  Short Stories
This week: Say It Ain't So-So 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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Why do you watch movies and read books? I do it to escape, to be entertained, to suspend disbelief and lose myself in the story, but sometimes the writer ruins it.
It's no fun to watch medical shows with me. I'm a nurse, and I can instantly spot a fraud: "That is the sorriest excuse for chest compressions I've ever seen. Don't they have medical consultants on this stupid show? Like actual doctors or nurses who have performed CPR on someone?" or "It's Dilaudid not 'Dilaudin'. Okay, I'm done. I can't watch this anymore."
Yeah, I'm that girl.
But aren't you the same when it comes to your area of expertise? Don't you pick it apart for its falsehood? You can't help yourself, right? You don't do it intentionally, or even consciously sometimes, but you do it, and because you do it the movie (or story) is ruined. Disbelief is no longer suspended, you're no longer lost in the story, instead of being entertained you're irritated, and the only thing you want to escape from is the lazy fake of a writer you erroneously entrusted with two hours (or two days) of your time.
Do your homework. Research is so important, and it's one of the reasons I love reading anything by Ken Follett. He is a ninja researcher, a master, and it's an honor to read his work. If you're writing about a topic you don't know much about, consult with someone who does. Writing a police procedural? Phone your local department and ask for a ride-along. Make friends with an officer, exchange email addresses and phone numbers, and contact him or her for clarification. Is your work in progress a medical drama? Approach that nurse who took such good care of your dad last year when he had his hip replaced. Even if these people can't answer all your questions, they might be able to put you in touch with someone who can.
As writers, we want to keep readers coming back for more, not rushing for the door. You have the power to produce an exceptional product, so why settle for mediocre? Put in the extra time, do one more rewrite, edit that sucker until it's the best it can possibly be. Then sit back, relax, and take comfort in the fact that you've done all you can to ready your story for mass consumption. Sure, it's time consuming. Yep, editing and rewriting sucks, not to mention it's a lot of work, but the peace of mind you'll have afterward is better than turning out a half-baked narrative and thinking, Man, I wish I'd.... [fill in the blank with completely avoidable writing mistake of your choice].
Thank you for reading.
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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!
| |  | The Bug (13+)
Insects spread a virus creating a pandemic of vampires.
#888872 by Kotaro  |
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The following is in response to "It's Raining Men" :
Turkey DrumStik  writes, "I'm a little late in responding to this, but when it comes to male characters, I can't resist saying something. First, even though I'm a female, I tend to write male characters more. Most of my earliest socialization was with males; I didn't even have a female friend until I was 5 or 6. As a result, I'm more aware of the nuances of males and find it easier to create different guys for my stories. They all tend to be contemplative, but they vary drastically in terms of physical appearance and personality. I also tend to have have sway between somewhat slender and somewhat muscular to keep their body types in line with everyday guys most of us would encounter. As for female characters, I admit mine tend to be a bit more cardboard cutout-esque. I tend to write dominant women. I've been trying to write a story with a submissive female lead for a decade, but it is so hard. I've actually set the project aside and moved on. While I know women can be similarly nuanced, my experience with women is more limited. I think it's harder for me to write female characters because I see cattiness in a lot of women I encounter, and that's a trait I don't want to give any of my characters. Creating characters without that trait is tough, and I usually end up going the dominant route to try to avoid it. That and the fact that I hear a lot of complaints in various internet circles about the lack of strong, nonsexual female characters. I try to craft my female characters to meet that expectation. It's kind of exhausting." I couldn't agree more. When I try to write a "strong, nonsexual female character" it feels forced. I don't think there is such a thing, personally. We are human, and human beings are sexual creatures. Besides, what's so wrong with embracing your feminine, sexual side? I love being a woman, and I have no qualms about admitting I can be strong as well as sexual. They aren't mutually exclusive. 
