Short Stories: December 04, 2013 Issue [#6027]
<< November 27, 2013Short Stories Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueDecember 11, 2013 >>

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Short Stories


 This week: Gimme Five
  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

Purchased from stock.adobe.com


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


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

In the summertime, many of my story ideas are inspired by things, people, and places I see while out and about, but in winter I stick a little closer to home (it gets cold here in Idaho). For me, inspiration doesn't always come unbidden; sometimes I have to go looking for it, but I always start with what I like.

I have been fascinated by secret worlds and hidden rooms since I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a child. I thought about how cool it would be to step into an alternate reality, leaving my day-to-day monotony behind. I wanted a camouflaged alcove within my own bedroom that no one else knew about--a place where I could sit and read for hours, undisturbed and carefree. I longed for a magical chocolate room  Open in new Window. where I could drink from a chocolate river and eat sugared teacups. Then there were episodes of The Twilight Zone and movies starring Jodie Foster (Panic Room) that furthered my fascination, and to this day I'd love to have a private hideaway  Open in new Window. to call my own.

Despite my captivation with clandestine cubbyholes, the closest I've come to writing about them is "Julian's Secret" Open in new Window. [13+]. Who knows. Maybe someday C.S. Lewis's wardrobe will inspire The Greatest Story Idea in the History of Mankind (I can practically hear James Earl Jones's beautiful bass voice echoing as we speak). Until then I guess I'll keep plugging away and making the best of what I've got.

As writers, we need an idea before we can sit down to write a short story. So what do you do when the well runs dry? I have several tricks up my sleeve, but one of my favorites is the internet. I literally have the world at my fingertips, and all I need is five minutes. In addition to hermetic hideaways, my muse is stimulated by things like creepy places,  Open in new Window. urban legends,  Open in new Window. and amazing stories of survival.  Open in new Window. I'm also inspired by stories that restore my faith in humanity,  Open in new Window. the beauty  Open in new Window. of the world around us, and even technology.  Open in new Window.

A world of information and inspiration is right at your fingertips. Are you inspirationally bankrupt? Maybe one of the above links will spark something fresh and exciting. If so, please send me a link to your story so I can share it with everyone.

Thank you for reading.

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 do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!

Winter's Call Open in new Window. (ASR)
Do trees feel pain?
#908096 by Robert Waltz Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1923757 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1388147 by Not Available.


Winter Solstice Open in new Window. (13+)
It's the place my grandmother was sent 60-years ago. She remained there until she died.
#1839390 by Bikerider Author IconMail Icon


Christmas Died at Logan Open in new Window. (13+)
An FBI agent reluctantly tracks down a jaded Santa Claus in the North Pole.
#1174662 by JW Fiction Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#989198 by Not Available.


Pink Christmas Open in new Window. (E)
“But that’s a secret, a secret we know and you can’t tell. Forever. Promise?"
#1906670 by ChrisDaltro-Chasing Moonbeams Author IconMail Icon


And please check out ~ Santa Sisco ~ Author Icon's Annual Christmas Auction/Raffle. The majority of gift points raised will be donated to worthy groups around WDC. I've donated three packages to the auction, one of which is a Writer's Mystery Box filled with at least $50 worth of writing-related gifts. Let's join together to support this worthy cause, but you'd better hurry: the Auction/Raffle ends December 8, 2013.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1886658 by Not Available.


And don't forget to nominate your writing.com favorites in the 2013 Quills!

FORUM
The Quills Open in new Window. (ASR)
The Quills home page. General information, links and donations.
#1376303 by Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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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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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

The following is in response to "Short Stories Newsletter (November 6, 2013)" Open in new Window.:

Joshiahis Author IconMail Icon says, "I'm too cheap to purchase the thesaurus, but I did some research on the writers of the link you provided and came up with a second, free option for your readers. http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/" Wow, thank you for sharing this! I appreciate it.*Thumbsup*

Joy Author IconMail Icon says, "Great NL. Shannon. *Smile* I have The Emotion Thesaurus, and it is helping me greatly during the NaNo season. I think Dean Koontz is the master of writing action-filled, yet emotionally charged scenes. I learn a lot just by reading him." Thanks, Joy! I finally broke down and purchased a copy myself. I find it to be quite helpful, too. And I agree with you about Koontz. I've only read maybe 10 of his books, but I've enjoyed every one.*Heart*

The following item was submitted by its author:

 Waiting for a Son Open in new Window. (18+)
A werewolf waits for his soldier son to come home, and reflects on how they first met.
#1762427 by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon

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