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Short Stories: January 01, 2013 Issue [#5438]

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Short Stories


 This week: Out With the Old, In With the New
  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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"In 2012 nature and the mad nature of some human beings caused us to wonder how can we go on. From super storm Sandy to the Colorado movie house shooting and the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, we have been pressed to find some answers to the question, why me, why us, why now? As we come into 2013, we bring with us the need to find answers and the hope to find what can we do to prevent the recurrence of these despairing occurrences. I think we must commit to a commitment to all human beings and a decision to accept our responsibility to nature's outpouring and human misbehavior. I wish that we could say with Horace Mann that each of us should be 'ashamed to die until you have won some victory for mankind.' I think we must surrender the despair of unexpected cruelty and extend the wonder of unexpected kindnesses to ourselves and to each other. 2013 can bring us the chance to be kind to each other and kind to ourselves. We deserve each other and each other's generosity." ~ Maya Angelou


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


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Letter from the editor

2012 was a tough year for a lot of people. Unemployment and foreclosure rates were high, then came Hurricane Sandy and the carnage at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but the nation's facing 2013 with hopeful hearts. People I've come into contact with have reassessed their values and realigned their priorities. They want to spend more time with friends and family, and they also seem determined to make the world a more peaceful place, one person at a time.

As each year comes to an end, people make all kinds of promises to themselves: I'm going to __________ and stop __________ ... well, you fill in the blanks. As for me, I'd like to spend more time at the gym (I guess a good start would be to join  a gym, right? *Laugh*) I also resolve to be more creative in the coming year. Something I've noticed about myself, and I bet it's true for all of you out there, too, is that I'm much more balanced, productive, and at peace when I allow my creative side to express itself. I read, I write, I bead, I tole paint, I knit and crochet, and I love to travel around snapping photos. Creativity is like therapy, and when I get wrapped up in the monotonous workaday routine stuff and don't take time to create I suffer.

So this year I've set realistic, attainable goals for myself:

*BurstV* Journal every day. No exceptions.
*BurstBR* Enter at least one WDC contest/month
*BurstR* Write at least one WDC review/week
*BurstBL* Submit at least one story or essay/month to magazines for editorial consideration
*BurstG* Submit at least one photo/month to magazines for editorial consideration
*BurstP* Write a minimum of 5,000 words/week
*BurstO* Donate at least two pieces of photography to local charity auctions this year
*BurstB* Start in January to make the handcrafted gifts I will give to friends and loved ones for Christmas 2013
*BurstV* Read at least three books/month
*BurstBR* Finish my work in progress
*BurstR* Oh yeah, and join a gym. *Bigsmile*

What do you want to change in 2013? Have you made any resolutions? How did the previous year change your values and priorities? What will you do differently moving forward?

Happy New Year, everyone! May your lives be blessed.

A swirly signature I made using the Mutlu font and a drop shadow.


Editor's Picks

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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Dear Me: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (E)
What are *your* goals for the new year? Think it over, write a letter and win big prizes!
#597313 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


 The Chinese New Year Cat Open in new Window. (E)
The adventure of a Chinese-speaking cat
#804337 by Cynaemon Author IconMail Icon


 Diet Starts with 'Die' Open in new Window. (13+)
Another New Year's Resolution
#922887 by Robert Waltz Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1024961 by Not Available.


 The First Resolution Open in new Window. (13+)
Nora makes her first resolution of the New Year.
#1373347 by Jeff Author IconMail Icon


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STATIC
Fading Stars Open in new Window. (18+)
Resolutions are meant to be broken...
#1197457 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


And if you're looking for a challenging New Year's resolution, try this one on for size!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1911201 by Not Available.

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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!
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Ask & Answer

The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (December 4, 2012)Open in new Window.:

Doug Rainbow Author IconMail Icon says, "Someone said, 'The better I write, the better I see, and the better I see, the better I write.' I think that is correct." Me too, Doug! *RainbowL**RainbowR*

A*Monaing*Faith Author IconMail Icon says, "'Something I LOVE about reading books on an e-Reader; the highlighter and dictionary are right there at your fingertips.' Soooo true! Appreciate all the excerpts! Added Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried to my must-read list, and I hadn't even thought about The Metamorphosis  since school. It repulsed and confused me then and not sure I want to reread it just yet, but I can appreciate it more, that's for sure." You won't be disappointed with They Things They Carried. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, and let me know how you liked the book. *Suitcase*

Quick-Quill Author IconMail Icon says, "Shannon, what a joy to read this NL. At first I saw a huge paragraph and wondered if I should just skim through. I'm glad I didn't. I think in revising a work, finding those great descriptions makes the difference between good and awesome. One may have them highlighted, or become a common phrase everyone repeats like lines from movies." Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. *Delight*

blunderbuss says, "Thank you Shannon for a really stimulating newsletter! I also followed up the 'Expert Writing Tips' recommended below and that is so clear and concise!" Thank YOU, Diane! *Peace*

Tornado Dodger Author IconMail Icon says, "Shannon, Congratulations on penning another awesome NL. You put so much time and work into your editorials that they're always a joy to read. *Smile*" Aw, thank you so much, Brooke! You're very kind. Happy New Year to you and yours! *Kiss*

Audrey Frank Author IconMail Icon says, "What is wrong with me? No matter what I try I can't submit a story. I'm either stupid or your directions aren't clear enough. I'm ready to quit because of frustration. Can you help?" Yes! I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. I will email you directly with easy-to-understand directions. Hang in there. *Thumbsup*

The following items were submitted by their authors:

 The Revolution of Humans and Anthros Open in new Window. (18+)
For years, humans have been tiny pets for anthros to play with. No more. 9,340+ Views
#1622154 by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon


 Three short stories (100w each) Open in new Window. (E)
Three short stories of approximatly 100 words each.
#1852516 by Ron. B. Author IconMail Icon

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