What Nationally Published Columnist, Cindy Laferle Has To Say About Writing & Journalism

Today Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel and bookpleasures is honored to have as a guest, the nationally published newspaper columnist and author, Cindy LaFerle. Cindy recently published a book entitled, Writing Home, a collection of essays focusing on home, family and motherhood.

Cindy was at one time editor of a national travel magazine, the Innsider that focused on country inns, B&Bs, and small historic hotels in the USA.

She was also responsible for helping Uncle Ben?s (the rice company) launch its annual Best Country Inns award.

Good day Cindy and thank you for agreeing to participate in our interview.

Norm:

You indicated to me that the Innsider magazine set a standard of quality for smaller inns and B&Bs. Please explain.

Cindy:

Back in the early 1980s, when Innsider was newly launched, smaller historic inns and B&Bs were relatively new to the average American traveler.

They?d been popular for many years in Europe, as you know, Norm, but most Americans were not as comfortable with the idea of staying in small inn or B&B 20 years ago. The old term guest house had negative, seedy connotations and in some cases, that reputation was justified. Those little "Mom and Pop" guest houses weren?t typically AAA rated or listed in guidebooks back then, and sometimes there was a very good reason for that.

That old reputation was hard for the GOOD B&Bs and country inns to conquer at first, since the average traveler was more comfortable at, say, a Holiday Inn.

Even so, charming B&Bs and country inns were indeed catching on with sophisticated travelers who were familiar with the smaller inns of Europe --but those travelers really had to work hard to research the quality of American B&Bs/country inns. There weren?t as many inn guidebooks back then, either, although COUNTRY INNS & BACK ROADS, by Norm Simpson, were in print and highly regarded.

That?s where Innsider came into play. We didn?t establish ratings per se, but we sought out the BEST places we could find, featuring only those that were clean, well-run, attractive and historically interesting. We didn?t feature anything that was sub-standard and therefore set the bar high for other small inns that wanted to attract business. We also worked with professional inn organizations to improve and help standardize the quality of these small inns -- without sacrificing the personality and uniqueness that make them so special. As editor of Innsider, I attended with my staff many conferences for small innkeepers and spoke about what made a first-class B&b or country inn. It was great fun.

Norm:

You also mentioned that you worked as a free lance inspector for Michigan?s Lake Bed & Breakfast Association. What did you exactly do and perhaps you can elaborate as to what are the ingredients required to have a top quality B&B.

Cindy:

This association was founded to promote high standards for Michigan?s smaller inns, and I was asked to help establish those. I was part of a small team who were to inspect the member inns. We looked for things such as overall cleanliness in the common rooms and baths; amenities such as tissues, fresh sheets, good lighting for reading, and so on. We made sure that kitchens were exceptionally clean and that breakfasts offered were substantial and/or reflected was advertised. That sort of thing. We had PAGES of items to examine or discuss with the innkeepers on the inspection lists, so I could go on and on. It was all about quality and upgrading the smaller inn for the comfort of guests. If the inn didn?t pass inspection, it lost membership and listing in the state guide.

Norm:

What is your idea of an ideal romantic inn or B&B, and do you have any favorite romantic inns or B&Bs?

Cindy:

That?s a tough question, but I think a romantic inn needs to be one-of-a-kind and superbly appointed it should be beautifully decorated and offer a few special things you wouldn?t find in other hotels or at home.... special touches like fancy sheets, larger and lovely bathrooms with good toiletries, comfy chairs and space for reading and relaxing together.

An in-room fireplace is always nice.

Local color is important. The romantic inn should also be located near a wonderful restaurant and other attractions like good shopping or historic sites and recreational activities. I like to be located in a historic district, say, like Savannah or Charleston, in a gorgeous inn that?s within walking distance of a town.

Here in Michigan, there?s a secluded, charming place called the Victorian Villa (Union City, Michigan). Staying there is an experience in and of itself, even if you never leave the grounds. Everything is authentically Victorian, exquisite and historic, including the building itself. Innkeeper Ron Gibson stages Victorian theme weekends and teas, including a Sherlock Holmes Mystery Weekend, which are seasonal and make it a special occasion to stay there. It?s just beautiful and the rooms are large you are staying in a mansion that feels like a Victorian home.

Norm:

How did you become a travel writer, and how did your experience as a travel writer give you a wonderful background for the kind of work you do now?

Cindy:

I started out (some 20 years ago) as a freelance features writer for my local paper, and had written a few stories about B&Bs (because I?d always stayed in them and enjoyed them). The photographer, who was newly hired to work for Innsider, approached me and told me that the publisher was looking for an editor who had some knowledge of B&Bs/small inns and could work part-time as editor-in-chief. My son was a baby then, so the flexibility appealed to me, as did the subject matter & although as the magazine grew, it was not as flexible and involved a lot of travel, which was harder to manage with a family.

But during the nearly 6 years I worked for Innsider, I got a chance to see MANY wonderful historic places in this country, and I learned so much. Travel is essential, I believe, for every writer, no matter what genre they prefer.

And, as corny and clich?d as it sounds here, I also learned there?s no place like home. Travel broadens your perspective and also teaches you to be grateful for what you have. Traveling down south for the magazine, for example, we often drove through some very economically depressed areas en route to the historic inns and Civil War battlegrounds we were going to cover and photograph. Things like that stay with you, sometimes even more than the beauty you find on the way.

