  Short Stories
This week: Shut Up and Write 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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If there's one thing readers carry away from Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones, it's "shut up and write."
A great way to "shut up and write" is to incorporate Goldberg's acclaimed Writing Practice into your everyday life. I particularly love her Writing Marathons. You can do a writing marathon alone at your kitchen table or with a group of people. You can take turns meeting in each other's living rooms or hook up on a weekly basis via Skype or FaceTime. You can wing it (write about anything that pops into your head), or you can draw a random topic from a suggestion box. It doesn't matter how you do it, but you should try it at least once.
My schedule looks something like this:
 One 10-minute session
One 10-minute session
One 15-minute session
One 15-minute session
One 20-minute session
One 20-minute session
The rules are simple: draw a topic from the suggestion box or choose one of your own and write for the allotted time (set a timer). If you typically write using a notebook and pencil, then that's how you should conduct your writing practice. If you're like me and prefer a computer, then do that. Do what works best for you, don't edit, and keep your hand moving across the page (or your fingers across the keyboard) for the duration of the session. When the session is over, each person is to read their writing aloud. Keep in mind that Writing Practice is just writing and reading what you wrote aloud to the rest of the participants (if there are any). No comments or commentary, please. If someone writes something you want to respond to, you can do so in the next writing session. Even if you're alone, read your work aloud before continuing on to the next round.
I am a very solitary writer, so I do my writing practice alone. I usually pick a section from my WIP that needs polishing (or a topic that's been bouncing around inside my head and won't leave me alone), and I go for 10 minutes. Sometimes I do as few as two sessions a day; sometimes my writing practice turns into an hours-long marathon of 10 to 20-minute writing sessions with reading breaks in between. The point is to do it.
Writing Practice not only gets you into the habit of writing every day in easy-to-accomplish 10 to 20-minute increments, it teaches you to trust your first words--your truest, purest, most unadulterated creativity. Don't hesitate, don't edit, don't worry about margins or spelling or punctuation. Trust your inner voice and get it down on paper.
Own your words. Embrace your creativity. Acknowledge your muse; you may be surprised where she'll lead you.
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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The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (February 1, 2012)" :
ChrisDaltro-Chasing Moonbeams  says, "Dear Shannon, THANK YOU for featuring my short story The White House on the Hill in your awesome January 2012 WDC Newsletter!!!" You are quite welcome. 
oh my  says, "Thanks Shannon. Even if just for a review of the movie, that was an excellent read. It really made me think and it is a challenge I will remember as I get to work out my characters." Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! I'm sorry that all you got out of the newsletter was a movie review. I must have failed miserably in my delivery.  Hopefully you will find this week's NL more helpful.
willy says, "That sounds an interesting film, doubt if it will get to UK. Cheers!" It was, Willy.  Thank you for reading!
Jeff  says, "Another great NL! One of the reasons I love the show Criminal Minds is because it delves into the psyche of mentally unstable criminals... it sure is a disturbing show a lot of the times, but it's also fascinating to try and spend an hour understanding how some people can do the things they do. While I love a good backstory that explains 'what' happened, I often find it more satisfying when a writer answers the question of 'why' something happened. " I agree! Unfortunately, readers are oftentimes left wanting, but the reading and/or viewing experience is much more satisfying when the reader/viewer can see the complete picture. It's an "Ah-ha!" moment, and there's nothing quite like it. And while I've got your undivided attention, I'd like to say thank you for your support and friendship. Your encouragement and kindness are always very much appreciated. (((hugs))) Oh, and happy belated birthday!
bertiebrite hoping for peace says, "Excellent, excellent advise. That is what some of my stories lack. Why has this guy done this? A good question to ask before you post." Aw, thank you so much, Bertie! I'm glad you liked it.
Andromeda says, "Very enlightening newsletter...lots to do....my muse calls! Thank you!" Well, I'm glad you found it inspiring!  Best of luck in all your writing endeavors.
Joy  says, "Great newsletter, Shannon. 'What motivates this character?' is the backbone of story weaving, and it should be asked of every character in every scene. Thanks for pointing it out. " Thank YOU, Joy! You're always so kind. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. 
Jeannie  says, "I agree with you. I'm fascinated and sometimes appalled by some of the things people are capable of. The movie you referenced, The Secret In Their Eyes, bordered on madness on the widower's part. Keeping someone locked up for 25 years is just mindboggling! But, sometimes I wonder what I would do if faced with the same situation. I guess you never know. Great newsletter as always, they've all been very helpful to me. Thank you Shannon." Aw, thank you so much, Jeannie! I'm glad you find the newsletters helpful, and I appreciate your kind words of support. Thank you.
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Short Stories: February 29, 2012 Issue [#4902]
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