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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11497-The-One-Essential-Element.html
Short Stories: August 24, 2022 Issue [#11497]




 This week: The One Essential Element
  Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! 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

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


Word from our sponsor

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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 Author Icon 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 Author Icon 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's NOT Doing NaNoWriMo Author Icon I agree with Tileira. If there isn't a change in me or the character, why did I read this? lol

3. Annette Author Icon Brevity

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

5. WakeUpAndLive~"HoHoHo" Author Icon A twist at the end.

6. Angelica Weatherby-Star on top Author Icon 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 Open in new Window. [E]
What's ONE thing that is ESSENTIAL in a short story? - For a Short Stories Newsletter
by THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author Icon


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*

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Editor's Picks

By our authors! *Smile*
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#2266605 by jackiesmuse Author IconMail Icon

 Mani Open in new Window. (ASR)
When there’s no one else to talk to, there’s always the moon. Incomplete.
#2272823 by Whiskerfacebythefireplace Author IconMail Icon

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 Taxes Open in new Window. (E)
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Days of Future Past (198 words = 251-53)
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The Debatable Friends  Open in new Window. (E)
Hilda and Ann are friends. Which one is seeing things wrong?
#2270310 by Lornda Author IconMail Icon

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Chaos Knows ~ Finalist Open in new Window. (18+)
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#2276037 by Mrs. Nixie Clause Author IconMail Icon

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Dear Friend Open in new Window. (E)
If you are reading this, it's meant for you!
#2157795 by Lilith🎄🦌Christmas Cheer Author IconMail Icon


Check out this contest! *Smile*
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FORUM
Fox's Socks Newbie Short Story Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Contest is Closed. Will return in 2025
#2273966 by 🐕GeminiGem🎁 Author IconMail Icon


All time favourites! *Smile*
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Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon

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Come answer a question, share a laugh, encourage one another, and bring me a coffee!
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Celebrate Writing.Com member account anniversaries with reviews.
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WDC's first letter writing club
#1982168 by Annette Author IconMail Icon

Three Word Mayhem! Open in new Window. (13+)
Mayhem is afoot!
#555590 by Jay's debut novel is out now! Author IconMail Icon

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The WDC Angel Army Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dedicated to promoting positivity, encouragement, and support to the WDC community.
#1188309 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

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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

 
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Ask & Answer

Thank you for the responses to "Which story do you tell?Open in new Window.

Paul Author Icon 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

An apple a day.... Author Icon Love the stories of the post marks, Sonali!

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

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