Short Stories: January 24, 2024 Issue [#12377]
<< January 10, 2024Short Stories Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueJanuary 31, 2024 >>




 This week: Writing Tips
  Edited by: Lilli Author IconMail Icon
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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

“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.”
~ Jack Kerouac

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.”
~ Robert Frost

“Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.”
~ Sylvia Plath

“You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page.
Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.”
~ Annie Proulx


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Basic Writing Tips

1. The Title
The title should grab a readers attention...and relate to what the story is about.

1a. The Description Line
Write a one-sentence summary to lure the reader in! This step is more complicated than it sounds, but it should capture the essence of your story without giving anything away.

2. Research
Don't be afraid to do a little research about things which are specific to your story. Readers will call you out on stuff and lose interest if facts aren't straight or consistent.

3. Make a Plan
Okay, okay...I know not everyone likes to work off of an outline, but we need to have some idea of what we are going to write before we get started, right?

4. Brainstorm
Remember when you made mind maps at school? Well, it's time to get out the highlighter pens again. The best way to start writing is to get all your ideas down on paper at once. Whatever is floating around in your mind, it's time to let it out into the world.

5. Add Your Style
Adding your own voice and style will make your writing interesting and unique. Don't be afraid to pour a little of yourself into your work.

6. . Stay on Topic
Make sure whatever you add to your story is related to the story you are currently writing. This is especially true when writing a short story. If we veer off into left left and don't double back to complete a particular storyline, readers will get confused and may lose interest.

7. Less is More
Don't use twenty words to say something when you can say it in ten.

8. Grammar is Important
This of grammar as the glue that holds good writing together. And don't for get about spelling!

9. Read and Revise
Rome wasn't built in a day, and your best story won't be perfect in one day either. Remember the FIRST draft is never the FINAL.
Don't try to edit while you are writing! Just write that story, get it out and don't get distracted by little errors - you can fix those later.

10. Enjoy the Process
Writing is a journey, enjoy every step of it.


Editor's Picks

 
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Tiles tell the tale Open in new Window. (18+)
Scrabble game gone horribly wrong [Writer's Cramp, 1/19/24]
#2312340 by Merry_Mikey Author IconMail Icon


 
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Board Game Night With the Fey Open in new Window. (13+)
Tamsin plays Scrabble™ in the Faerie Realm
#2312285 by Nobody’s Home Author IconMail Icon


 
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A King's Unconventional Alliance Open in new Window. (E)
In the Battle of Hastings, defying convention to shape England's future.
#2312195 by Alex Manning Author IconMail Icon


 
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Snowman Open in new Window. (13+)
A snowman in New Orleans!
#2312101 by Beholden Author IconMail Icon


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Her Open in new Window. (13+)
Thoughts on a bench on a chilly January afternoon.
#2311853 by Choconuts Roasting Author IconMail Icon


 
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3/4inch blowoff valve vs. soft hands Open in new Window. (E)
Violet looks after the shop on a Tuesday morning
#2311845 by H❀pe Author IconMail Icon


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At the Bridge Open in new Window. (ASR)
Two people find themselves in the same situation (tw: suicide) 970 words
#2311446 by Amethyst Snow Angel Author IconMail Icon


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This item number is not valid.
#2311386 by Not Available.


 
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Biddy Bobs Open in new Window. (13+)
StAG Firebox Contest Entry January 2024
#2311264 by Lovina Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ultimatum Open in new Window. (E)
When enough is enough. Leeann and Tim have a mostly one-sided discussion.
#2311024 by tracker Author IconMail Icon


 
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The Christmas Contract Open in new Window. (18+)
What's a few hitman-for-hire contract negotiations among family?
#2310585 by Jayngle Bells Author IconMail Icon





 
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Ask & Answer


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