 Short Stories: September 12, 2012 Issue [#5237] |
  Short Stories
This week: Sticks and Stones 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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"Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs." ~ Pearl Strachan
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Remember saying that when you were a child? Could anything be further from the truth?
I recently went off the grid: seven days of no cell service, no internet access, no television, and no WDC.  Seven days of boating, fishing, camping (in a tent in 95 +/- degree weather), and just plain old-fashioned relaxing. I've always found it a little humorous that when people want to "get away from it all" they go to campgrounds where lots of other people wanting to "get away from it all" congregate, thus kind of defeating the whole purpose. Still, I need to do it every 6-12 months just to recharge my battery.
When you stay in a campground for seven days you're bound to meet others who are camped nearby, and oftentimes those people will invite you over for a burger, a beer, or both. I've met a lot of fascinating people this way. I've also been privy to some pretty interesting conversations carried out by people from all walks of life. I don't do much talking in these situations, but I do listen ... and observe.
On Saturday evening the guy that was camped next to us invited us over for a beer. No campfires were allowed due to all the wildfires here in Idaho, so there were six of us sitting around the Coleman lantern: a gold miner (my husband), a nurse (me), an engineer, a real estate broker, a construction worker, and an elementary school teacher. At first the conversation was casual and easy. Everybody steered away from politics and religion, then the conversation turned to fishing.
Man #1: "You have any luck today?"
Man #2: "Oh, I caught a cat and one smallie that was only 11 & 7/8 inches long, so I had to throw him back. You've had some luck, though. I saw you down at the fish-cleaning station last night. How you like that electric fillet knife?"
Man #1: "I wore my first one out. That's the second one I've owned. I'd never go back to doing it the old-fashioned way."
Man #2: "Yeah, I've been thinking about buying one. Pretty sweet, huh?"
Man #1: "The day they invented electric fillet knives was the day they freed the slaves, man."
I almost choked on my mouthful of beer and stared in stunned silence at the two strangers sitting across from me. The man's comment made no sense to me, and I was growing increasingly uncomfortable.
Woman: "That's offensive."
Man #1: "What?"
Woman: "'The day they invented electric fillet knives was the day they freed the slaves'? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Man #1: "It means it was a good day."
Woman: "You're comparing an electric fillet knife to the day they freed the slaves? What an ignorant, utterly racist thing to say."
Man #1: "It was a joke! C'mon, you know me. You know I'm not racist."
Woman: "A Joke? What's funny about it? And I do know you, but these fine people don't," she said, sweeping her arm across the table to indicate my husband and me. "You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Now their impression is that you're an a**hole."
"Man #1: "Look, I didn't mean it that way. I'm not going to watch every word that comes out of my mouth for fear it may offend someone."
Woman: "Would you have said that if a black person were sitting here?"
Man #1: "Absolutely!"
Woman: "Oh, that is such B.S.! I'd bet $100 that you wouldn't."
The conversation went downhill from there. My husband and I excused ourselves and returned to our tent. I think the argument continued into the wee hours of the morning because I could still see the light from the lantern and hear exasperated voices when I finally called it a night at 1:07 a.m.
Can you guess which man, based on his occupation, made the insensitive remark? You might be surprised. When people feel comfortable they say and do things (especially when there's alcohol involved) that they might never say or do otherwise. Their guard is down; they feel they are among friends. No holds barred. While I agree 100% with the woman, I took note of everything being said, their mannerisms, their facial expressions, how uncomfortable I felt as well as how everyone else in the circle responded to what was taking place around them.
As writers, words are our livelihood. Pay attention to not only the words you use in your stories, but those that come out of your mouth and the mouths of the people around you--especially the ones that make you cringe. Do you agree? Disagree? Why? Can you use them in a story? If nothing else, listening closely to the cadence of conversation will make you a better writer when it comes to writing dialogue.
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 (August 15, 2012)" :
chopstixd says, "... Talk to strangers ... Some of the best advice I've read around here. A casual conversation in a dog park lead to "Invalid Item" . Unfortuantely, I did not get enough information from that chance meeting, and after deciding to retell her story, I returned to the dog park several times hoping to meet her again. Alas, I had to rely on some research and imagination." Thank you! I always like to hear about what inspired a specific work. Thank you for sharing yours! 
Mara ♣ McBain  says, "I've read a lot of your work here on WDC and am not ashamed to admit I am a fan. I had not previously read The Promise and I'm glad you brought it to my attention. That short piece packs an emotional punch and knowing your 'inspiration' for it makes the tears flow all the harder. Beautiful and horrifying at once. Awesome job.  " Aw, thank you so much, Mara! You're so sweet. Thank you, my friend.
Zeke  says, "Watching and knowing the people you meet has several advantages, including inspiration." Absolutely! I couldn't agree more, Zeke. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! 
Doug Rainbow  says, "Invalid Item" makes the point: All of my stories and poems are true and none of them are true." Isn't that the truth! A little piece of me and my life goes into everything I write. Thanks for sharing your poem with us, Doug   !
Fi says, "Wow, thanks so much for highlighting my novel! I'm flattered that it was chosen as an editor's pick." The honor was mine. Thank YOU! 
sandirev  says, "Wow! Now that was very motivating and inspirational! I was moved and surprised at not asking questions (thought I was alone).You see it wasn't until 2011 that I actually came out of my shell and began asking folks for interviews after I'd ask them to read an excerpt of a work in progress. Needless to say I was stunned by their reactions. However, there were those whose lives impacted me that I just didn't have the sheer guts to ask for a sitting/interview. I sometimes quiver over the fact that I let it get away. No more, though. Now I ask. I have found (if done with respect and a little honey) that most people leap at and are overjoyed by being interviewed. So onward I push!" Good for you! It's uncomfortable at first, but I've found that most people are honored to be asked. 
Fyn  says, "Thanking you for using one of my stories in your newsletter! Made my day!" You're quite welcome, Fyn! Thank YOU for writing and sharing your talent with us. 
blunderbuss says, "That's a wonderful story Shannon and goes straight to the heart. Those programmes on the Holocaust - I've always felt compelled to watch them and they do haunt you. I have never met a survivor though - well, not to my knowledge. I think you handled that situation well - new birth, new life and hope - I don't think he would have wanted reminders." I often wonder if I would do anything differently now, but I don't think I would. Some subjects are better left alone. Thank you for reading, Diane. 
T. Lloyd Reilly says, "I would like to submit the attached story for consideration. I am a writer and former school teacher (Masters Level) with over twenty-five years of writing experience. I have lived what some would consider more than one lifetime and have gained a wide range of knowledge and life experience which I wish to share through generous application of the written word." I'm sorry, Lloyd. The item you wanted to submit wasn't attached to your response. Can you email me the link in bitem format and I will include it in my next newsletter? Thank you, and write on! 
bertiebrite hoping for peace says, "What an inspiration this short bit is. I am so glad that I took the opportunity to read this installment. It never occurs to people, writers included, to just shut up, listen, and observe other people. In other folks lay our best characterizations. Those who have problems constructing characters should watch and pay attention to those around them. Great suggestion. Blessings." Aw, thank you, Bertie! I'm glad you liked the NL, and blessings backatcha. 
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