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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3184
Short Stories: August 19, 2009 Issue [#3184]

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Short Stories


 This week: What Do I Care?
  Edited by: Shannon 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

Purchased from stock.adobe.com


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


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

What Do I Care?


What is it that compels people to turn the page (or scroll down, as it were)? What makes us stay up night after night, foregoing sleep and family time, all for just one more chapter?

Empathy.

When we empthize with a character, we identify with and care about what happens to him--we experience  his pain, his longing, his fear, his joy and his sorrow right along with him. It's simultaneous, and it's spectacular.

Character is key.  You can have the best plot, the coolest action, the steamiest love scenes, the most believable dialogue ... but if you don't have characters your readers care about and identify with, you've got nothing.

I just finished watching Tell No One--a French film adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel--for the second time. This may well be my new favorite movie. The cinematography is breathtaking, the soundtrack devastatingly beautiful, the plot sinuous, the acting stellar, and the action will keep you on the edge of your seat. But it's the characters ... ah, the characters  are what make this movie so divine. I was an emotional wreck by the time it was over, literally sobbing like a little girl who'd lost her mommy.

I highly recommend this film; it's available through Netflix (you can even watch it instantly online), or you can view the trailer by clicking here: http://bit.ly/39inTI. Not only is it well worth the two hours it'll take you to watch it (I bet you watch it more than once, though), you'll be schooled on what master characterization looks like.

If you DO see the movie, I would love to know your thoughts. Simply email me or respond to this newsletter and I will include your responses in the feedback section of my next short stories NL (coming to an inbox near you August 26).

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Editor's Picks

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This item number is not valid.
#1581834 by Not Available.


Birmingham Open in new Window. (18+)
Black & White: Alabama, 1957--A short story 250gps per quality review
#881985 by EVOLVIST Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#784524 by Not Available.


 The Changeling Open in new Window. (13+)
A young man spends his Christmas Birthday struggling with life, death, sanity, and freedom
#1226741 by Basilides Author IconMail Icon


Two Sentences on a Postcard Open in new Window. (ASR)
The realization came in Austria; the turning point, in Ireland...
#390441 by Emily Author IconMail Icon


Your July Short Shots Winners:
STATIC
Homage Open in new Window. (13+)
1st Place Winner of Short Shots 7/09; published in Literary Foray anthology 2010
#1583786 by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1583921 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1586760 by Not Available.


And my non-winning entry:
Independence Day Open in new Window. (18+)
A chance encounter changes three people's lives forever. July 2009 Short Shots entry.
#1580274 by Shannon Author IconMail Icon

 
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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

Feedback


The following feedback is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (July 22, 2009)Open in new Window.

spidey Author IconMail Icon says, "I love books like those! Two I've found in recent years are The Thief of Always by Clive Barker and Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. I recommend them to everyone I know! Good newsletter! *Smile*" Thank you, Spidey! I will add those two to my list.

NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon says, "Great newsletter, Shannon! The premise for Olive Kitteridge is fascinating. I wish I'd thought of that! Even her name is clever: what color is 'olive?' Is it green, or grey? I can't wait to go out and buy this book. Thanks for the recommendation!" You are very welcome, Nicki. Thanks for the feedback!

darkskye Author IconMail Icon says, "'I realized Olive is just like the rest of us.' This is so true! Opinions on not just people, but on everything differs so drastically. It's what makes the world so unique. Great newsletter!" Thank you, DarkSkye! I'm glad you liked the NL.

Lorien Author IconMail Icon says, "I completely agree about the importance of reading for aspiring writers. Not only does it expose us to new ideas, styles, and genres, it gives us an idea of what's out there and where our works might fit in. I've always been a reader, and I think voracious reading is vital to being a successful writer. That's one of the reasons I have "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window. , an in-and-out for writers to post their favorite published books." FABULOUS idea, Lorien! Thanks for sharing the link with us.

Adriana Noir Author IconMail Icon says, "Sounds like an interesting book! Thanks for pointing it out and for featuring 'Bittersweet.' I really liked the last line of this edition! It certainly does help to know what good writing looks like. *Laugh*" My pleasure, Adriana. Thank YOU for sharing your wonderful talent with the rest of us!

April Sunday Author IconMail Icon says, "This is what a book review should be, Shannon. The sum, reasons to read. Thanks for a marvelous recommendation. Ooops, running out the door to the Library right now!" *Laugh* Thank you, Teff! Enjoy the book.

JACE Author IconMail Icon says, "Truly a great book, Shannon; thank you for recommending it. Got any more? *Bigsmile* Great story recommendations too." Thanks, Jace! And yes, I DO have more! Gobs and gobs. *Laugh* I'm glad you enjoyed the book, and the stories were great, weren't they!

Submitted Items


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#1518804 by Not Available.

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