 Short Stories: November 23, 2005 Issue [#737] |
  Short Stories
This week: Edited by: Diane  
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Welcome to this week's edition of the Short Story newsletter. Each edition of the newsletter highlights issues of concern to short story writers.
~ ~ Diane ~~
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Wandering Words
I read a lot of stories, both online and off. One common theme I find in both published and unpublished work, is the loss of perspective. Many authors start a story with an idea of where they want to go, but somewhere along the way, they get off the path and never find their way back. I see this less frequently in published works, but it's still evident. A character appears in the first few paragraphs, never to be heard from again. No purpose can be found in the introduction of the character or the time spent describing them to the reader. They are a loose end.
Loose ends are inevitable in a first draft. Characters appear seemingly of their own will. They sneak in when the writer isn't looking, introduce themselves and sit down to enjoy the tale. Often the writer doesn't even realize they are there, lurking in the shadows, until they put the story away for a bit and read again with fresh eyes.
Even worse than a stray character is the storyline that meanders around, but never really goes anywhere. When a reader picks up a story, they expect to be entertained with a purpose. There is one question common to all readers. Why did the author choose to share this story? What is he trying to convey to the reader? If, after putting the story away for a while, the author reads it and can't answer these questions, he needs to revise the tale.
Make sure you tie up all loose ends in your stories. Cut out the characters that don't add to the story. Delete the scenes that don't really need described. Make sure your story follows the path you intended. It's difficult to tell if you've lost perspective without taking a break from the story. I recommend putting your completed tale in a drawer for a couple weeks after you finish it. Pick it up again when you don't remember every detail. This will help you regain the perspective lost while writing the first draft.
Until Next Time,
Diane
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I've selected a few stories for your enjoyment. Please remember to send the author a review. 
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Featured Contest:
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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!
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The editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable. We appreciate your responses.
 Mavis Moog "You're right about scent. It is the most evocative of all our senses. The scent analysis part of our brains is one of the oldest, and is often referred to as reptilian. May I suggest you bath your cat? My cat smells of lily-of-the-valley and lavender. Great reminder. Thank you."
Bathe my cat? Perish the thought! He's a grumpy cat when dry, add water and he'd be unbearable! 
schipperke "I love the sense of smell! It is your most primitive sense, and one that will trigger the most memories. Thank you for you odifourus newsletter!"
Vivian  "Ah, Diane, scent is such a memory trigger, yet many of us don't use it enough in our writing. Thanks for the reminder."
AuntyNelly "A great NL as usual. I think you're right about smells. Normally I don't always consider this type of description unless it comes to mind spontaneously."
Prosperous Snow celebrating  "I have never considered adding scent to my stories until now. I know that scent is an important part of our lives. There are many scents that bring back memories. I am going to begin adding scent to my stories."
♥Carol♥ "Your idea of incorporating scent into the description in a story in the latest newsletter is brilliant. Since my recent move to the country, I have noticed that my sense of smell has been hightened significantly. Not only is it a joy to breathe fresh, clean air, but when a breath contains the scent of a particular flower; or the sweet smell of fallen oak leaves after a rain, it is like music to the ears or sugar to the tastebuds. In my opinion, your advice was right on."
Strange Wulf "I'd have to agree. We have five senses and often only sight is used. The others are neglected too much. To cure this, how about doing a short story with a blind character? Makes you focus on everything *but* sight. This would force the author to try describing things in a way that doesn't use sight, thus strengthening their skill with using the other senses for descriptiong. In fact, I think I ought to do this myself. Hmm. Should be interesting to make a blind character. ^_^ I'll enjoy the trip."
This sounds like a wonderful writing exercise. I'd encourage everyone to try this one.
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