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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12257
Short Stories: November 15, 2023 Issue [#12257]




 This week: Get to the Point
  Edited by: NaNoNette 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

"Everyone's busy these days. The attention span is so much shorter than it was. So you want to be concise and get to the point very quickly." ~ Estelle Erasmus


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Get to the Point


Short stories, by definition, have only a short amount of time to set the stage for the unfolding plot. In classical literature, there is often a lot of front matter before a story takes off. In modern fiction, the reader is usually thrust into a situation from the first word or sentence.

There are few more tools that you can use to get readers invested in picking up your story, starting to read it, and stick with it.

*Bullet* Choose a good title. Give a hint at what is to come or intentionally mislead.

*Bullet* Make every sentence count by giving it a purpose in the story. If a sentence doesn't advance the plot, why is it there?

*Bullet* Use active language. Classical writing is full of passive language. Just because it was acceptable and published 100 years ago doesn't really make passive narration compelling reading.

*Bullet* Avoid filler words. Tight sentences that aren't too wordy keep the reader's attention.

*Bullet* Give your sentences a variety of lengths. All simple sentences or all long-winded sentences become boring to read.

*Bullet* Make the last word count. End as many sentences with a word that foreshadows the next sentence.

*Bullet* Be specific. Find expressive words that are filled with concrete meaning rather than broad definitions.

*Bullet* Sometimes, it makes sense to come full circle. At the end of the story, it could be an idea to reference the beginning.

Try some of these suggestions the next time you plot out a short story.

How soon do you think is too late to rope the reader in?


Editor's Picks

 
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At the Brink Open in new Window. (13+)
A young political science professor is awakened by a knock at the door. (WCount 2400)
#2307526 by Damon Nomad Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2307492 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2307477 by Not Available.

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Calendar Open in new Window. (E)
A calendar discusses its lot. 2nd place in Personify Writing Contest, October 2023.
#2307474 by Beholden Author IconMail Icon

 
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The Cleansing Open in new Window. (13+)
Stacy is a vampire. She loves blood; but, she has a special talent few possess.
#2307409 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon

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This item number is not valid.
#2307356 by Not Available.

 
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Army Buddies Open in new Window. (13+)
Pauline joins the army
#2307309 by the last cicada Author IconMail Icon

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Highway of Tears Open in new Window. (13+)
...the right thing is always right: David Cottrell. ~1079 words.
#2307301 by Nightkeeper Author IconMail Icon

 
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Asmo-mania Open in new Window. (E)
After watching all seven Paranormal Activity movies no one knows whats real.
#2307281 by NaNotatoGo! Author IconMail Icon

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A Fancy Feast Open in new Window. (E)
Recipe and short story contest entry. (Winner!)
#2307272 by Krista Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

There was a reply to my last Short Stories newsletter "Put the Cart Before the Horse" Open in new Window. that asked: Do you have an article or essay about the writing craft that would be helpful to the whole writing community?

Damon Nomad Author Icon wrote: Great newsletter and a good idea to share some WDC tools, surprised to see my review checklist on there.

Review checklists are a great writing tool. Who would have thought?

And a reply to an older newsletter "Spring Into Writing" Open in new Window. by Elfin Dragon-finally published Author Icon: I'm not sure if Spring makes me want to write more or less. I think I'm an average kind of writer that just kind of takes up the pen/pencil/laptop when the mood strikes me.

And another reply to another older newsletter "Short Story, Preface, or First Chapter?" Open in new Window. by Elfin Dragon-finally published Author Icon: I have written SO MANY short stories that have become either the first chapter of a novel or somewhere in the novel. The problem is, now I've got way too many novels to write! LOL *Smile*

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