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Short Stories: September 17, 2008 Issue [#2614]

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Short Stories


 This week:
  Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading 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


*Leaf4**Leaf2**Leaf1*

All that I see or seem
is but a dream within a dream.

Edgar Alan Poe


I am honored ot be your guest host for this week's WDC Short Story Newsletter. I hope you enjoy the journey as we focus on some different perspectives.


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Letter from the editor

Greetings!

          Thank you for welcoming me into your virtual home once again as your guest host of this week’s WDC Short Story Newsletter.

          We’ve recently explored together two points of view. First person, where the writer relates a story up close and personal. Second person, where the writer addresses the reader and puts the reader in the story as the character, leading him/her along, telling him/her what to do and think. Each conveys a single point of view – mine or yours (as I relay it) throughout the story.

          Now, I’d like to explore a misperception I had for a long time – multiple points of view.

          *Bullet* “He grabbed my purse off my arm and shuffled off, tried to blend into the crowd, but he tripped over my swinging cane and I stumbled on top of him and that’s what happened!” (point of view of the would-be victim)

         *Bullet* “The old witch whacked me across the knees for no reason and I got tangled up in her handbag as I went down. I think I sprained my ankle.” (point of view of the would –be thief on the corner, lying prone, droopy drawers around his ankles)

         *Bullet* “Roll over and hands where I can see them.” (point of view of the officer addressing the prone would-be purse-snatcher, as he retrieves the lady’s purse.) “Ma’am, are you okay? Did he hurt you in any way? Do you need any medical assistance?”

         *Bullet* Three points of view? No, just one. Each of these is in the first person – as related by the character (I’ve left out more detailed descriptives here, but you can picture the scene, I think. What we’ve seen is one view, personal, from three individual perspectives ~ that of the would-be victim, the would-be perp, and an officer fortunately at the scene. None of the three acted as an impartial observer or as an outside observer. So, one point of view, three perspectives.

         In a short story, one perspective normally drives the story, that of the main character, whether it be in the first person or as related by the author in second or third person. In some longer short stories, two perspectives may appear, perhaps an antagonist playing off the protagonist to foreshadow action to take place, or near the end, to help solve a mystery or to resolve the plot that’s been unfolding along the way and bring the story to its satisfying conclusion.

         In a short story, the focus of the story can change as the writer describes actions, perceptions, motivation of the protagonist or main character in one scene, then perhaps the next scene the antagonist, then summing up with the focus on the observer or ancillary character (the arresting officer above?).

         In a novel, chapter-by-chapter interplay can work, I think, but in a short story, the perspective of one character would drive the story, allowing the reader to identify with or empathize with that character. The author might change the focus or perspective for a scene or two in a short story for added scenic depth or to foreshadow (plant a clue or lead the reader) to a natural and satisfying resolution of the story itself.

         So, perspective and focus, as designed by the author, can hold one point of view through a story, as conveyed through the actions of several characters. Maybe it will work for one of your short stories ~ really draw the reader into the ‘otherworld’ you’ve created.

          Thank you again for your welcome – and I hope you enjoy the following stories offered for your reading pleasure ~ and perhaps offer the writers a few comments in return.

Until we next meet,
I hope you stay ‘focused’ *Wink*

Keep Writing!
Kate


Editor's Picks

Enjoy the 'view' and share your comments as to perspective and point of view with these authors who have penned some stories for our reading (and reviewing) pleasure

 Shadows Open in new Window. (E)
Life from the point of view of my kitten.
#1463606 by Arielle Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1466754 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1454355 by Not Available.


 Eleven Months Open in new Window. (13+)
A piece written from the perspective of a Marine in Iraq.
#1450649 by Gwenith M. Vehlow Author IconMail Icon


Shopper's Remorse Open in new Window. (ASR)
The day I officially quit smoking...
#1447733 by aceshanti Author IconMail Icon


 A Calm Catastrophe Open in new Window. (E)
A short short story I wrote...experimental focus and descriptions
#1376411 by Relayer Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#984115 by Not Available.



Some unique perspectives await the Muse in this creative challenge*Thumbsup*

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1474326 by Not Available.


And this personal favorite incites daily challenges the Muse Creative

Image Protector
FORUM
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 Sophurky Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY WDC

Until we next meet along the byways of our Community,

Enjoy the ride, 'focused' on the joy of it~

Keep Writing!
Kate

Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon

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