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Forward Motion for Writers

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1. Who has NEVER written a short story but wants to?

2. Have you tried and failed or never tried?

3. Would you be interested in a workshop in chat? Or prefer resource material to work from?

4. If you're a short story lover and would like to assist with a workshop in chat, share that too.

Nothing is scheduled yet, or format decided. If there's interest, we'll see what can be set up - so please share your thoughts and feelings.

consider the Msy Story A day Challenge and the new July Flash Fiction challenge. Wouldn't you like to try it without feeling intimidated? Let us know!

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I'd like to learn what I'm doing wrong in the whole "finishing them" department.

Then I want to learn how to separate the gold from the dross in editing: I can't smelt my own fiction (though I can smell it...whooo boy!)

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I'm thinking revision is going to be part 2.

Thankd for the interest.

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I was in the shower the other morning and thought that it was pathetic that I was still half-heartedly trying to be a published writer after thirty years and more, and I'm producing less instead of more these days. This was especially poignant because the anniversary of my old theatre group is coming up, and weren't we all young and going to change the world back twenty-five years ago?

And then I figured, that's the wrong way to look at it. I had a profound experience six years ago that has altered the way I think (literally--I mean, they were stirring a spoon in my brain, and although the metal implement wasn't a spoon, the whole image is pretty accurate). So I figure the right way to look at it is that I've been trying this writing thing for less than six years.

Of course I have stuff to learn!

So I'm here to learn, or re-learn, and if I can help, that's good too.

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Given that I write short stories (anywhere from 100 words up) I'll offer to help. Iin Chat (if I can fit in with the timing) or collating resources material.

Cat

thanks.

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Just to re-iterate: also willing to help, wherever necessary.

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thanks. I'm envisioning a chat session then breakout groups, depending on attendance.

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I would like to try, my only two writing experiences are a short children's story and the story I just did on NaNo. I like the idea of resource material AND chat. For me, the more methods of information delivery, the better

great. it'll be fun.

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Never? Really? Shoot.

I would love a short story class, but I have written a few, and I have two that I'm sending out for publication. So, if you're not too literal about the "never" part, I'm definitely interested! (especially now that I have internet again).

As far as #3 -- ideally, I like the message board format, with interaction that doesn't force people to all be on at the same time, since my availability schedule is pretty short and weird.

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Never doesn't have to be literal, and you're welcome to join in. I'm trying to determine how many people really have never written one, or tried and never completed one.

There may be other options too, which we'll figure out as people respond.

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I'm a regular with the May SAD challenge, and have written a lot of shorts in the last year or so. I'm definitely interested in a workshop or chat, especially as I have a few short story goals I want to accomplish in the next year.

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You're welcome to join us, though be prepared I'm siming for something basic.

Zette is planning something more advanced which might interest you, but time will tell. We're floating ideas around.

We'll keep you updated.

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Actually, basic is okay. Doesn't hurt to rehash stuff I already know, especially if some newer members are joining in. Never know what you might learn.

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that'a a great attitidue. And in a wokshop environemnt, it's good to have lots of it. ;D

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If it isn't necessarily literally never, I'm interested, too! I've written a couple, but have attempted several more and haven't gotten anywhere.

Chat sessions would be great, but it would depend on timings (I'm in the UK, so might not be around at the same time as others); source material would probably be easier to arrange!

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Although I have written short stories, I would be in to learn more! Thanks!
Jim

Great. Will have more info soon.

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Great. I'll keep you updated.

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Hello,

I am interested in joining your workshop. I have written a short story, so I can't say that I have NEVER written one. Still, because it is the one and only piece I have in my portfolio, I would love to work on another. I prefer the workshop rather than the chat format. I look forward to updates from this board.

Eager to learn,
Jess

There will be two segments to it, and you can participate as much as you like.

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How about someone who has written several, but who hasn't gotten one accepted yet? I could use all the help I can scrounge. Titles and endings especially.

why not? we're all a work in progress. Just expect that some of the material might be a little basic.

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Thanks for the interest folks.

I'm in the process of writing up a workshop and gathering resources, so thank you for your comments. Knowing that some of you have specific concerns, I can make sure I address it directly.

I'll let you know when there's a date.

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I would be interested as well. I've been trying short stories lately, but never seem able to finish satisfactorily. Maybe this will help me figure it out.

I'm stoked by the idea of a short story class. I've only attempted one short story. It kept growing bigger and bigger until I had to put it aside because I can only work on one novel at a time. Maybe I'll dust that story off and see where the class takes it. If that's all right.

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I'd be interested in a short story workshop if it was held in a forum format as I'm totally intimidated by chat but would like the feedback rather than just a book for self study.

CathWren

2YN2009 Novel:

Working Title: The Tarot Murders
FMC - Verity

Paranormal Mystery

Long blurb: Detective Joan Rivera takes a break from a stalled investigation to visit a local street fair where, on a whim,
she asks tarot reader Verity about her case. She is surprised when the reading suggests a new direction for the
investigation that leads to an arrest. Subsequent visits prove this not to be a fluke. She doesn't want to tell her
peers just where she is getting her "leads" but when she recognizes a crime scene as a recreation of a tarot
card, she realizes it is time to bring her friend out of the broom closet and into the investigation.

And we don't bite.

Well, not often and we do keep the first aid kit on hand. So far no one has died. Although a few have transformed into zombies and werewolves and vampires; but it's all good.

To come into Chat just click on the link up the top - Chat Rooms. Choose a room with people in and say "Hi." We'll do the rest.

The biggest problem I'd have with doing a *class* in chat is scheduling, and the fact that it's kind of a one-shot deal. If I can't make it at that time, well, then I can't make it at all. Otherwise, I occasionally really like chat (I don't use it much because I'm not good at multitasking, so it often ends up a waste of time for me as I just sit there and wait for people to respond - I think I'd do well with word war chats, though).

That said, unless it's taking place AFTER May 25, I think you're going to have to count me out anyway.

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What I have in mind is chat based, but the materials will be available on the forum. I'll be encouraging some posting on the forum as well.

Honestly, one singular method isn't going to work for everyone, but I'm going for what I hope is a unique experience here.

I do hope you try the chat. There might even be breakout groups to make the interaction segment more managable since we're getting decent interest going.

In the meantime, I'd actually recommend hitting FM chat. Everyone's nice - no one will pressure you if you just want to lurk until you're comfortable.

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I might look in on an FM chat group just to see if I *can* chat. I get performance anxiety in chat rooms; silly I know.

I haven't the faintest idea how to write something short that has a beginning, a middle and an end so I hope I can get comfortable enough to take this class if it is in chat.

CathWren

2YN2009 Novel:

Working Title: The Tarot Murders
FMC - Verity

Paranormal Mystery

Long blurb: Detective Joan Rivera takes a break from a stalled investigation to visit a local street fair where, on a whim,
she asks tarot reader Verity about her case. She is surprised when the reading suggests a new direction for the
investigation that leads to an arrest. Subsequent visits prove this not to be a fluke. She doesn't want to tell her
peers just where she is getting her "leads" but when she recognizes a crime scene as a recreation of a tarot
card, she realizes it is time to bring her friend out of the broom closet and into the investigation.

I'm interested. Currently tossing around an idea that I'm not sure will reach the necessary word count to qualify as a novel. It will be interesting to see if it can develop into a short story.

Thanks,
Diane

Though the workshop/class isn't up and running yet, I wanted to hit on one important point, the one that takes time.

If you want to write short fiction, you NEED to read it.

I'm suggesting you take a look at a free online zine and start reading. I'm recommending Daily Science Fiction, a speculative fiction publication, mostly because that's what I write and that's what I'm going to work with. YOU don't need to write spec fic, you can work any genre you want. But this is free and the stories are short. And they cater -- stories come right to your mailbox. There's a good chance I'll pick one of these stories as an example in the workshop.

http://dailysciencefiction.com/

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Also available via e-mail subscription or on their Website, Every Day Fiction covers a range of genres.

http://www.everydayfiction.com/

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Thanks, Erin. It's always good to have more options!

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Another option is to scour the secondhand book shops. I have picked up so many anthologies of all sorts of short stories for a dollar or so.

And remember reading the 'bad' stories is just as informative as reading the 'good' ones.

I have had a the years best Fantasy and Horror (14th edition) anthology I bought for a dollar at the library last year sitting on my TBR waiting. After reading this, I did pick it up this morning and read and enjoyed the first story.

I also signed up for both e-magazines suggested. Since I'm also making my way through George Martin's huge series, though, the anthology will take awhile. I can read the e-fiction shorts at work!

Both e-zines? I only saw the Daily Science Fiction. What was the other?

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The second was Every Day Fiction, which I gave a link to: http://www.everydayfiction.com

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That's actually one of the first things I did -- I started getting Daily Science Fiction. I haven't read it as much as I used to, but I definitely think it's a good idea.

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I've been getting and reading them, but some are so short. Not really a short story, but just a little snippet of one.

That's called Flash or Micro Fiction or Twitter fiction. We won't really be hitting on those - they're really tough and unless that form is something you adore, probably not the best place to start in writing one.

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I have in the past, but not for awhile, and would love to take the workshop anyway. I know I could get much better at it.

You're welcome to join us. Stay tuned for updates!

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Has this already happened? I just came across this board. I have written a few short stories, but need more work. A lot more. I would love to join in!

I'm finalizing details and will be running this in April. I want to work toward the end of the month to get passed the religious holidays.

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Sounds great! I'll keep an eye out for it!

I will be posting the workshop on Saturday April 21st.

Work through it at your own pace. We'll hold our chat session on Saturday April 28th for whomever is interested in discussing the workshop, ask questions, get help on stories, etc.

When the workshop is posted, I'll link back here.

Chat times TBA.

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perfect timing for the May challenge!

Exactly. I hope some of you will try the challenge at least on the beginner level and put to use what I'm going to share.

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The workshop is here:

http://fmwriters.com/community/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=622

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