  Short Stories
This week: Extra! Extra! Read All About It! 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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It was a slow day on the inpatient unit at the surgery center where I work, so I scanned the headlines on the front page of the local newspaper: Businesses weigh in on health exchange. Medians will limit Eagle Road turns: Eagle citizens' group pushes ITD to rethink project it says could make road more dangerous. Almost 20% of U.S. war veterans have mental issues. Europe debt crisis poses global threat. CEOs get huge pay raises to keep even with peers. I wasn't searching for story ideas but they came nonetheless. I reached for my notepad to jot them down:
 A Gulf War veteran snaps, killing four people in a crowded bar.
Obscured by fog, the new Eagle Road median causes a multiple-car pile-up with one dead and 15 injured.
Disgruntled former employee storms an office building, killing the CEO and injuring three others.
Grim pickins, I thought as I perused the list. No idea where they came from, but I'll add 'em to the collection.
I can't say I've ever been a victim of writer's block. Of course there have been times I've procrastinated on a project and found myself up against a deadline, but it wasn't due to writer's block--it was laziness and procrastination and trying to force something rather than being still and listening to where the story wanted to go. In other words I get in my own way, and once I recognized this things moved along much more smoothly.
It's imperative to know yourself and what works best for you. Many famous writers recommend sitting at your computer (or notepad if you're old school) for either a certain amount of time or until you've reached a minimum amount of words each day. I, on the other hand, know myself well enough to know that I don't (can't) operate that way. I've tried it, and it just doesn't work for me. I write when the inspiration moves me (which varies on a daily basis). If I forced myself to sit at the computer for a minimum of three hours every day or until I'd written a minimum of 2,000 words, the act of writing itself would adopt a negative connotation; I would grow to resent and avoid it.
Pay attention to your habits--to when you're the most productive as well as when you're not. Is there a common denominator? Is there a certain time of day that works best for you? A certain place? Do you need complete silence, or does your muse prefer jazz? I also recommend carrying a notebook and pen with you to scribble down those spontaneous flashes of inspiration before they slip through the cracks, and pay attention to your surroundings. You never know where the next great idea will come from.
Thank you for reading.
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I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. Please remember to do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!
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Sometimes getting that dream shot isn't exactly what you expect...
#833723 by d alan kemp  |
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The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (September 14, 2011)" :
mr.sincerety says, "A Great story that talks about how boy meets girl while out with his family. I love it. Now, what if he can get enough nerve to ask her out?" Well ... I don't think that's going to happen. They texted for a few weeks and then just stopped for reasons unknown to me. But he IS seeing a different girl by the name of Alaina. He introduced her as his "girlfriend" so things are looking up! LOL
Smee  says, "Ha, an excellent story that brought a most enjoyable smile to my face. I have massive empathy for Kyle, as well as admiration for finding a way to circumnavigate his issue with Brittany. I often find bosses tend to be good sources for inspiration--they always seem to be 'larger than life' characters to me. Perhaps because of the impact they have on my day-to-day life." Yes indeedy! I've had bosses of jobs past who would make incredibly good characters, but I abstain for all the obvious reasons. LOL
Leila says, "I liked your newsletter. You shouldn't use a fancy font; it makes hard to read the newsletter on a screen."  My dear Leila , you are asking me to turn my back on two-plus years of newsletter tradition! Why, the classic comic sans font is ... well, classic! Everyone loves it, don't they?  Okay, per your request I've written this week's NL in a larger Times New Roman font (my personal favorite) which will be the new norm for my newsletters. Thanks for the suggestion. 
Vivian  says, "What a delightful story to illustrate finding inspiration and examples for stories and characters." Thank you, Viv! And thank you for taking the time to read and comment. (((hugs)))
darkin says, "OMG, I loved this newsletter!! I so want to use that in one of my romances, but I wouldn't dream of taking it from you. It's so precious." Aw, thank you, darkin. I'll share your feedback with Kyle. He'll be thrilled ... and a little embarrassed, but what are moms for? 
michellekeyes says, "What an awesome lesson you've shared with us using something from your own life. Amazingly well written and very touching!" Thank you, Michelle, and CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement! 
Jeff  says, "When I was growing up, I was more like your son than your daughter. And that dinner is the exact reason why I NEVER told my family when I thought someone was cute. " I was the only girl out of four children, so I grew up used to being publicly embarrassed. It must be tradition because Ky's the only boy out of my three children, but he's a great sport about it. I think he secretly loves the attention.
Adriana Noir says, " What an adorable story and some great advice. I always love your newsletters, Shannon. Your son sounds like a darling young man." Thank you, Adrianna. He's a sweetheart. He still tells me he loves me ... even in front of his friends! I'll pass on your kind words. (((hugs)))
Happy Spring says, "Your newletter touched on how to create a character that was unforgettable. Lt. Columbo was definitely one of my TV favorites." Mine too! Even now, decades later, he is deliciously delightful. Thanks for reading!
misfitwriter says, "I loved reading what seemed like a passage from a contemporary story but was your recounting of a real life situation. I went to click on the first suggested reading piece, and got blocked for not having access. Oh, bummer." Oh no! I'm sorry about that. Did you email the author? Sometimes they have their work set to private without even realizing it. And thank you for reading and commenting!
Mara ♣ McBain  says, "The glimpse inside your family was hilarious! It took me back to teasing my brother and to fun family outings now with my 14 year old son.  " Thank you, Mara. We really do have fun together and enjoy each other's company. Kyle was thrilled I wrote a NL about him. He said it made him feel like a movie star.
LJPC - the tortoise says, "Shannon, what a cute story in the NL. I really enjoyed it and hope Kyle manages to keep it going. Thanks for sharing. Oh, and we're not 'thieves,' we're merely 'inspired' by others' mannerisms and ideas! " Is that what we're calling it nowadays ... inspiration? I have to say that sounds a lot less ... scandalous. LOL
Christine Cassello says, "This was a very interesting and useful bit of information and advice." Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful.
Tornado Dodger  says, "Awesome story, Shannon. Your NLs are always a joy to read. I could completely picture that scene taking place and the emotions involved. Thanks for sharing a slice of your life with us. " You are so sweet. Thank you.  I appreciate your kindness and your encouragement very much. 
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Short Stories: October 12, 2011 Issue [#4654]
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