The reader’s imagination is a powerful tool for writers.

cj Sez: A lot of the passion, or eroticism, a reader finds in a story is often the part that’s left unwritten. For me, what one imagines to be residing between the lines of a story—the perceived hidden meanings—can be more erotic than detailed descriptions.

  Writers can never predict how their words will be interpreted because their readers are coming from a multitude of backgrounds with different sets of life experiences. 

  That’s both exciting and fearful. Words, syntax, and semantics have to be as exact as we can make them, all the while knowing that each reader will most likely interpret them differently. I believe it is unfair and insulting to intelligent readers for authors to tell them what they meant through the use of Italics and adverbs attached to dialogue.  Example: “How dare you do that,” she exclaimed angrily. Suggested alternative is just a plain-old “How dare you do that.” This draws the reader into the story by allowing him or her to place their own emphasis.
 
  I’ve had the pleasure of having a reader tell me how much she enjoyed (or did not enjoy) a particular scene or dialogue exchange. When I asked why, her interpretation of the scene or dialogue was nowhere near what I had intended. Obviously, words and phrases do not have universal meanings. In particular, writing with and about passion and eroticism tends to invite a lot of critical judgment and opinion.
 
Eroticism is far more than the sexual and sensuous descriptions.

Andromeda Nebula

  For me, the definition of erotic pleasure is nebulous. It is sitting on the floor of a darkened room immersed in music…it is snowflakes melting in my eyelashes…the smooth caress of summer breezes...the warmth of the morning sun…the whistle of an elk and the cry of a loon in the northern wilderness...it is pleasure that fills me with laughter and the pain that makes my heart ache…it is intelligence with a quick wit and gentle humor…it is the harmonics of a deeply resonant baritone…the touch of a guiding, strong hand at my waist…it is the feel of silk, satin, skin on skin…the velvetiness of a baby’s cheek…the taste of dark chocolate melting on my tongue...it is the aroma of a pipe and the coarseness of a woolen shirt…it is the heady sheen and smell of an athlete…it is trees dressed up in spring green or autumn blaze…pewter clouds and blue skies…it is sounds, feelings, sights, smells, tastes, touch, memories…it is imagination.

§§

  Summer is winding down, and one of my favorite cartoons illustrates the lament of most everyone returning to their regular fall, winter, and spring school and work schedules.

  Beyond that … I am so yearning for some moderating autumnal temperatures on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The summer heat has been hellacious this year—a very long string of 100-plus-degree days with sauna-like humidity. In fact, Mobile set its own record this year for 11 days of >=100 degrees. I haven’t ventured into my yard for longer than an hour or so at a time since June, and boy, do I have the weeds and vines to prove it.

§§

  Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you.

cj

Now a note from my sponsors:
Perfect for the upcoming holiday: HALLOWEEN PIECES

I have a short paranormal story, “Once in a Blue Moon,”  included in this fourth installment of the Mobile Writers Guild anthology PIECES series.
 
Kindle is $1.99/paperback is out of print. I happen to have four paperback copies if you’ve a mind to hold that book in your hands. First come, first served and sale priced at $7.50 plus mailing. Just drop me a note:  cjpetterson@gmail.com
 

  My novels THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced, thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a smidgen of sweet romance. (Perfect diversions for a quick weekend getaway.)
 
  The books are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.

  Little note: The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us  If she happens to be sold out, I have a small stash. Angela Trigg, the awesome owner and a RITA Award-winning author in her own right (writing as Angela Quarles) will be happy to ship you any book(s) by any author of your choice.
 
➜ Follow me on . . .  
➜ Amazon:    Amazon Central Author Page
➜ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor
➜ BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson
➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
 

Copyright infringement, et al.

 cj Sez: I came across an article on the risks associated with copyright infringement in the digital age. With the proliferation of Facebook sharing, I think it’s worth reiterating this news to my readers.

copyright sign  ©

  Sharing copyrighted content without permission invites consequences that can have major effects on your bank account. Attorney Christopher Heer is an intellectual property lawyer and his article on “How to Avoid Copyright Infringement” is one that all artists should read…and as authors, we are among that group.

