  Short Stories
This week: What Do I Care? Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Short Stories Newsletter. I am Shannon and I'm your editor this week. |
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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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| |  | The Changeling (13+)
A young man spends his Christmas Birthday struggling with life, death, sanity, and freedom
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Your July Short Shots Winners:
| | Homage (13+)
1st Place Winner of Short Shots 7/09; published in Literary Foray anthology 2010
#1583786 by NickiD89  |
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#1583921 by Not Available. |
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And my non-winning entry:
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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
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
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Feedback
The following feedback is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (July 22, 2009)"
spidey  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!  " Thank you, Spidey! I will add those two to my list.
NickiD89 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 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 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 Item" , an in-and-out for writers to post their favorite published books." FABULOUS idea, Lorien! Thanks for sharing the link with us.
Adriana Noir 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.  " My pleasure, Adriana. Thank YOU for sharing your wonderful talent with the rest of us!
April Sunday 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!" Thank you, Teff! Enjoy the book.
JACE  says, "Truly a great book, Shannon; thank you for recommending it. Got any more?  Great story recommendations too." Thanks, Jace! And yes, I DO have more! Gobs and gobs. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, and the stories were great, weren't they!
Submitted Items
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Short Stories: August 19, 2009 Issue [#3184]
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