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Short Stories: December 16, 2009 Issue [#3438]

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Short Stories


 This week: Ramble or Run?
  Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

Ramble or Run?
Using paragraphs to control the pace.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B083RZJVJ8
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Letter from the editor

Long, long ago, I was an advertising copywriter.

I gave it up to be a teacher. (People said I was crazy, but that's another story! *Wink*)

Anyway, as a copywriter, I had to learn how to grab attention, hold attention and sell a product all in the space of very few words.

That's grab, hold and sell.

One of the most important lessons was - where to start the next paragraph.

Sometimes, a sentence was a paragraph all by itself, when it had to pack a real punch, or re-inforce something that had already been said. Sometimes, when an explanation or argument had to build up to a point, a few sentences were grouped together, so the reader would hold the thought. It doesn't do to break the thought too abruptly.

Or does it?

Where the words might lose their grip on the reader, it became necessary to pick up the pace. To give a little dose of adrenaline, to keep the attention going. Some paragraphs were really short.

Three words, maybe.

Or two.

One.

If we had to describe something, paragraphs were longer. That was bliss, for us, to be able to write a long paragraph. Sitting at our desks, sipping tea or coffee, (or, rarely, milk), shutting out the bustle around us, we would put our thoughts together and string a paragraph that had more than one, two or three words in it. Some people chewed their pencils, some stared in to space, some hummed a tune. Some just wrote, frantically, because advertising copy is all about meeting deadlines. Oh, this was before everyone had access to the computer.

Yes.

There was a time, dear reader, when every desk didn't have a computer on it. The whole copy department shared two computers.

One department, two computers.

That's why I began this story with the words 'long, long ago'.

But I still use the lessons I learnt then, about controlling the flow and pace of the piece by starting a new paragraph exactly where it is needed. I wonder if I've succeeded.

Let me know!

- Sonali *Bigsmile*


Editor's Picks

Stories!

 What's That Ringing Noise? Open in new Window. (ASR)
Sometimes it pays to answer the phone at 3AM
#1617502 by Rasputin Author IconMail Icon


Soul Mates Open in new Window. (13+)
Second Place in WDC Inspirational Quote contest.
#1609148 by Hyperiongate Author IconMail Icon


 The Sound of Trees Open in new Window. (13+)
Here is my homage to the trees I've loved and lost.
#1561414 by J. A. Buxton Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1332334 by Not Available.


Your Heart's Desire Open in new Window. (E)
Be sure you know what you want....
#1627481 by Vampyr14 Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1627682 by Not Available.


Stories of Some Odd Characters Open in new Window. (18+)
Stories about some different characters and how they deal with the hand life dealt them.
#1394179 by Jaye P. Marshall Author IconMail Icon


Tips!

STATIC
Long Musings on Short Stories Open in new Window. (E)
Some random thoughts on writing short stories.
#1537812 by Max Griffin 🏳️‍🌈 Author IconMail Icon


Christmas Cheer!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1354469 by Not Available.


 Reindeer Roulette! Open in new Window. (E)
Winners announced for 2013! Now closed for the season.
#1625672 by Robert Waltz Author IconMail Icon


Contests!

FORUM
Twisted Tales Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
A monthly contest for stories with a twist. Get 500 GPs for entering! Nov round open!
#1269187 by Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon


The Hint Fiction Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Can you tell a story with only a few words? Hint Fiction requires a silver pen.
#1253724 by Storm Machine Author IconMail Icon


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


Interactive!

INTERACTIVE
Pass the Write-Baton Open in new Window. (18+)
Write what you wish, do your best, and pass the baton. 1000 gps prize per addition. Enjoy!
#1530602 by Joy Author IconMail Icon


For Newbies!

 
SURVEY
Dragon Adoption Chamber Open in new Window. (E)
Fill out this adoption Scroll and begin your journey as Dragon Tamer.
#2310295 by GERVIC Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1594589 by Not Available.

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

My first Short Stories Newsletter!

Hope you enjoyed it! *Bigsmile*

- Sonali

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