Short Stories: August 09, 2006 Issue [#1191]
<< August 2, 2006Short Stories Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueAugust 16, 2006 >>

Newsletter Header
Short Stories


 This week:
  Edited by: Vivian 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

         When people talk about their pets, they give the cats, dogs, even fish human characteristics. People without pets may think pet owners have lost touch with reality, especially if the pets take on aspects of beloved children. Animal lovers, on the other hand, cannot comprehend those without pets.

         Which leads us to the situation when an author includes a pet or other animal in a story or novel, the possible problem of alienating some readers while entrancing others. Does that mean that a writer must choose between cat lovers and I-prefer-to-leave-cats-aloners? Or that an author has to decide whether to appeal to dog owners and not to those who see no need for dogs? What about people who think animals shouldn't be seen or heard vs people who think the world revolves around animals? No, a creative writer can manage to keep both types of readers dangling on her every word.



Next week's editor is Leger~ Author Icon


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Making Pets and/or Other Animals Interesting Parts of Stories


         How can one make pets or other animals a viable part of a story or book? A few suggestions may help, but always remember to make that animal a believable character in the story.

         Don’t say the same thing over and over. In fact, that’s good advice for any writing project. Readers, at least most, are not morons. If an author mentions something once, twice at the most, readers will get the idea.

         Keep the animal likable, not boring or hateful, not boring. As with any other character in a story, a pet needs to have a personality that makes it “real.” Perhaps it has one personality when around one person but a different one around another. Work that into the story. Make the reader “see” the animal. Make the reader like or hate the pet.

         Don’t make the animal one dimensional. Creating a pet that becomes a “rounded” character rather than one that is flat, or one dimensional, may be more difficult than with a human. However, a good writer can accomplish that goal by incorporating different traits the animal possesses into the story. A short list of possible traits would include the following:

1. Physical description
2. Way it moves
3. Sounds it makes
4. Actions and reactions under different conditions
5. Likes and dislikes


         Whether the pet is a major character of minor one, make the animal character believable. That doesn’t mean what the author writes has to be “real,” but that by suspending reality, the reader can see it in his imagination. Motivation for actions and reactions is the key to believability.

         Actually, all I’ve said in all these words is, “Authors, write about a pet, an animal, in fiction as you would about any other character.” The pet should “live” in the writer’s mind as any character would. The author should be able to describe the animal’s physical appearance as well as its personality and actions.

         Readers should never exclaim, as they read, “Pets do what?” or "An animal would never do that," or "This is so boring." They should nod as they can see what is being shown in the writing.


Editor's Picks

Highlighted Items from W.Com Authors


         I tried to find short stories that dealt with animals. Please read and review the following - except do not review the story by BlueThunder Author Icon, just read it, please.

 The Cat Open in new Window. (ASR)
A whimsical tale of children, felines, and eBay.
#1122666 by S Fantasymaster Author IconMail Icon

 The Best Pets Pick Their Owners Open in new Window. (E)
Pets accomplish unexpected things that never cease to make us laugh. Tiny was such a cat.
#1111896 by Neal J. Author IconMail Icon

 Moo and the Two Black Cats Open in new Window. (E)
anthromorphic tale about 2 cats and a dog
#1032143 by Okie Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1073807 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#945436 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#884653 by Not Available.

 Spike The Wonder Dog Open in new Window. (ASR)
Spike the Wonder Dog. I think of him as I sit outside each morning having coffee time.
#438457 by Kenzie Author IconMail Icon

Stormy's Spirit Open in new Window. (E)
The story of Stormy and her Spirit.
#736456 by BlueThunder Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#569833 by Not Available.


And one of mine:
 Ralph's Unexpected Trip Open in new Window. (ASR)
A dog's best friend is his boy - from the dog's perspective
#639237 by Vivian Author IconMail Icon


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!



Ask & Answer

Feedback from Short Story Readers


Brother Don Author IconMail Icon
         Viv, I have been reading a lot recently while resting during the hot Texas afternoons, and one thing that has reaaly been irritating me is problems with inconsistent POV. Very good issue. I will take it to heart in my own writing.
                                       Don Brown

         Thanks, Don. Just be sure you don't get roasted in this terrible heat.


bazilbob
         Great newsletter on PoV. Would you be able to do something on focalisation?

         I could only find one article on focalisation, and what I read didn't help me understand the difference between focalisation and point of view. I did get the idea that there is a slight difference with focalisation having to to do with perspective of the narrator in some way, but the two seem almost the same.


StephBee Author IconMail Icon
         Great editorial on POV. It was very informative. Thanks for sharing.

          Thank you. I hope the editorial on POV was helpful to many writers. It can be a confusing topic at times.

schipperke
         Excellent newsletter. When I offered a contest that used all three points of view, this would have answered all the questions I received about the differences between them.

         Maybe you could try that contest again now that more people may understand point of view a bit better.


Untill next month, read and write beautiful short stories.

Sig by Damiana


*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: 197380364X
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


<< August 2, 2006Short Stories Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueAugust 16, 2006 >>

This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright.