writing short stories
September 26, 2009
- Now that it is finished, it is time to separate the pieces, and take a look inside.First, what are the parts of a story?The most basic are opening, middle, and ending.The opening should have a hook to make the reader want more. Let the reader know enough about the central character to make the person seem real and interesting. The writer should also give the reader a glimpse of what upsets or ...
- Continue Reading » 0 Comments
September 19, 2009
- As it worked out, not knowing the end when I started this story allowed imagination to dictate conclusion. In addition, for me, writing is about imagining people, places and things, so this worked out in the best way possible.I think a story should build from an idea, a vision, a picture, or even overheard words. If I envision an ending when I begin writing, fine. I will try to reach that ending, ...
- Continue Reading » 0 Comments
August 31, 2009
- My plan was to present the written story. Now I'm not because I cannot decide how to end it.Knowing the end is the second part of story writing, the first being the original idea.Since I failed to conceive an ending before, or soon after the plot idea gelled, the plot is dangling precariously over the precipice.Due to this, I'm presenting the story as it stands now, and will let it sit for a few ...
- Continue Reading » 0 Comments
August 19, 2009
- Writers hear those words frequently, but rarely will the phrase be accompanied with an example.One of my favorite sayings is "Keep it simple." I am sure you've heard it spoken.I am going to write an example of Show me, don't tell me and do my best to keep it simple.Here is my Tell me. Jonathan stood at the edge of the cliff and peered into the valley. A spark of light caught his ...
- Continue Reading » 2 Comments
August 18, 2009
- I begin with a mental image.Rule number one for me. Let the image write the story. I do not force it, or attempt to direct its flow. If I am stuck, I will stop and find something else to do. The story will usually pull me back.The following example began when a misplaced sheet of paper in my office grabbed my attention. As I walked past, I saw the color red and printed words.In my mind, this ...
- Continue Reading » 0 Comments
March 3, 2009
- I recently got an update from a workshop I once taught. It got me thinking about workshops, a place where writers share information about writing. It also reminded me of the most essential thing I learned about writing. It's a simple concept really, and it sounds absurd at first. Basically it is the idea that nothing is ever blue. I'm not saying things don't turn out cerulean, sapphire, or the ...
- Continue Reading » 2 Comments
June 13, 2008
- There has been much talk and conversation and disagreement on these pages about how to sell one's work--about how to plug, publicize, sell, advertise, promote a novel, story collection, or poems. We've written also a great deal about the actual process of writing, of motivating ourselves into the space where we can tell the tale, and you'd hope and wish and think that was all we'd have to ...
- Continue Reading » 2 Comments
