and intelligent. They hold opinions and make judgements based on a deep understanding of the issue and psychology. Their stories reveal truth like the drawing back of a curtain. When all the techniques of syntax, style and voice are put to one side, and the kernel of the story is examined, a good short story should have something interesting to say. It should take a reader to a particular place and invite him to experience as if it were first hand.
Have I any tips to help authors be honest?
 Decide on your stand-point. Think clearly around the subject. You may need characters who challenge your message and a protagonist who champions it. You will need to know about a range of arguments.
Use assertive statements. Don't be tempted to water-down your point by pretending you're not too sure about it. Words like, maybe and perhaps, should be kept to a minimum. For example, "He wanted to run away. Perhaps he was showing his weakness again."
Be brave. Some stories seem to apologise for their existence. If you think a point is worth making - go for it.
Some of you will be thinking, What's she going on about? Stories aren't about making points. Some stories certainly seem to have no particular purpose, other than to tell us about a man falling in love with a woman, or about someone feeling miserable, but be honest, are these the best stories you've ever read? Stories should not be like essays either. A good story is an entertaining illustration or metaphor for something important and meaningful.
I wanted to write a story about memes. These are like genes, but are passed on through teaching, influence and culture. I am a childless teacher, so this is a subject close to my experience and interest. The story this idea produced was about a lonely woman who was scared of dying. She was a fitness fanatic, who shunned society. When a child comes into her life, asking for guidance she is resentful. However, the child teaches her a vital truth. Even a butterfly, which only lives for a day, can remain in the memory of those who were lucky enough to see it. Immortality can be achieved by passing something on. That was the message of my story. I hesitate to advertise my own work in a newsletter, but if you're interested, you can read this story here, "Invalid Item" . I am not claiming this is a great story, but it is an example of an honest tale.
I urge you to reach for those nebulous issues, fears and opinions and use them in your writing. Be subtle, you don't need to sledge-hammer your point home, but be proud to write honestly. |
This story is interesting on many levels. It's spiritual and scientific, all at once.
This is a tale to make you shudder.
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I loved this story about a well-meaning literary gentleman.
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Two for the price of one. Which ending do you prefer?
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A simple but well-crafted story.
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Interesting and cleverly conceived, this story might provoke strong reactions.
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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!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Response to Last Month's Newsletter
(To see last month's newletter, you can click on the link at the top of this letter More Newsletters by this Editor)
Thank you for these comments. It's very helpful to know how a newsletter has been received. Agreement and dissension is always welcome. I want to give you the newsletter you want, so tell me what you like and don't like. You can make suggestions for future topics too, and submit short stories you've read or written for Editor's Picks.
There are four editors per newsletter title. Each editor produces one newsletter per month. If you want to be sure any particular editor knows you're addressing them, please begin your comment with the name of the editor (or just the initials). - MM
Ghostwriter
Too true about practising your writing! Sometimes I wonder if it's so much writer's block than it is plain laziness . For me, I have a thrillion excuses pending on why I don't feel like writing today. I've bought myself a notebook, and it's currently filled with doodles. Then I tell myself I'm much more comfortable typing into a Word document, and I'm still waiting for this to happen! You're absolutely right on just writing for the sake of practice without worrying about punctuation, spelling, etc. I'll make a real effort this time around.....in my new notebook! Thanks for the great NL!
billwilcox
MM,
A great newsletter - the rules were cool. I think I'll start practising to write the worst junk in America right now..
essence of thought
This was really an enjoyable and useful newsletter about practising. Thank you for sharing it with us!
hdelphyne
Another informative editorial. Thank you. Thea
I hope that comment was meant for me, Thea. The other editors will be lynching me if I steal their feedback  - MM
Response to Pedantic Tip
zwisis
The pedantic tip brought back memories from childhood. At dinner dad would ask us what we'd done that day, and if we told him we'd had "a haircut" he'd answer:
"Really? Which one did you cut?"
trose
I really enjoyed your Pedantic Tip of the Month! I am all about sentence structure & this was a great example of how wording it one way changes the entire sentence compared to wording it correctly! You gave a great explanation as well! Great newsletter!
Lady_Lindis 
Excellent newsletter, Mavis Moog.
I found the pedantic tip very funny, as I have been guilty of that particular writing faux-pas more times than I'm willing to admit. ^_^
I've saved a copy so it may serve as a reminder to quit doing that. XD |
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Short Stories: May 31, 2006 Issue [#1062]
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