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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/4797
Short Stories: January 04, 2012 Issue [#4797]

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Short Stories


 This week: In the Beginning
  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

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


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

"I think the first duty of all art, including fiction of any kind, is to entertain. That is to say, to hold interest. No matter how worthy the message of something, if it's dull, you're just not communicating." ~ Poul Anderson


Bestselling authors at writer's conferences stress the importance of hooking your readers in the first five pages. There's even a reference book titled The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman. Excellent read, by the way. I would agree with the premise, but I'd go one step further. I'd argue that your opening sentences, up to and including the first paragraph, oftentimes determine whether or not a reader will turn the page. If the opening paragraph stinks, there's no need to waste your time reading any more.

Sure, there have been many times I've read a book based on someone else's recommendation, but my typical routine is to go into a bookstore having absolutely no idea what I'll walk out with. I glance at the jackets until something catches my eye, then flip it over to read the back. If it sounds interesting, I'll open it up and read the first paragraph. If I like it I'll buy it. If not, I'll put it back on the shelf and continue on my quest.

Herman Melville's "Call me Ishmael" is arguably the most famous introductory sentence ever written, ushering in the marvelous story of Moby Dick. Though some of the following examples of opening lines aren't as well known, I thought I'd share some of my personal favorites with you:

"They're out there. Black boys in white suits up before me to commit sex acts in the hall and get it mopped up before I can catch them." ~ One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

"His name was Rambo, and he was just some nothing kid for all anybody knew, standing by the pump of a gas station at the outskirts of Madison, Kentucky." ~ First Blood by David Morrell

"I still remember the day my father took me to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books for the first time. It was the early summer of 1945, and we walked through the streets of a Barcelona trapped beneath ashen skies as dawn poured over Rambla de Santa Mónica in a wreath of liquid copper." ~ The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth." ~ The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

"I began my wartime career as a pianist in the Café Nowoczesna, which was in Nowolipki Street in the very heart of the Warsaw ghetto. By the time the gates of the ghetto closed in November 1940, my family had sold everything we could sell long ago, even our most precious household possession, the piano." ~ The Pianist by Wladyslaw Szpilman

"So this is how a marriage ends, thought Julia Hamill as she rammed the shovel into the soil. Not with sweet whispers goodbye, not with the loving clasp of arthritic hands forty years from now, not with children and grandchildren grieving around her hospital bed. She lifted a scoop of earth and flung it aside, sending rocks clattering onto the growing mound. It was all clay and stones, good for growing nothing except blackberry canes. Barren soil, like her marriage, from which nothing long lasting, nothing worth holding on to, had sprouted." ~ The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen


Brilliant!

Think about your favorite stories and the books you've loved over the years. Were you hooked from the very first page? The next time you're in a bookstore, try picking up books at random. Flip through them and read their opening lines. Do they whet your appetite and leave you wanting more? Do they compel you to turn the page, or do they underwhelm? Re-read your own introductory paragraphs and ask yourself the same questions.

Whether you do it in the first paragraph or the first five pages, hook 'em early, hook 'em often, and you'll have devoted readers who look forward to your every endeavor.

Thank you for reading.

Fancy Signature

"The reader has certain rights. He bought your story. Think of this as an implicit contract. He's entitled to be entertained, instructed, amused; maybe all three. If he quits in the middle, or puts the book down feeling his time has been wasted, you're in violation."
~ Larry Niven


Editor's Picks

I thought it would be a fun change of pace to feature helpful writing tips from WDC authors. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Please remember to do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#754664 by Not Available.


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Long Musings on Short Stories Open in new Window. (E)
Some random thoughts on writing short stories.
#1537812 by Max Griffin 🏳️‍🌈 Author IconMail Icon


Book 5: Where the Oasis Blooms Open in new Window. (ASR)
Preview Chapters to Book 5 of The Hannaria Series (Sci-fi) Published December 2012
#1201262 by Patricia Gilliam Author IconMail Icon


Expert Writing Tips Open in new Window. (E)
A list of tips to help improve writing skills.
#625917 by Vivian Author IconMail Icon


Ten Writing No-No's Open in new Window. (E)
Emerin shares her writing expertise. Either that, or she got really bored one afternoon.
#1282400 by emerin-liseli Author IconMail Icon


How To Write an Encouraging Review Open in new Window. (E)
What's a well balanced review? What to evaluate in stories, poems? What's the Review Tool?
#1519154 by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon


And it's that time again ... time to nominate your favorites for the 2011 Quill Awards! Nominations will close mid-January, so don't procrastinate!

