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Short Stories: October 13, 2010 Issue [#4012]

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Short Stories


 This week: "My Name Is Roger, and I'm an addict."
  Edited by: Shannon 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

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Welcome to the Short Stories Newsletter. I am Shannon Author IconMail Icon and I'm your editor this week.


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Letter from the editor

Recently I was fortunate enough to spend an entire week at the lake--no cell service, no internet access, no interruptions. Four miles down the road from Woodhead Park there's a little tackle shop where you can buy bait, a urinal with a secure twist-on lid, order lunch, and fill your thermos with coffee that'll do in a pinch. One afternoon I sat reading a book over my plate of chicken strips and fries when I overheard a man and woman discussing their personal demons:

Woman: "You need smokes today, Roger?"

Man: "Quit."

Woman: "Wow, good for you! I'm still trying. Just can't seem to kick the damn things."

Man: "Chantix."

Woman: "Chantix, huh? Yeah, I heard that stuff works pretty good. Did it make you all crazy or anything?"

Man: "Nauseated some, 'bout all."

Woman: "Maybe I'll ask the doc next time I go."

Man: "Expensive."

Woman: "How much?"

Man: "$169.00."

Woman: "$169.00! Lord have mercy, I can't afford that."

Man: "Six, one half dozen, or the other."

Woman: "I suppose that's true. Alright, anything else for you today?"

Man: "Oughta do it."

Woman: "Okay, that'll be $32.89."

Okay, so not the most exciting conversation in the world, but I did gather two things from it: 1. Roger is quite the conversationalist, and 2. everyone is struggling with something,  whether it be addiction, obesity, depression, jealousy, phobia, insecurity, abuse ... each of us has something we wish we could overcome.

What haunts your character? What keeps him up at night? Does he muddle through, ashamed, isolated, alone, or does he expose his secret and rely on his family, friends, and fellow sufferers for support? Pretending something doesn't exist won't make it disappear, but talking about it removes its power. In addition, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.

Give your characters a flaw, an obstacle, a weakness that affects their daily lives. Not only will it humanize them, it'll make them more interesting, and your readers will cheer them on as they empathize from the sidelines.

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Editor's Picks

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The Best Gift Open in new Window. (18+)
The greatest mistake of my life offers me a chance at life anew.
#1319282 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


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This item number is not valid.
#1490680 by Not Available.


A Mouthful of Ashes Open in new Window. (18+)
Available in print on Amazon under 'Writer's Bump'
#1440615 by Robert 'BobCat' Author IconMail Icon


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#1241588 by Not Available.


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David's Tale Open in new Window. (18+)
Memoirs of a stolen childhood and innocence lost
#1133601 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

Feedback


The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (September 15, 2010)Open in new Window.:

NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon says, "The steps of grieving are a great guide for character arcs. Thanks for the inspiration!" You are very wecome, Nicki. And it looks like congratulations are in order. CONGRATULATIONS! You deserve it.

Zeke Author IconMail Icon says, "This may not be politically correct, but I've found that prayer is the best stage for grief." It is for many people, but not everyone. Grief is a very personal journey, and each individual should be allowed to grieve in their own way.

NaNoNette Author IconMail Icon says, "Resolutely amazing newsletter. Made me cry. And I don't cry easily. Thank you for explaining the stages of grief and how to incorporate those into our writing." Aw, thank you Giselle. You're too sweet.


Submitted Items


 Revolution of Humans and Anthros Intro Open in new Window. (18+)
Intro to my Interactive. Two friends discover the truth about their races' history
#1705434 by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon


 Zena's Interview Open in new Window. (18+)
An interview with my wolfess ex-thief turned law officer. Dialogue form. Contest Entry
#1688102 by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon

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