Short Stories: August 03, 2005 Issue [#539]
<< July 27, 2005Short Stories Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueAugust 10, 2005 >>

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Short Stories


 This week:
  Edited by: Diane 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

Welcome to this week's edition of the Short Story newsletter. Each edition of the newsletter highlights issues of concern to short story writers.

~*Flower4*~ Diane ~*Flower4*~


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Revisiting Old Items


I hear many people on the site complaining about lack of inspiration. To these people, I extend a challenge. Review old stories in your portfolio. Is there any way you can make the plot stronger? Can the scenes be more vivid for the reader? Could the characters be more realistic? Are there any loose ends that need to be tied up?

Reading an item in your portfolio may ignite the passion you felt at one time for this particular storyline. Something inspired you to write the tale in the first place, attempt to rekindle the flame. Writing doesn't necessarily have to involve new material. It's possible that you wrote something quickly for a contest, then didn't take the time to go back and revise.

Perhaps you have a story that doesn't get many reviews, or hasn't been well received by others. This doesn't mean the story isn't worthy of reading or publication. It simply means that you've been distracted by new plots and characters so you haven't taken the time to revise the tale. Take that time now that you are lacking inspiration.

If you take the time to polish a story that has been sitting dusty and unnoticed in a forgotten corner of your portfolio, send it into the newsletter. I'd be happy to feature a newly polished gem that needs some fresh reviews. *Smile*

Until next time,
Diane Author IconMail Icon


Editor's Picks

I've selected a few short stories below for your reading pleasure. Enjoy, and remember to send a review to the author.



 Pretty Boy Lloyd Open in new Window. (13+)
A teenager, tired of low-paying jobs, embarks on an ill-considered life of crime.
#994725 by RickN Author IconMail Icon



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This item number is not valid.
#996693 by Not Available.



 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#996457 by Not Available.



 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#992142 by Not Available.



 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#988454 by Not Available.



Featured Contests:

 Mad Apple Short Fiction Contest RESULTS Open in new Window. (13+)
Thanks for entering - it was fun!
#996643 by MadApple Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#617470 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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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Ask & Answer

The editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable and appreciate your responses.


*Note1* Puditat Author Icon "Diane, once again I seem to have the opposite problem. I find it hard to write in winter (now!) as my fingers get so cold over the keyboard. I spend half my day stoking the fires and getting in firewood. Roll on summer...*Bigsmile*"

Hey, together we could write all year! Maybe we need to talk... *Wink*

*Note1* Nikola~Thankful Author Icon "As long as you're enjoying your summer, Diane! I think I'm more inspired in spring and fall. Something about the changing of the seasons..."

Hmmm, I completely forgot about those seasons! The changes in scenery do inspire me as well.

*Note1* Strange Wulf Author Icon "Heh. I know how it is. Writing always seems harder in the summer months, perhaps because we become conditioned in school to think of it as a time to relax and not work. At least, not the kind of work we do in the winter months.

Hope you can break the bad habit at least every now and then, like I have, because even a little bit of writing is still writing!"

I'm happy you've given me insight into the reason behind my slacking! I do write in the summer, just not as often. *Smile*


*Note1* Tehanu Author Icon "I agree with you, Diane! The summer is meant to be lived - to play sports, soak up the sun, and travel.

Perhaps winter was simply invented for authors to curl up by a roaring fire - to take time to read, write, and consume much chocolate.

I enjoyed reading your newletter!"

Perhaps summer is meant to rejuvenate our writing batteries. I'm all for the chocolate consumption, but that's got to happen all year long!


*Note1* bymydesigns "I just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed this newsletter very much, and thank you for doing it! As for your guilt...lose it! Think of this summer as your research for all those stories you will be writing come winter and then just sit back and enjoy. Life is too short to stress about writing. (and besides, if you HAVE to write something, how much fun is that)?

Thank you for all these great stories to read...I can't wait to get to them. (but right now I need to shut up and get to work. <sigh>"

I try not to force myself to write as that takes the joy out of the experience. Thanks for the reminder.


*Note1* laregna "Hi! I wanna thank you for highlighting "Fixing up the Summer" in the July 7th Newsletter. That was a wonderful surprise! And I know how frustratingly guilty it is to want to write, but just can't find the time. It seems my novel has stalled indefinitely...ah well. I just keep plugging away! Keep the great newsletters coming!"

You're welcome and good luck with your novel.

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

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