  Read this important article here:  https://youpreneur.com/how-to-avoid-copyright-infringement-online/

  I’m hopeful that sharing the URL address to this article falls under the “exceptions to exclusive rights” section which includes “research … instruction … review … and news reporting.”  (PS: If you have questions about what is or is not a copyright infringement, please check with your attorney.)

§§

  From Lee Ann Ward, USA Today Best-Selling author and founder of Writing Away Refuge:

… Registration is now open for our last virtual pitch retreat of 2023! Our next Writing Away Refuge Virtual Pitch Retreat over Zoom is happening September 23-24th. You can pitch up to 5 literary agents one-on-one over Zoom. We offer workshops, practice pitches, prize giveaways, and then the real thing, pitching your manuscript to agents. Don’t miss our last virtual pitch retreat for the year. 

  And, as a BONUS, members of this group can register for the full retreat at the 2-year member price of $75 (choose that payment option when you register). Only 50 spots available and we expect them to fill. See you there!

www.writingawayrefuge.com/about-1

§§

  Tomorrow, the world remembers the tragedies of 9/11/2001.

§§

  This year, the Jewish New Year begins at sundown on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 (the eve of Tishrei 1) and concludes after nightfall on Sunday, Sept 17 (Tishrei 2). For all those celebrating this special holiday, I wish you . . .

§§

  Writers, if you want to schedule a post on Lyrical Pens for a blog tour (new book? Refreshing an older book?), drop me a note. (PG13 work, please.)

§§

  Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you!

cj

Perfect for the upcoming holiday: 

  “In this fourth installment of the Mobile Writers Guild anthology series, our members celebrate the season of witches, jack-o-lanterns, black cats, spiders and ghosts that is Halloween. As always in our Pieces series, we have an eclectic selection of stories, poems, and one play that explores the chills, thrills, and giggles that fill the streets as well as our ghoulish little hearts every October.” 

  My paranormal short story, “Once in a Blue Moon,” is included.

  Only $1.99 on Kindle. The paperback is out of print...However! I happen to have four paperback copies if you’ve a mind to hold that book in your hands. First come, first served and sale priced at $7.50 plus mailing. Just drop me a note:  cjpetterson@gmail.com

  My novels THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA, still priced at $2.99, are fast-paced, thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a smidgen of sweet romance. (Perfect diversions for a quick weekend getaway.)

  Available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.

  Little note: The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us  

  If the Book Shop happens to be sold out, I have a small stash. Angela Trigg, the awesome owner and a RITA Award-winning author in her own right (writing as Angela Quarles) will be happy to ship you any book(s) by any author of your choice.

➜ Follow me on . . .  

➜ Amazon:    Amazon Central Author Page

➜ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor

➜ BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson

➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6

 

Talking about Labor Day, and the all-important reader/author relationship

 cj Sez: I wish all y'all an enjoyable and safe Labor Day holiday.

And Thank You to all who have to work today!

  Did you know? Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

  The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on a Tuesday in 1882 in New York City, but in 1884, Congress responded to pressure from constituents for a long holiday weekend and passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

§§

  Relationships. . . I’ve written a post about this a couple of times before, but I really love the importance of the message and think it’s worth repeating.

  

  Over the years, I’ve read some really good articles on this subject, and the following post is a product of some of the things I’ve learned.

The dictionary defines the word “relationship” this way:

noun

1. a connection, association, or involvement.

2. connection between persons by blood or marriage.

3. an emotional or other connection between people:  the relationship between teachers and students.

4. a sexual involvement; affair.

  Really, you don’t need another person to have a relationship. You can have a relationship with anything, animate or inanimate.

  In the movie "Turner and Hooch," Tom Hanks’s Turner character builds a crazy relationship with a big, slobber-faced dog. What you see here is a compulsively neat, bachelor detective whose tidy world encounters household destruction and chaos. . . "The Odd Couple" redux.

  

  In the 2000 movie "Castaway," Tom Hanks’s marooned character creates a relationship with an inanimate object. A Wilson-brand volleyball takes on a persona. He gives it a face and a name and talks to it as if were another person. . . In the mid-1970s, much of America went through the Pet Rock craze.

