Short Stories: March 15, 2006 Issue [#932]
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Short Stories


 This week:
  Edited by: Diane Author IconMail Icon
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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

Welcome to this week's edition of the Short Story newsletter. Each edition of the newsletter highlights issues of concern to short story writers.

~*Flower4*~ Diane ~*Flower4*~


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Attracting Readers


I see many posts around the site asking how to attract readers to a story. One of the best ways to attract readers is to make your brief description interesting. This isn't much different than making the description on the back of a book catch the reader's interest. You need to give people a reason to click on the link to your story. There are thousands of items on the site to choose from so make yours stand out!

The challenge isn't over after you convince the reader to open your story. The next challenge is to keep their attention. Short stories are different from novels. In a longer story, you can take your time with the reader. Lead them around the tale by the hand, pointing out the characters and important details while exploring the scenery along the way.

With shorter tales, you don't have the luxury of time. You need to throw the reader into the story right away. Grab their hand and make a quick introduction to the characters while you move the plot along at a nice pace. Point out the important details and skip over the small stuff that really doesn't impact the plot.

There are a few techniques you can employ to catch the readers interest as soon as they open the story. The method you use should reflect the tone of the story and will vary depending on the genre.

*Bullet* Start the tale at a point of action. This works well for horror and action/adventure stories.

*Bullet* Start the tale with dialog such as an emotional outburst by a character. This works well for drama and romance/love stories.

*Bullet* Start the tale with an intriguing description. This can work for any genre.

Use these techniques to catch the readers attention. After you have it, don't let go. Make sure your plot and characterization is strong enough to keep their interest until the last word.

Until Next Time,
Diane Author Icon


Editor's Picks

I've selected a few stories for your enjoyment. Please remember to send the author a review. *Smile*



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#1053233 by Not Available.



 
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Rocks for Mama Open in new Window. (ASR)
A little girl's faith saves her mother.
#863665 by Nikola~Thankful Library Lady Author IconMail Icon



 The Hunting Arrow Open in new Window. (18+)
an evil arrow waits in the woods...
#1073093 by C.C. Moore Author IconMail Icon



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Try The Uni Open in new Window. (13+)
Join me on a trip to the local sushi bar.
#1076553 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon



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#1080128 by Not Available.



Featured Contests:

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Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

The editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable. We appreciate your responses.


*Note1* zwisis "Each story, regardless of genre has the potential to convey a message. Make sure you are clear on the message conveyed so the reader will understand the point of the story.
Great words, Diane, and something we all need to think about when writing. I wonder how many published writers fall victim to this syndrome. Patricia Cornwall wrote some wonderful books early in her career, but the last three have been dreadful."

I agree, Blue Jeans! It frustrates me to no end when I purchase a book by an author I've enjoyed in the past, only to find their latest work lacking.


*Note1* Voxxylady Author Icon "Diane, wonderful advice about making sure there is a reason for a story. Too often when I'm reviewing, I'm not sure if there is one. Someone should at least grow or change in some way."

I agree. I often read a story several times trying to figure out why the tale is being shared. I often ask that in my reviews. I'm sure it's usually apparent to the writer, and it's possible they don't realize it isn't clear to the reader!


*Note1* NightWhisper Author Icon "Diane..I'm fairly new to this site, and am so intrigued with it. I enjoy getting the newsletters, feedback, and format of this site. I want to do well with my writing, and this really helps. Any help I can get is very appreciated. I learn something new, every time I come here. I didn't know about the King book, and now, can't wait to look into it, as well. Thanks for the help and the info."

Welcome to Writing.Com! I'm glad you find the newsletters useful. We're all here to help each other along in our writing journey. Feel free to give us feedback on what you'd find helpful in the newsletters. *Smile*

*Note1* animatqua "I very much agree with what you are saying in this excellent Newsletter. I am a verbal story teller as well as an author. In this, much more knowing is passed on than would be guessed.

I have seldom told a story that has not changed something in someone's life, if even in a small, small way. I believe stories, even `modern' stories, are a healing experience. This to say, I believe the general purpose of story is the same as it always was: to inform, to remember, to heal, and lastly to entertain."

I'm happy to hear you tell stories verbally as well as in writing. I have fond memories of sitting in the library while a local storyteller entertained a circle of children with her tales of adventure. I'm sure those sessions sparked much of my interest in storytelling. *Smile*

*Note1* Strange Wulf Author Icon "This reminds me of one reason I wanted to be a writer. C.S. Lewis has been quoted as saying there's a "backdoor to the heart" that stories can reach. A preacher's sermon might be rejected outright, but a good fantasy is a way to slip some of God's truths into a person's heart. It's sneaky, I'll admit, but I think that it's a good way to open a bitter heart, either for salvation or just so their lives are a little less bland.

When I write, I'll be writing from my worldview, as all authors do. And I can't help but think that we're all striving to put these "little truths" into our works. This is not because we want to convert them. More often it's because we believe in them. And sometimes, they are things we all believe in.

Honesty. Fairness. Compassion. Honor. Persistence. Loyalty. These are all traits we find noble and worthy of praise. I can think of no better place to teach people this than in my stories. After all, this is what life is all about, isn't it?"

*Note1* glitterword "I would love to participate in this newsletter. I would like to write a short story. Please would you be kind enough to give me this opportunity. Oh! and please e-mail me the closing date of entry."

Hello and welcome to Writing.Com! Stories are chosen from both items submitted via the link at the bottom of the newsletter, and stories discovered by the editors during their readings of items posted on the site. Post a short story in your portfolio, then submit it to the newsletter for consideration. *Smile*

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
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