Elfin Dragon-finally published writes, "I'm often more for writing heroines but for the opposite sex I definitely prefer the manly type. In truth my first boyfriend really wasn't super manly, but a really good friend. My first real crush though? If you've ever watched WWE and seen the Undertaker, well there you go. I'm a sucker for a man with red hair. What you don't think he has red hair? Take a look at his earlier matches when he has beard stubble and when his hair dries out during matches. It's definitely red, flaming dark red. (sidenote: did you know he owns his own real estate business? How'd you like him riding up on one of his Harleys to sell you a house?  ) My other crush has been Clint Eastwood. I don't think I need to explain why here.  " I'm not into WWE (I'm a UFC kinda girl), but I have seen the Undertaker. I apparently have a thing for men with red hair, too (my husband is a redhead). Yes, manly men. Oh yes, I definitely get it. You and me, girl. We understand each other. 
blunderbuss writes, "Hi Shannon! Thank you for the thought-provoking newsletter. I don't think my male characters are a stereotype. I guess if you were writing contemporary strictly romantic fiction it would be hard to avoid the 'Alpha Male'! (Like your Rugby players) I've done a historical piece with a (to me) very attractive knight with all the bravery you would expect as part and parcel of his character. On the other hand, my main male character in a novel with a Victorian setting has a lot of 'bad' traits, one of which is infidelity. Both of these characters have an atypical appearance. For example, they dress rather strangely (in period, of course). In my own personal life, appearance was more important in attraction when in my teens to twenties. Later on though, other aspects of character and personality are far more important! You have still raised some questions though. What do our readers want?" Exactly! And speaking of romance novels, I don't read them. I never have. I do know that for years Fabio modeled for many a book jacket, but I don't find him manly at all. For me it's not just the physique, it's a masculine aura some men exude. You either have it or you don't, and it can't be faked. And appearance was more important to me when I was younger, too, but I have to admit that even now, at the age of 46, I'd notice those rugby players walking toward me in the parking lot. I'd look, I'm not gonna lie. 
Siobhan Falen  writes, "When it comes to male characters, I like them to have an edge of mystery. Usually my males have a secret that contributes to the story. I also like them to be witty and intelligent, able to keep my female protagonist on her toes. They need to be strong and confident in themselves and while I know what I like physically, I tend to vary it in the stories I write. And just for the record, admittedly, I enjoyed the included link ;)" Yep, yep. I'm with you, sister. 
Cynaemon writes, "Men (temporarily stops breathing). Yes, I like my men. LOL (starts breathing again). When I think of early crushes two come to mind: Elvis and Jim Morrison. OMG, JM could stand perfectly still in the middle of a room and just ooze sex. And then there was that voice (shaking voice out of mind). In real life I like tall (not extremely), slim, well-built, and blonde, a bit rough around the edges, but knows how to clean up and be a perfect gentleman. Thinks of Bill Payne, my first real-life crush. Not yet famous when I knew him, but the cutest guy in my music theory class. Yes, we dated all through college and kept in touch for years. Hmmm, Maybe I just like musicians. We are both still working professional musicians.
As for writing, it is interesting that you bring up the subject. I write male/male Middle Earth slash and it is a challenge to make all of my characters different, but still very masculine and sexy. It is fun to let my characters express their feminine sides, and/or their good vs. evil sides. (At this point the elve in my head snorts in laughter. 'You couldn't write your way out of a bag, silly human. You know I do all of your writing for you.') Well, I must indulge the silly creature. If I don't he will keep me up all night writing sexy scenes with his lover. Meanwhile, men...., YES, I like my men." What a great, enthusiastic response. I LOVE it!  Thank you for sharing.
Sum1's Home  writes, "Shannon, I had a video of the All Blacks Sevens doing their Maori Dance of War on my laptop for years. Different men since this video is quite a bit older, but powerful just the same. It may be on my home laptop still, but it's not on my work laptop here." Wow, thank you, Jim! It's great to know this powerful dance moves men as well as women. Thank you! 
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Short Stories: October 08, 2014 Issue [#6584]
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