  Short Stories
This week: Unpacking Edited by: Jay's debut novel is out now!  
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This Short Stories Newsletter is dedicated to readers and writers of short fiction and to those who want to know more about the art of telling big stories in small spaces.
This month:
Some thoughts on order and chaos.
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So in the time since my last newsletter, I've been packing and unpacking dozens of boxes, bags, and furniture in preparation to finally move in with my long time fella. I resisted it for a long time because I like having my own space, and am not great at sharing, and I am pretty territorial. 
In the process of setting up my place, there's been lots of, well, packing and unpacking. This got me to thinking about the way we arrange the details in a short story. Every writer does a little bit differently; some prefer to Hemingway with as few details as they can possibly muster to set the scene, preferring to let the action and dialogue take the focus. Others prefer the slow unfurling of details to gradually envelop the writer. There isn't a right or wrong way to do this, so long as we don't bore the reader. (Can you think of anything worse than fiction that's boring?)
I like to think of this gradual-detail dispersal method as "unpacking," and I often use that phrase in my head when I'm reading or writing a story with a focus on learning how it's done. Sometimes the details come out in an orderly fashion, and sometimes they simply refuse to, at least in the beginning. I am definitely coming to find myself in the camp of writers who would rather overpopulate an original draft with more details than are required, trying on multiple phrases or expressions to find the one that I'll leave in place as the more accurate one when the time comes to get rid of the excess words.
With most short stories, I prefer to be thrown directly into the action and allowed to sort it out as it comes; this is basically the easiest way to make the best use of space in a short story. The temporary chaos that ensues from being allowed to begin where the first jolt of action takes place is exciting for many readers, I think. We all like a little chaos, and then we like to be able to sort that chaos into order.
(At least when it isn't the kind of chaos that comes with a teetering pile of cardboard boxes and more glassware and spoons than we have friends to share them with inside said boxes...)
At its heart, I would like to think that part of our acts of reading (and writing) are attempts to make use of that order-from-chaos instinct we have. A story, being that it's rooted in conflict, is something that the reader has a natural urge to see through to its conclusion. We like to solve problems and straighten picture frames. We are encouraged by opportunities to set things a little more right.
Until next month,
Take care and Write on!
~jay |
This month's picks!
An interesting article I found while I was out and about:
Don't forget to give the Random Read a look this month, too! Reviewing is one way to hone your own writing skills and help other authors at the same time. Since Random Reads are pulled from the Recently Online list, you're much more likely to send suggestions to active writers looking to improve as well.
Random Read
--And don't forget to tick the box below your review to be included in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" !
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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!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Feedback from last month's editorial: "Reverse Outlining"
Gratitude Adore ♥  writes:
What a surprise to see MY short story in your newsletter! Made me go back to it and dust it off a bit. I loved your notes on Reverse Outlining; it will be useful for future stories.
It's my pleasure-- thank you for writing a great story! 
bertiebrite hoping for peace  writes:
Hi, I didn't know you were highlighting Why The Antique Dealer Left Town. It really isn't finished and I've been asking for feedback. Thanks for the exposure, I appreciate it. Blessings, Bertie
Hi Bertiebrite! Plenty of the stories that I highlight are stories that I think are great but in need of just a little TLC-- I hope you got some for this story!
Mike Day writes:
The method of working back through the story has really yielded benefits to me. I have a story in progress at the moment that has rapid scene changes, by reading it back I realised that I could amalgamate scenes and reduce the disruption of the narrative flow. Thanks so much for the great advice. Added one to my tool box.
Mike
Always great to hear when something I have to say proves useful!
DRSmith writes:
In my view, your NL's topic was excellent whereby anyone aspiring to write a solid novel should pay heed. Not only has drafting a comprehensive outline of my entire piece paid off, but I've found by backing into (reversing into one's outline) segments, the entire piece tends to gain strength vis a vis pace and timing of each segment's impact. Well done.
Thanks much! It does make a lot of structural sense to work in both directions, so I figured it was worth an editorial at least.
NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth writes:
I like it! Doing things 'backwards' does provide a new outlook. Thanks for a great NL.
Red Writing Hood <3  writes:
Interesting idea. I'll have to try that :)
Zeke writes:
This reverse outlining is a terrific idea. I will try it soon.
Zeke
Thanks, everyone! I like to think I can offer a new way of thinking, first and foremost, in my editorials.
That's all for this month! Remember, I print all feedback that's relevant to the previous topic, so don't be shy if you have questions, suggestions, or something to add. |
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Short Stories: March 06, 2013 Issue [#5550]
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