  Fantasy
This week: Zombies Grab Readers Attention Edited by: Prosperous Snow celebrating  
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A writer of fantasy and science fiction must get the reader's attention immediately. In a short story or flash fiction, the first paragraph must hook the editor and the reader.
If you have not read the CDC blog about preparing for a zombie apocalypse see http://emergency.cdc.gov/socialmedia/zombies_blog.asp
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The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recently found a good way to grab people's attention. On its Public Health Matters Blog, the CDC used the Zombie Apocalypse to get the reader's attention and educate them on the importance of preparing for an emergency. As fantasy and science fiction writer's we can take a cue from the CDC when it comes to writing short stories and flash fiction.
The writer of the blog entry, Ali S. Khan, got the reader's attention in the first paragraph. After that, he went on to give background information on Zombies. Mr. Kahn gave only the background information that was necessary to carry the plot of the entry forward. The reader is hooked and ready to learn how to prepare for an emergency.
When we write short stories or flash fiction, we need to hook the reader with the first paragraph. Then include background information necessary to the plot. The background information, like the descriptions of setting and characters, needs to be part of the action. The most important thing is to hook the reader with the first paragraph. What is your opinion on this subject?
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Excerpt: I'm all alone now. I have a short time left to write my story, so I'll be brief. The clock on my desk softly ticks away the seconds, reminding me of my destiny. I'm fortunate that my laptop still works.
Excerpt: This is where the accident occurs. Bang. Three people dead because he decided to drink more then he should. He was the only one with the license, and the only one to survive. His passengers weren't so lucky. Not even the sober one. Guess she should have spoken up more....
Excerpt: Will Mosley's parents died while he was still a young man. With a little hard work, the farm they left him could have made him quite prosperous, but work did not appeal to Will. He would much rather spend his time drinking at the tavern or hunting in the woods.
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Excerpt: As he was walking by the river, Jeremy heard a baby crying, but there was no one near or in the river except a floating basket. He swam to the basket. Inside was a red-faced infant.
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Excerpt: " Magic water basket, Magic water basket? that's your thesis spell?..."
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Excerpt: A hush fell over those gathered in the courtroom as the sentencing hearing began. The Grand Arbitrator looking calm and sage like, his wizened grey features betraying nothing, took the bench resplendent in the formal judicial robes of the thousand worlds...
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Excerpt: Light danced and flickered off of the walls from a candle as Hellion, the newly elected Emperor of Triton, scrolled through his Holographic Interface Control. The holograph displayed in front of him glowed a transparent blue while he programed it to play specific songs. His baby girl, of only a few days, lay sleeping in a crib to his right. He watched over her while his wife retrieved their four year old, from school. Wanting her to remain asleep, he endured the repeated melodies of a lullaby.
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Excerpt: Once upon a time, in a land not far away, a young knight stood anxiously watching out over the kingdom, enjoying the view of his kingdom. The knight was a handsome young man, who was filled with images of glory and honor, and the kingdom rested safely in his mind.
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Excerpt: All around us, the city burned. The trees, the buildings, the people; charred wood and flesh filled the nose and made the stomach flip. Thick black smoke coated the lungs and stung the eyes. Those who were fortunate enough to have escaped the collapsing buildings and falling foliage ran through the streets, screaming.
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Excerpt: "Remind me again why I have to go with you?" Kieran could barely keep up with his companion, the elf's long strides propelling him forward with ease. He had long since begun panting from their recent trip down a long flight of stairs.
Submitted to the Newsletter
Excerpt What have I gotten myself into? Julia wondered...
Contests and Review Forums
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Annette  writes: Love the Cryptids! I recently had a lengthy conversation with my children about the Chupa Cabra.
Personally, I think a world with mystical creatures so hard to identify is more fun, so I believe all of the tales. Otherwise, we'd be stuck with books like Old Yeller, Lassy, and Flipper forever. Nothing wrong with those, but even the elusive wolverine was for a long time believed to be a make-believe animal. We know better now, can only be a matter of weeks until they finally find proof of the Jackalope in the North American forests.
BIG BAD WOLF is Merry  writes: There is plenty of mystery out there. HOWLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!
mike238  writes: That was amazing!!! I like it.
LJPC - the tortoise  writes: Hi Prosperous! Thanks for the NL on cryptids. I had no idea about them. I think the link you gave is great fodder for writers of fantasy and horror, too. This was very helpful to me. Thanks! 
Laura
Does anyone have any Zombie stories?
Prosperous Snow celebrating
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Fantasy: May 25, 2011 Issue [#4415]
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