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Short Stories: August 06, 2025 Issue [#13276]




 This week: Short Stories Are Tall Tales
  Edited by: W.D.Wilcox 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


“Find the key emotion; this may be all you need to know to find your short story.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Short stories consume you faster. They’re connected to brevity. With the short story, you are up against mortality. I know how tough they are as a form, but they’re also a total joy.”
– Ali Smith

“I would also suggest that any aspiring writer begin with short stories. These days, I meet far too many young writers who try to start off with a novel right off, or a trilogy, or even a nine-book series. That’s like starting in at rock climbing by tackling Mt. Everest. Short stories help you learn your craft.”
– George R.R. Martin

"When I was your age, television was called books."
-Peter Faulk in The Princess Bride


Letter from the editor

Writing Short Stories

Short stories serve multiple purposes for both readers and writers. For readers, they offer a quick, engaging read, often focusing on a single incident or theme, and can be completed in a single sitting. They can also introduce readers to new authors or genres. For writers, short stories are valuable for honing writing skills, experimenting with different styles, and exploring various character and plot possibilities. They can also be used as a way to build an audience or test out ideas before committing to a longer work.

George R. R. Martin said it best: “I would also suggest that any aspiring writer begin with short stories. These days, I meet far too many young writers who try to start with a novel, a trilogy, or even a nine-book series. That’s like starting in at rock climbing by tackling Mt. Everest. Short stories help you learn your craft.”

Personally, I'm stuck writing short stories. I am so accustomed to honing this craft that I struggle to break out of it. I know there's a novel in me somewhere, but every time I start to write it, I rush to the end, and then BAM, I've got another short story.

W.D.Wilcox


Editor's Picks

SHORT PICKS

 THE LEGACY Open in new Window. (18+)
Every writer's FANTASY, in just 1000 words?
#1173185 by tosca Author IconMail Icon

 312 Snowflakes Open in new Window. (18+)
The story of a man's final few minutes. Revised 6-29-07
#953417 by Grivante Author IconMail Icon

 Recurring Nightmare Open in new Window. (ASR)
A nightmare I've had for 45 years or so.
#852648 by Legerdemain Author IconMail Icon

STATIC
Black Carnations Open in new Window. (13+)
Jolee has a bad day at the flower shop.
#1073793 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon

STATIC
"You Can't Leave Me!" Open in new Window. (18+)
"You don't want to leave me." I turned the knob, making sure he was locked in
#981755 by 👼intuey Author IconMail Icon

The Agony of the Soul Open in new Window. (18+)
Cynthia Corvallis lives forever in the gloomy pits of life.
#588758 by kristofer Author IconMail Icon

STATIC
Not In The Mood Open in new Window. (18+)
Micro Fiction Contest about a romantic moment
#937429 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon



 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

WRITE INS

JL Richter Author Icon
Thank you for including one of my shorts in your newsletter. It's always humbling and a thrill to be featured.


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