  Every day we interact with animals, objects, and people of all stripes—family, friends, coworkers, strangers, et al. Our relationship with each is different, depending on the circumstances and need.

  Authors create relationships (interactions) between characters in their stories.

  If I’ve gotten you interested enough to continue reading this brief post, then I’ve begun to build a relationship with you, my reader. This reader/author relationship is all about how long can I continue to entertain your interest in what I’m saying … the excitement of learning something new or discovering a statement that suddenly makes sense to you.

  That’s how stories must progress if you’re going to keep your audience interested in your work.

  A writer’s skill at creating a story that draws in a reader emotionally and intellectually is what keeps the reader coming back for more. That’s when you’ve got the beginnings of a relationship.

  One of the most important relationships authors can have is the one they have with their readers … the relationship they build with their writing.

  How do you build a relationship and grow your fan base? Know your intended audience as thoroughly as you know your characters, understand their wants, and write the best story you can that will appeal to their emotions and intellect.

  Caveat: It is the author’s responsibility to maintain the relationship. The reader doesn’t owe you anything and can end this promising author/reader relationship at any time—sometimes for no apparent reason.

  If I’ve given you something to think about, then I’ve done my job, and I’m done here.

§§

  Writers, if you want to schedule a post on Lyrical Pens for a blog tour (new book? Refreshing an older book?), drop me a note. (PG13 work, please.)

§§

  Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you!

cj

  THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced, thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a smidgen of sweet romance. (Perfect diversions for those quick weekend getaways.)

  The books are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.

  Little note: The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us  If she happens to be sold out, I have a small stash. Angela Trigg, the awesome owner and a RITA Award-winning author in her own right (writing as Angela Quarles) will be happy to ship you any book(s) by any author of your choice.

➜ Follow me on . . .  

➜ Amazon:    Amazon Central Author Page

➜ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor

➜ BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson

➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6

A story that became a made-for-TV movie

cj Sez: Authors if you’ve ever thought about your story becoming a movie, how about a made-for-TV movie?

   USAToday best-selling author Barbara Hinske has such a story. And readers, this is for you, too: Here’s a blog-tour note from Barbara on how you can help make sure the movie gets the viewers it needs:

“My novel Guiding Emily has been adapted for the screen by Hallmark. It will air Sept 8, 9ET/8 CT on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. I was present for filming again and this will be a terrific movie. They stuck with the book this time. Hallmark has stepped out of their usual romance box for this movie. The principal cast and crew are set to work on a series based on the books. The movie has to do well enough or trend on twitter for Hallmark to pull this trigger on this. Needless to say, this is the Holy Grail for an author. 

The actor's strike has prevented both Sarah Drew (Emily) and Eric McCormack (voice of Garth) from promoting the movie and I'm doing everything I can to get eyeballs on it. 

So—please tune every set in your house (heck--on your street!) to watch on Sept 8.”

  GUIDING EMILY is a tale of love, loss, and courage. Meet Emily and Garth in the GUIDING EMILY movie on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Friday, September 8th on @hallmarkmovie 

#visuallyimpaired #guidedogs #guidedogsfortheblind #guidedogpuppy #servicedogpuppy #servicedogintraining #hallmarkmovie #guidingemily #hallmarkmoviesmysteries

§§

  Here are some helpful grammar hints from my personal library:

  The Christmas Grinch notwithstanding, here are proper usages for Stink, Stank, Stunk . . .

… Stink is the present or future form.

… Stank is the past form, use it when you refer to some time that has already happened, such as last night, yesterday, or last week.

… Stunk is the participle form, it means you must use have, has, or had with it).

… What is that stink I smell?

… Frying that fish will stink up the whole house.

… She sure stank up the kitchen last night with that burned milk!

… I'm sorry, but the baby's diaper really stank on the way home yesterday!

… The house hasn't stunk this badly since the day we found that rat behind the dryer.

… If you hadn't stunk up the bathroom, I wouldn't have opened the window and let your orchids freeze in the snow.

