  Short Stories
This week: Inspiration 101 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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Inspiration 101
I am baffled by writers who complain about their lack of inspiration. My problem is just the opposite: I have too many ideas and too little time. I oftentimes have two (actually, it's more like three) or more projects going at once, notebooks full of promising prospects, and wherever I go I get another story idea ... all it takes is hearing a song on the radio or noticing an interesting-looking stranger in a bookstore.
I was in Barnes & Noble perusing the covers and reading the jackets of those that caught my eye when I noticed a tiny (and by "tiny" I mean tiny--no more than four-foot six) woman in her seventies coming toward me. She had cherry-red hair, thick black eye make-up, hot pink-tinted cheeks and lips, and a dime-sized mole below her left eye ... but what made me really notice her was the huge lime green hat she wore (complete with flowers) with a leopard-print faux fur coat over yellow leggings and red rubber ankle-high galoshes.
My very first thought was, Dammit! I wish I had my camera! In my defense, I am also a photographer, and I always carry model release forms with me (well, 99.9% of the time, anyway) and she would have made an excellent subject--one I know without a doubt I could have sold.
Hindsight, right?
Anyway, I found myself sort of following her around the store. I was intrigued by her, and I wanted to know her story. Before I knew it, I was making up my own story (I'm working on it now, so fuhgeddaboudit!).  Just when I had her entire life plotted out in my mind, a very distinguished-looking older gentleman sporting a neatly-trimmed white goatee and a brown herringbone tweed jacket (complete with elbow patches), a patchwork tweed cap and a monocle sidled up to her and asked, "Are you ready, darling?"
I felt like I was in The Twilight Zone. People who look like that just don't exist outside movies, and definitely not together! I tried not to stare as they left the store arm in arm.
My point is that life is happening all around you. Be a vulture and steal little bites of it for your readers to feast on. Take a writing tablet (and a camera) with you everywhere you go and keep copious, detailed notes. Pay attention to your surroundings! What about the man dressed in fatigues standing outside Wal-Mart holding a sign that reads, "Homeless veteran, please help" or the young mother who sobs over her shopping cart while her child screams at the top of his lungs? What about that teenager down the street with the black eye who flinches when people make sudden movements?
Everyone has a story. Allow your surroundings to spark your creativity ... the rest is up to you.
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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!
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Feedback
The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (December 9, 2009)" :
PlannerDan  says, "Shannon, thank you for selecting my short story 'The Wooden Box' to be one of the featured items in this newsletter. I am honored. Please keep up the good work here. Again, thanks." It was my pleasure, PlannerDan. 
Jeff  says, "Another great newsletter, Shannon ... as always.  " Thank you, Jeff! I'm glad you liked it.
LJPC - the tortoise says, "Hi Shannon! Your NL really made me think. I enjoy writing short stories, but writing is still a struggle. It's never comfortable or easy. Maybe I'm not writing 'true subjects' as Joyce Carol Oates put it. But even though I have to chain myself to the laptop to write, I'm usually proud of the finished product. To me, it's sort of like giving birth. The process is kinda yucky, but the result is worthwhile." You are so right, Laura! It IS like giving birth, and it's ALWAYS worthwhile. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Doug Rainbow says, "Good letter. When asked how to do great sculpting a great sculptor replied, 'Your sculpture is in your block of marble already. Just cut away everything that isn't it.' Same thing with a short story." So true, Doug! And thank you for reading.
NickiD89  says, "Hi Shannon~ Great NL! The quote by Joyce Carol Oates spoke to me; she is one of my writing heroes. Thanks so much for sharing it!" You are so welcome, Nicki! Thanks for reading.
Coolhand says, "Super job,Shannon. You've encapsulated the short story in short order. I agree that if it becomes too difficult, one should try another subject. Thanks for including "Someday Over Yonder.'" Thank you, Coolhand! I'm glad you liked it, and it was my pleasure. 
Justice says, "Thanks for this week's newsletter. I've been away from w.com for a while but it was a great kick-in-the-pants to return to shorts. (I've been focusing on a few novels, lately). Thanks for the timely bit of inspiration." You are so welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment, and best of luck with your shorts!
StephBee  says, "Shannon, I always enjoy your newsletters and this one is no different. I love you review those 'elements' that really make a short story come together. Thanks much and Happy Holiays to you!" Aw, thank you, Steph! And Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Maria Mize  says, "I found your newsletter very interesting and informative. Thank you." Thank YOU for taking the time to read and comment.
Submitted Items
"I've always wanted to write a novel myself, but always found it overwhelming and commonly wrote short stories instead. I've, instead, merged the two and am working on a short story series instead. It lets me explore a broader plot while only needing to focus on a ten page episode at a time. By the time I'm finished, I'll have that novel I've been wanting!"
"This is a short ghost story in which I have tried to evoke an atmosphere reminiscent of the tales written by the great M R James.I am presenting it here for your consideration.Thank you."
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"Hello, Shannon,
This past month saw me simultaneously going towards the opposite extremes of writing. Whilst participating in NaNoWriMo for the first time (and producing 51,069 words by the end of the month), I also entered November's Short Shots contest with its 2,000 word limit. It was a real challenge to write a coherent story in a space that small! But your comment on economy of words rings true -- done right, a good, coherent story CAN be written with a sparing use of words and still get the pictures and meanings across. And I had to let my main character tell the story to his grandson, instead of writing it out as though in flashback (something of a contradiction to the "show, don't tell" admonition).
Skyhawk" |
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Short Stories: January 06, 2010 Issue [#3444]
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