  Short Stories
This week: Edited by: Vivian  
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Many writers have received comments from some readers wanting more detail in short stories. Part of being a well-educated reader is knowing what is needed in a short story from a writer's perspective and what is required on the part of a reader. Readers, as well as authors, need to be educated as to what their responsibilities are.
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Needed: Imagination for Readers
Whether from text books or workshops held by experts or how-to-write books, guidelines for writers say that the only details that should be used are those required for characterization, plot, or to move the story forward. Anything which doesn't do one of the three should be eliminated. This "rule" is especially true when an author writes short stories, which by definition should be short. The rule of thumb is a short story should be able to be read in one sitting. The length of a true short story is over 1,000 words (flash fiction may have fewer words) and usually not much longer than 10,000 words (20,000 or above items are often called novellas).
However, some readers contact authors wanting more details, asking why more weren't given, and/or stating the story, although well-written and interesting, would be better with more detail. How to respond to such criticism graciously is a challenge to writers: how to help readers understand what their responsibility is in the two-way partnership between author and reader needs to be realized by readers.
Yes, a partnership exists between the two, but the author doesn't carry the full burden. The reader also needs to be ready and prepared to participate in a way to make the communication complete.
A reader needs to know and understand, especially in a short story, that extraneous information should be deleted by an author. For example, unless it adds to the story, plot, conflict, or the personality of a character, knowing that the hero has silky, dark brown hair is not necessary. What difference does it make that his hair is silky? An writer may weave the character's hair and eye color into the story in such a way that it adds to the story, but any extra detail is unnecessary.
Readers need to bring an important trait to reading: imagination. Through imagination, they can "see" the story, characters, plot, conflict, actions. An author shouldn't need to give all small, unnecessary descriptions for a reader to know what is happening. As a reader myself, I enjoy allowing my imagination to bring the story to life. Many times what I imagine is more interesting to me than if the author gave me, or gives every detail. Some readers expect huge amounts of details describing each item in a room, whether the description of the room is important or not. When a reader "falls in love" with a character, she or he expects the writer to give all aspects of the character's physical appearance and personality. Such expectations are the result of lazy reading. The readers are not willing to bring imagination to the communication process.
The author's job is to provide enough information for readers to do the rest, create a mental movie in their heads. Imagination makes it possible for each, writer and reader, to his/her job.
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Works from Writing.Com
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Words from Our Readers
Just an Ordinary Boo! 
Thank you so much for featuring one of my items as your "pick".
I find writing about my family easy to do, I know them so well. That's why it's been a challenge to participate in some great contests here that really made me think beyond my comfort zones. This has helped my writing no end.
The newsletters' helpful tips have me now gleaning for the chaff of unnecessary qualifications and changing adverbs to phrases that 'show'. I'm still struggling, but I think I'm getting there.
Thanks to all you wonderful Eds.
Jyo
I have found some of my best writing comes when I stretch and write outside my comfort zone. Doing so isn't easy, but the results are exhilarating. Keep working, and you'll be happy with the results.
larryp
Hi Viv
Thanks for the tips in this newsletter. I like your thought about a short story being short. I don't write very many short stories, but when I do it seems like most of the reviewers ask for more details, etc. I think keeping a short story short is something many writers struggle with. (That and ending a sentence with a preposition.) Smile
Larry
You are so correct, Larry. Keeping a short story short and writing so that one doesn't end a sentence with a preposition takes practice and re-writing. Some people are either not willing to do the work, or don't understand what to do.
magpies 
Dear Viv, thank you for adding my Christmas story A Better Place to your Editor's picks.
Regards Jules1
Jaye P. Marshall 
Good newsletter, Viv. I enjoyed it.
You're welcome, Jules, and thank you, Jay.
Hannah ♫♥♫
Hi and Merry Christmas from Hannah, I enjoyed reading your newsletter and find it very helpful.
{indent{I have written only one item so far, a short story titled Green Beans and the Giant, if time permits, maybe you could read it and let me know how you do or don't like it. Thanks.
I included your story in the items highlighted for this issue. I hope you get some good reviews.
One note before I say goodbye, if you send feedback, please put the name of the editor you want to receive your message in it.
Until next time, please keep writing and reading.
Vivian |
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Short Stories: January 16, 2008 Issue [#2159]
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