Then there’s this tricky usage/spelling: Pick up, Pick-up, Pickup

… Will you pick up my dry cleaning?

… “Have we met” is such a stale pick-up line.

… My pickup truck is red.

§§

“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”

― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

§§

  Writers, if you want to schedule a post on Lyrical Pens for a blog tour (new book? Refreshing an older book?), drop me a note. (PG13 work, please.)

§§

  Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you!

cj

 

  THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced, thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a smidgen of sweet romance. (Perfect diversions for those quick weekend getaways.)

  The books are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.

Little note: The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us  If she happens to be sold out, I have a small stash. Angela Trigg, the awesome owner and a RITA Award-winning author in her own right (writing as Angela Quarles) will be happy to ship you any book(s) by any author of your choice.

➜ Follow me on . . .  

➜ Amazon:    Amazon Central Author Page

➜ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor

➜ BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson

➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6

 

When the marketing begins

cj Sez:   Other than the deep, time-constrained editing that happens, one of the hardest parts of the writing process comes when authors have typed THE END on the last page of the manuscript and sent it off for publication: the task of marketing that beautiful baby.

  Going “on the stump”* for sales will almost certainly include some public speaking. For me, the prospect of public speaking is a bit scary. Writers’ normal milieu as we create our stories is solitude (maybe with some background music or white noise) in front of a computer or with pen pressed to paper. We’re watchers . . . we observe the behaviors of others and take copious notes for future story/character ideas. Being the watch-ees can take us completely out of our comfort zones.

  Whether traditionally, indie-, or self-published, the task of marketing accrues to all authors. In today’s literary world, big-name publishing houses are requiring their equally big-name author-clients to help market their own brand and creations. (Anyone remember seeing James Patterson’s TV ads for something called the MasterClass Online series?) The ultimate goal of marketing is, of course, to garner attention for the author’s work and increase sales.

  Like James Patterson, authors need to connect with their readers. Actually, they must connect with their readers. They need to build a relationship with fans of their work. (I've written on that subject before.) That means authors do readings at book clubs and libraries. They do book signings and media (TV/press/radio) interviews. All of those tasks require (gasp) exiting the safety of the computer chair and getting “out there,” shaking hands and public speaking. That's where a formulaic “stump speech” can offer a degree of confidence.

  The first thing I did when I handed off my first novel to the publisher was to outline a flexible stump speech, and I keep updating it. 

  I start with an anecdote. Then I give a brief bio, including why I use a pen name and how I chose it. I follow up with something about where the idea for the story came from, the research involved, the characters, and I read one or two short excerpts. I flesh out my speech outline with a few comments below the bullet points then print it out in large, bold, double-spaced type and practice it, practice it, practice it. That helps me with timing the length of the presentation and makes me familiar enough with the flow that I don’t have keep my head down to read it word-by-word and line-by-line. I hope to wing most of it, ad lib a bit, and actually make occasional eye contact with someone.

  Caveat for anyone about to do some public speaking: It’s important to really know your work, because the Q&A will bring some surprising questions—always. Authors: If you’re not reading an excerpt, browse through the synopsis for the novel.

  Other than local groups, I’ve never had to speak at an out-of-town gathering other than participating in panels at conferences. But if that invitation should arrive, I’d try to stop by the venue and get familiar with the layout. Another trick is to take advantage of any opportunity to attend someone else’s presentation…that takes a lot of the mystery out of the event.

  A fellow Sisters-in-Crime/Guppy member came up with seven quick points for dealing with the scary thought of having to speak in public (and she’s so good at it, public speaking seems second nature to her): 

1.      Research your audience

2.      Plan

3.      Practice

4.      Know your stuff!

5.      DON’T worry

6.      Get big

7.      Love it and embrace it.

§§

P.S.: * “Stump” is another word for “campaign” —like politicians do when they’re trolling for votes, authors are trolling for sales.

§§

“Books are the perfect entertainment: no commercials, no batteries, hours of enjoyment for each dollar spent.” —Stephen King

§§

  Writers, if you want to schedule a post on Lyrical Pens for a blog tour, drop me a note. (PG13 work, please.)

