  Short Stories
This week: The Gift of a Good Book Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Short Stories Newsletter. I am Shannon and I'm your editor this week. |
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The Gift of a Good Book
Easy reading is damn hard writing. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
It doesn't happen often, but it does happen: You open a book and completely lose yourself in its pages. Books like this are an unexpected gift--a gift you want to share with other lovers of the written word.
I found one such book in Olive Kitteridge.
Written by Elizabeth Strout and published in 2008, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Olive Kitteridge takes place in the sleepy town of Crosby, Maine. Each chapter is a short story written from the perspective of a different Crosby resident, and each chapter revolves around how Olive, a retired school teacher, has influenced his or her life.
As I read, I was haunted by how incredibly diverse and subjective people's opinions are. How can so many people view one person, Olive, in so many different ways? Some adore her; some fear her. Some see her as an empathetic angel; others see a frigid, unsympathetic hag.
And they're all right! Each person has a reason, a particular memory, an excuse to feel as they do about Olive. By the end of the first chapter (written from her husband's perspective), I loathed her. By the end of the second I thought, Well, maybe she's not so bad, and by the time I finished the book I realized Olive is just like the rest of us: she has good days and bad, people she likes and people she dislikes, and a whole lifetime of personal experience that makes her who she is.
Olive is you and me.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Olive Kitteridge is writing at its best. And if you want to be a great writer, it helps to know what great writing looks like, right?
Until next time, happy writing (and reading)!
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Speaking of great writing, please enjoy the following fabulous works. If you love them as I did, please send the authors a note to let them know.
|  | Rockabee (E)
A tale of Rockabee, a town in the drop of Alder sap by the Giant's Grave in Cong, Ireland
#1227521 by Basilides  |
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#940056 by Not Available. |
| | Homage (13+)
1st Place Winner of Short Shots 7/09; published in Literary Foray anthology 2010
#1583786 by NickiD89  |
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This item number is not valid.
#1507574 by Not Available. |
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#998231 by Not Available. |
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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
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Feedback
The following feedback is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (June 24, 2009)"
happy mommy says, "Thanks for writing this newsletter. I found your section on the definitons very helpful. This will definitely be a new referencing piece for me. Keep up the good work." Thank you, Sara! I'm glad you found it helpful. I appreciate the feedback.
Coolhand says, "Thanks for sharing your experience at the Boise Writers' Conference. Bob Mayer explained it perfectly: What is your original idea. William Zinsser, the author of On Writing Well, would add: Know who you're writing for and what you want to accomplish. Great newsletter, Shannon. It strengthens what I'm studying right now." Thank YOU, Coolhand. Maybe next year you can join us here in Boise. It's a good time. 
April Sunday says, "Thanks for these links and impressive take on sound-bite repetition. These sentence treats have definitions? Who knew? Best NL ever, so color it fantastic, Shannon!" You are very welcome for the links, Fiona. Hopefully they'll be as useful to you as they've been to me. Thanks so much for your encouragement and support. 
DRSmith  says, "Tools? You bet! Smashing article; the type I relish, as should all aspriring WDC'ers. Pay heed, people. I don't know some of the technical names (same as bug species, I suppose), but rec'mend print outs for reference now and then. Every one of these 'tools' can have a dramatic impact on words and phrases, strengthening the power of not only a single word, but can breathe vigorous life into an entire scene, dialog, or action. On the other hand, tools are what you make of them ... sort of like a neighbor whose only culinary success was a balogna sandwich, but she had an $8000 stove installed 'cause it looked good.' Go figure. lol" Thank you, doctor! Glad you liked it. An $8,000.00 stove, huh? They make $8,000.00 stoves? Dang! 
Lauriemariepea says, "Wonderful newsletter, Shannon! I never knew these 'tricks' had names and were official in the writing world. Now I feel a little more justified in my methods. Thanks!" You're welcome, LaurieMarie! Thank YOU for taking the time to read and comment.
Fyn  says, "Another awesome newsletter with some very helpful info. I always wondered what some of those things were called! Gonna save this one for sure." Thank you, fyn! Delighted you liked it. Thanks for the feedback. 
Mara ♣ McBain  says, "Awesome newsletter, Shannon! In a bit of a slump myself, I found Mr. Mayer's advice inspiring and your encouragement to 'make your writing stand out' lights a creative fire in me! Thank you for sharing and for highlighting Promise of Tomorrow!  " You are very welcome, Mara. Great to hear the NL inspired you! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Tornado Dodger  says, "You want the reader awake, not in a trance. Good point! Great NL, I enjoyed it immensely! Repetition is a great subject and one that isn't written about often. Keep up the great work.  " Thank you, Brooke! Awake is good, but emotionally committed is even better. Glad you liked it.
sarahreed says, "What an ingenious idea and how simple! Just write out the original idea of the story and post it near where I write. I often lose sight of where I started. Thanks for talking about the conference you went to." I know! That's what I thought. I will do it from now on, though. Thanks for the feedback!
Shadow says, "What a great edition. Lots of good information.  " Thank you, Shadow! Glad you liked it.
JACE  says, "I was fortunate enough to attend this same conference with Shannon. This was my FIRST writing conference ever. And it was fabulous! Y'all don't wait--find a similar conference and GO!!! You won't regret it. Bob Mayer and Margie Lawson are two of the most articulate and engaging folk I've had the pleasure to hear. The information I obtained from their classes will be invaluable to me. Expect better quality writing from me--hold me to it. Thank you, Shannon, for suggesting it." Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jace! It was a great conference, and attending it with a good friend made it even better. |
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Short Stories: July 22, 2009 Issue [#3131]
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