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The Quills Open in new Window. (ASR)
The Quills home page. General information, links and donations.
#1376303 by Lilith 🎄 Christmas Cheer Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (December 27, 2011)Open in new Window.:

NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon says, "My heart soared when I read of all the dedication your daughter devotes into her son Skyler's success. And then it squeezed as her sadness was revealed -- I felt her pain in understanding how it must feel watching her sister's child breeze through tasks and play that Skyler would struggle to learn. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story of challenge, and your daughter's grace in facing hers. Happy New Year to you all." Thank you so much for your beautiful words, Nicki. I let Moriah read the NL before I submitted it and would never have revealed something so personal without first receiving her blessing. She's one of the strongest people I know, and I was honored and proud to share her story with you. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Turtle ~ KanyáthƐko:wa:h Author IconMail Icon says, "Hi Shannon! Thank you for the wonderful topic of this newsletter. It seems that in my life some topics pop up in clusters, and the subject of Autism has come up a few times this week. As someone with Aspergers, an ASD, any time we can highlight and celebrate the successes in life is a good day. Tell Moriah that I will keep her and Skyler in my prayers." Aw, thank you! I will pass your message on to Moriah, and I know she will gladly receive all the prayers she can get. Thank you.

shadowedheart says, "This newsletter has touched my heart and sent a message home. As someone who loves not one, but two, children with Autism, and a third with Asbergers, I can honestly say that 'I understand'. And yet, never have I considered how that might play into my writing. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing - for showing the depth of the emotion that often times, those of us in the mix forget!" Thank you so much! Peace and blessings to you and yours, and Happy New Year.

MoJo Author IconMail Icon says, "I know how your daughter feels as I am raising a daughter with autism. I have five sisters, all with healthy, "normal" children. Although I would hide it, family gatherings were painful and made more so by the fact that my extended family didn't understand (and didn't want to). Bless you for being there for your daughter. Mine is a teenager now and female making her larger than life to deal with at times! In her early years, we did not see her super-intelligence but this year, she skipped a grade in school and, like a sponge, absorbs so much information about everything I fear her brain will burst with so much knowledge. Yes, she is quirky and her motor skills are lacking but there so much more to her that amazes me. Skylar will surprise you - you can bet on it." Thank you for your beautiful words of support and encouragement. Hearing about your daughter's success is such an inspiration, and I know in my heart Skyler has wonderful surprises in store for us as well. Thank you.

SantaBee Author IconMail Icon says, "((Hugs)) to your daughter Moriah and her son, Skylar. Thanks for sharing that inspirational picture of Skylar on his John Deere. I know the challenges they face and it isn't easy. One of my friends has a son with autism and my son, Joe, has to deal with sensory issues. He's had speech, OT, child development therapy, and group therapy. He's thriving now and in a mainstream kindergarten environment. I've found Joe's challenges to be equally stressing on me as well. Moriah needs support, too and I'm glad she has you. As far as character challenges, I think it's important they have them to show their 3D sides. Trust, Duty, Respect just to name a few, all play into challenges. There are physical challenges as well. It's up to you, as the author, to show how they grow emotionally as they confront these issues. Smiles & Happy Holidays."Thank you, Steph. I think Moriah feels overwhelmed sometimes, but all the wonderful words of support and kindness my fellow WDC members have shown her because of the NL has left her feeling blessed and no longer alone. Thank you for being an instrumental part of that. (((hugs))) and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

ChrisDaltro-Chasing Moonbeams Author IconMail Icon says, "Dear Shannon, thank you for featuring my short story 'The Medium' in your awesome December 28, 2011 Newsletter. I was so pleased. I especially love this story, Shannon---it was the first one I wrote. Again, thank you and Happy New Year!" You are very welcome, Christina! It was my pleasure. *Wink* Happy New Year!

charming Author IconMail Icon says, "Continue to make work interesting story." Thank you, and Happy 2012 to you and yours!

Mara ♣ McBain Author IconMail Icon says, "I love the emotional connection you offer through your newsletters. Thank you for sharing this story of love and dedication." Thank YOU, Mara. Everyone has been so supportive. Your kindness has boosted her spirits more than you will ever know. Thank you.

~*Arpita*~ Author IconMail Icon says, "Wow! A lovely newsletter. I like you subtly you hint to your actual point while narrating a touching story from your real life. And, by the way, Skyler is so lovely! I am sure he'll do amazingly well in his life. Best wishes his mom. She is doing a wonderful job!" Aw, thank you, Arpita! I will pass your well wishes on to Moriah and Skyler. Thank you for your kindness, and Happy New Year!

The following items were submitted by their authors:

I'm Still Me Open in new Window. (ASR)
My life, with Aspergers' Syndrome.
#1756813 by BIG BAD WOLF is Merry Author IconMail Icon

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