§§

  Okay, that's it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you!

cj

  THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced, thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a smidgen of sweet romance. (Perfect diversions for those quick weekend getaways.)

 

  The books are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.

Little note: The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us  If she happens to be sold out, I have a small stash. Angela Trigg, the awesome owner and a RITA Award-winning author in her own right (writing as Angela Quarles) will be happy to ship you any book(s) by any author of your choice.

➜ Follow me on . . .   

➜ Amazon:    Amazon Central Author Page

➜ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor

➜ BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson

➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6

Something to think about

cj Sez:  Writers, published/unpublished, did you know that writers’ organizations are great for learning the craft, marketing tips, and networking?

  Currently, I’m a member of Mobile Writers Guild, Alabama Writers’ Forum, Alabama Writers’ Cooperative, and Sisters in Crime as well as their online subgroup Guppies (as in Great Unpublished). Each of these organizations is important to my growth as an author.

  Since all but two of my memberships are Alabama specific, I’ll recommend the international Sisters in Crime and Guppies. The feedback from authors around the globe is informative, super supportive, and on the money. Not only do Sisters in Crime and their subgroup Guppies have a large list of specialized groups (for agent searches, querying, critiquing of specific genres, manuscript swaps, et al.), each also offers a variety of online skill-building classes and zoom conferences led by highly acclaimed published authors.

  If you haven’t joined a writers’ organization, local or otherwise, you should think about doing that.

§§

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

 §§

Readers: Suggestions of a couple of books to add to your TBR list.

  I just watched an exciting video of author friend, Susan Y. Tanner doing some barrel racing and was reminded that she recently launched book one of her new Western series, A Dangerous Inheritance (The Bellamy Legacy). 

  She’s a wonderful writer, and if you’re a fan of Western novels, you will enjoy this one.

Buy Bellamy Now

Currently free on Kindle Unlimited. 

It reminded me of my historical fiction, short story, “Bad Day at Round Rock,” in The Posse anthology, a compilation of eight Western short stories.

From the “Bad Day at Round Rock” synopsis:

     Talley Munroe, a treasure hunter, discovers Sam Bass’s cache of gold, is murdered, and the gold stolen again. 

     Lilly Malmstrom, a teenaged Swedish immigrant indentured to the town doctor, dreams of the day when she will be free to meet the man of her dreams.

     Acting on a tip, Texas Rangers pursuing their “Bass War” have arrived in the quiet Texas town of Round Rock to capture the outlaw Sam Bass and his gang and retrieve what’s left of the $60,000 in uncirculated twenty-dollar gold coins stolen from the Union Pacific railroad.

Here’s a 5-star review: 

"The Posse has a little bit for everyone who loves the Old West. If you're like me, and a romance reader, you will thoroughly enjoy Lyn Horner and cj Peterson's romantic tales of the Old West. Excellent stories, woven in with period details. If you're a lover of Old West "grit" the other stories will grab hold of you and not let you go!"

 Buy Now   The Ebook is currently on sale at Amazon for 99 cents.

§§

  Writers, if you have a book launch coming up or need to refresh an older launch and want to schedule a post on Lyrical Pens, drop me a note. (PG13, please.)

§§

  Okay, my job here is done. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you…with lots of time for reading and writing!

cj

  THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced, thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a smidgen of sweet romance. (Perfect diversions for those quick four-day weekend getaways—especially if it’s a stay-cation.)

  The books are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.

Little note: The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us  If she happens to be sold out, I also have a small stash. 

  Angela Trigg, the awesome owner of The Haunted Book Shop and a RITA Award-winning author in her own right (writing as Angela Quarles), will be happy to ship you any book(s) by any author of your choice.

➜ Follow me on . . .  

➜ Amazon:    Amazon Central Author Page

➜ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor

➜ BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson

➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6

  

Anne Lamott and short stories

cj Sez:  I’m in the process of running down rabbit holes to do the research for a short story I want to write for an upcoming anthology submission.

