Matthew Said:

Writing short story about and indirect boast?

We Answered:

That sounds like you are copying something like Mrs. Malaprop. She loved big words and used them wrongly not knowing their proper meanings. Indirect Boast is writing a prose or a poem boasting about something but not coming out directly with it making the characters do it in such a way that you would have to read the whole story and realize that the author was boasting about a certain topic while making u laugh or cry or angry or frustrated or puzzled.

Irene Said:

Do you know of any short story writing contests?

We Answered:

http://www.freelancewriting.com/writingc…

I was going to enter but never got around to writing anything!

Adam Said:

What are the characteristics of short story writing?

We Answered:

A catchy opening, with a body that is stimulating and interesting and an ending that makes the story complete yet desiring to read more. A good short story always grabs you and keeps you, then leaves you feeling satisfied and eager to read the next short story you write.

Sharon Said:

Any advice or resources for short story writing?

We Answered:

How To Write A Short Story

Fiction, short stories, makes statements
about life. It's a comment from the author.
In other words, it's the theme.

"Why is theme important?" You looked
around the room.

The response to your story will be better
understood if you know why you wrote it.

Decide on a theme before writing the
story. It will help you to focus.

Start the story off with conflict, in the middle
of the problem. Grab the reader's attention
with paragraph one.

The reader, at this point, is interested in
knowing how the situation resolves itself,
or how the characters find a solution.

Possibly, a reader cares for a character,
know someone in a situation like it, cheers
for the protagonist, and/or wants to see
the main character stand-up for herself/
himself.

There isn't much room in short stories.
Publishers have rules in regard to word
count. Every word must further the plot
along, not drag it out.

Plot is how the problem, in the story,
is solved. In short fiction, one problem
is enough.

Keep the focus on the theme. It's
not wise to branch out in various
directions. It's confusing, takes up
unnecessary space, and defeats the
purpose of the short story.

Always, be fair with the readers.

"What do you mean?" You sipped
orange juice.

The reader expects an ending to
satisfy. The ending shouldn't seem
from a distant place. It should be
reasonable, with a "gotcha".

I'm referring to a twist. A twist is
something no one expects, but makes
sense after looking back.

A short story has a limited number of
words. Pick a theme, and stick with it.
An exciting story begins in the middle
of a problem, and ends with a twist

Susan Said:

How does short story writing remove stress. ?

We Answered:

when I write my short stories (for halloween or about my horse riding life) I feel so free because i am writing about my life (in another character's name, and totally different state) and I really love it. I never get them published, though because i never finish them. so i end up with a bunch of unfinished short stories about me. so basically what i am saying is, writing, even a diary, soothes the soul because it is about you and your life. so i keep many writing journals and short stories so i can try to continue the writing process. Oh, and by the way, in case you didn't know, a writing journal is kind of like a detailed precursor to how to write a short story. i used to have one, but i can't find it anymore. anyways, hope this helps. (I always say that to see if it does help, so don't mind it if i answer more of your questions and end that way.)