  Short Stories
This week: Edited by: darkin
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Short stories are fiction's appetizers, short bursts of entertainment for the senses, to be consumed at the time.
My name is Darkin, and I'm your host this week for the Short Story Newsletter. |
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Surviving the Mid-Story Blahs
A story idea hits and you're off and writing. The words fly from your pencil to your paper and it seems like nothing can stop you now.
Then they hit you like a ton of bricks.
What are they??? Why, the blahs, of course.
Every writer has to deal with the mid-story blahs at least once in their writing career. And if you're like me, you deal with them more than once. First you start questioning your characters. Before you know it, your plot and setting are terrible too. Finally, you set the story aside and say it's too awful to continue.
Those are the blahs. But they aren't the end of the world, even when hitting a writer at full force.
This isn't writer's block. It's more of a disinterest in your story. Remember the excitement you felt when you first started your tale. The blahs steal that excitement and turn it into disinterest. But don't worry, there is help for the mid-story blahs.
Change the Genre
Usually, when you get a story idea, the genre shows itself from the beginning. But is that the right genre for that story? If you find yourself faltering, try writing it in a different genre. It may seem like a lot of work, but you might find your story's true calling if you do.
Change the Point of View
Often I've found if a story doesn't seem to be going where I wanted it to, I've picked the wrong point of view. Taking a floundering tale in third-person and making it first-person could be just what you need to perk your interest back to excitement.
Ending First
Sometimes writing the ending first, before you do the middle or even the beginning, will give you a fresh perspective. Even if you never use the ending you write, it could take your tale in a direction you never would have thought of while writing.
To Whom it May Concern
Write a letter in one of you main character's voice, telling you exactly where he/she would like the story to go. Be sure to use their manners, personality and speech patterns when writing.
Who Needs a Word Count
Even if you are writing your story for a contest with a set word count, ignore the count for a bit. Stress over too many, or too few, words can really ruin your interest in the tale. Remember, you can always go back and add, or cut, words later.
Change Your Method
Are you handwriting your story? Then use your computer. Typing it? Try handwriting. Sometimes changing the way you're writing can add a much needed spark to your energy and to your interest.
Talk About it
Want to find the sizzle you had in the beginning. Talk about your story to a writing buddy or trusted friend/family member. Tell them what inspired you at the beginning, and maybe you'll find it again.
But what if none of these ideas work, you ask? What if that story is just too dumb to survive? Well then, put it aside for a little while and do something else. Just don't throw it away.
But be careful. If you are doing this with every story you write you are in danger of not finishing a tale, and in danger of letting the blahs take over your writing life. And that would be a terrible thing to have happen.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!
darkin |
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Thank you for allowing me to enter your world. If you have any comments, or questions, feel free to drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you!
darkin
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Submitted By: squirrelygirl
Submitted Comment:
Thanks for the inspiration! I found writing.com yesterday and now I'm hooked - it has been a long time since I've written anything besides a grocery list so I'm thrilled at this great chance to rewet my feet. You've got me on the right track for the day!
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Submitted By: Fyn-elf 
Submitted Comment:
Great article!!!
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Submitted By: AXiLeA
Submitted Comment:
Hello Darkin,
Your newsletter is great, I really love the way you have dealt with the main reasons not to write. It's an interesting "countdown", the reasons are simply explained and it's very encouraging for writers in general, whatever their genre, style or age.
Good work indeed!
Axilea
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Submitted By: larryp
Submitted Comment:
Very good newsletter Darkin -
Talent isn't something you're born with. It's something you nurture and develop over time by doing.
>>great words!
I started writing at the age of 54, well poetry and stories anyway. I started writing in scribbles when I was about two.
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Submitted By: bazilbob
Submitted Comment:
It's also important to remember that many writers find that the act of writing, in itself, helps them think up ideas, and it definitely enables you to improve your writing. If you don't write you won't get any better, and you might not get any ideas either. That's what good old automatic writing is for, because it doesn't matter what you right, as long as you do.
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Submitted By: Bill Fisher 
Submitted Comment:
I enjoyed the short story tips. I need to be reminded of the importance of revising and rewriting.
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Short Stories: July 16, 2008 Issue [#2503]
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