  It seems altogether fitting that my short memory span requires that I will most assuredly be referring to the following notes for guidance and reassurance that I’m on the right track. 

  I really do use these notes every time I start a short story. Yes, I’ve posted about this before, but perhaps you’re new to the process or need a reminder as I do. I hope the notes will help you as well.

  The first thing I do is put a copy of Anne Lamott’s ABCDE structure of a short story within eyesight:

Anne Lamott

Action—Start with something happening to draw the reader into the story. 

Background—Provide context for readers to understand how the characters came to the current situation

Conflict—The characters must want something they don’t have and work to achieve it (sometimes against each other)

Development—The 70-80 percent of the story describing the characters’ struggles to get what they want. Each time it appears they have the goal within reach, give them something more difficult to overcome until they reach the climax  (cj Sez: That’s the part where you get them up a tree and throw rocks at them.)

Ending—What happens after they reach their goal. In a romance, the hero and heroine realize their “happily-ever-after”. In a mystery or thriller, all the loose ends are tied up. In a literary story, the ending may be rather ambiguous.

***

  I merge Ms. Lamott’s guidelines with a ton of writing tidbits I’ve cobbled together over the years from how-to workshops, conferences, and essays. The following is a summary of what I’ve learned.

  Short stories are about ONE thing, so start as close to the central action as possible, and I find that to be close to the end.

  Try to let the setting help reveal the character and advance the plot. This is where a deep point of view can reveal internal character through reactions to setting.

  In a short story, every line should/must serve more than one purpose.

  Every character needs to want something, even if it’s only to be left alone so s/he can take a nap. That's also conflict.

  Make the reader care about your main character. Snappy dialogue, beautiful settings, or surprising plot twists won’t keep your readers turning the pages if your main character is boring or unlikable. Readers need someone to root for.

  That being said, all great characters have flaws—something readers recognize or sympathize with. The antagonist’s flaw might be a sweet, soft spot that’s out of character for the villainy (supports an infirm mother in a nursing home). 

  You don’t have space in a short story for paragraph-long character descriptions. This is where less is more, necessarily. One significant detail can pique the imagination, inviting the reader into the story, and a complete character is formed in the reader’s mind. This is the character that can lead the reader to an unexpected twist ending, perhaps best exemplified by the master of twisted endings, William Sydney Porter (O. Henry).

A story with a moral appended is like the bill of a mosquito. It bores you, and then injects a stinging drop to irritate your conscience.                                                            ~ Strictly Business by O. Henry

§§

A Big Dog story on the news front . . .

  I dug this tidbit of news out of one of rabbit holes I dove into: The Dog Days of summer are winding down. Depending on your perspective, this is good news or bad news. Good news for people working outside or whose air conditioning is on the fritz. Bad news for school students whose summer vacation is rapidly coming to an end.

  The dog days of summer are those sultry days we “enjoy” every year—the hellaciously hot part of the season in the Northern Hemisphere that occurs when the sun has moved far enough past Sirius that the star rises and becomes visible before the sun rises in the morning. Ergo, Sirius becomes our morning star. 

  Sirius is nicknamed the Dog Star because it's the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (which means "greater dog" in Latin). 

  Hellenistic astrology connected this heliacal rising with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck.  Surely there’s a story in there somewhere.

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Actually, there is kind of a story. Or at least one that refers to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) eye dialect name for one of its secret projects: a project touched on in my novel, THE DAWGSTAR.

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Writers, if you have a book launch coming up and want to schedule a post on Lyrical Pens for your blog tour, drop me a note. (PG13, please.)

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That’s it for this week’s post. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you…with lots of time for reading and writing!

cj

  THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced, thriller/suspense stories with sassy banter and a smidgen of sweet romance. (Perfect diversions for those quick four-day weekend getaways—especially if it’s a stay-cation.)

  The books are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.

Little note: The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us 

  Angela Trigg, the awesome owner and a RITA Award-winning author in her own right (writing as Angela Quarles) will be happy to ship you any book(s) by any author of your choice. If she happens to be sold out of my books (don't I wish), I happen to have a small stash. Just drop me a note.

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