Norm:

Could you tell us something about your recently published book, Writing Home, and why you wanted to write the book.

Cindy:

After Innsider folded due to lack of ad revenue I decided to work from home and spend more time with my son, who was barely 6 and growing up way too fast. I didn?t want to miss any of that, so I managed to get some freelance jobs writing for local papers as well as national magazines.

That?s when I found I had a knack for writing personal essays and "slice of life newspaper columns. I found a comfortable niche for myself in that genre. Writing Home is a collection of those short pieces. While they are personal essays, they all chronicle some of the universal themes that touch many of us learning how to let go of children as they grow up; learning how to be a family; watching parents age and die; dealing with midlife crisis in the meantime....One reporter said my pieces were about finding the sacred in the suburban, and I think that?s a good way to explain my stuff and my new book.

Norm:

What makes a good journalist, and do you find that today a great deal of journalism is pure and simple sensationalism.

Cindy:

I am really saddened at what has happened with journalism today. Yes, I do think a lot of what?s sold as "news" is often sensationalized to the point where average readers no longer trust what they read anymore.

Readers often tell me that newspapers, for the most part, are very depressing -- and that the top stories make them lose faith in our world. A lot of front-page news makes people feel angry and hopeless. Bad news seems to inspire more bad news, but that is what "sells" papers. I have tried, at various times, to pitch hopeful stories to various editors because I think there are MANY wonderful things going on in our communities that don?t get press. But you know what? I have been told that people don?t really want to read good news, and that good news doesn?t sell papers. How else can we explain the success of those awful, cheesy tabloids that sell like hotcakes in the grocery store checkout lines, for example?

That said, Norm, I want to point out there are a few papers that are as objective as humanly possible, run by editors who believe in the dignity of the world and the intelligence of their readers. The Christian Science Monitor is one such paper. (I am not employed by them, but I have published several pieces in the CSM). It continues to be well-regarded by readers and other journalists who aim high.

Norm:

What advice would you give to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in journalism or travel writing?

Cindy:

You have to be willing to write for smaller markets, just to get started. You won?t get into the bigger magazines or newspaper right away, so you need to focus on building a clip file published pieces that show you can write and have a sense for what makes a good travel piece. It takes time and diligence, and a lot of writers give up because it is competitive and the pay isn?t so great. Sometimes you have to be pleased just to get a byline, which is sad but true. Budgets are being cut right and left at newspapers these days, and the first things to be cut are the lifestyles pieces.

If you can put up with this situation and are willing to pay your dues and start small, you?ve got a chance. I got started in my local daily, with a circ of less than 20,000, and eventually was able to publish my work in Reader?s Digest and other national publications. Keep at it -- and enjoy the process. Ask yourself if you really want to write, or you just want to be published -- there?s a huge difference!

Norm:

When you write your various columns, what do you wish to achieve?

Cindy:

I want to make a heartfelt connection to my readers. I want them to feel less alone as they try to make sense of the very complicated lives we are all living &. If someone tells me that they related to a piece I wrote, or that they felt like I was really telling their story well, then I have hit the mark and done my job.

Norm:

Where do your ideas come from?

Cindy:

Ideas come from everyday life, from paying attention to what is around me. I think all writers have to be, in a way, Zen masters. If you are not focused on what is happening around you if you?re always thinking about the next thing on your to-do list -- you are not going to write anything that hits people where they live.

Norm:

Would you like to add anything that we have not discussed?

Cindy:

Thank you for asking me to participate here, Norm. It?s very important for writers to share their experiences and help each other along the way. I appreciate this opportunity.

Norm:

Thanks once again Cindy for participating in our interview and good luck in all of your future endeavors.

Norm Goldman is the Editor of the travel site, <a target="_new" href="http://www.sketchandtravel.com">http://www.sketchandtravel.com</a> and the book reviewing site, <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookpleasures.com">http://www.bookpleasures.com</a>.

Norm and his artist wife, Lily, combine their talents, to meld Norm`s words with Lily`s art work, and the results can be seen at their site, sketchandtravel.

Norm`s book reviewing site, bookpleasures.com, comprises book reviews and author interviews contributed by Norm as well as his team of more than 25 international reviewers. These reviewers come from all walks of life and from all over the world.

Norm always welcomes book review requests, as well as requests to visit resorts, inns, B&Bs located in Florida & the New England States.

How to Break In and Succeed as a Screenwriter

Screenwriting is a competitive trade. To distinguish yourself as a prize-winning writer you need to master organizational skills, take creative risks, and learn how best to present your final product. For the aspiring screenwriter, Tom Lazarus' book, "Secrets of Film Writing" is one of the best. An exceptional screenwriter with five produced screenplays, Lazarus developed this book for beginning writers enrolled in his classes at UCLA.

This article examines a few of the many techniques outlined in "Secrets of Film Writing" and provides examples of screenwriters who succeeded with Tom Lazarus' guidelines.

ORGANIZATION IS KEY
Master organization and you're closer to producing a stellar screenplay, not a mediocre one. Ask yourself these questions:

1) Does the screenplay have a clear beginning, middle and end?

2) Does the story drift aimlessly or does it make its point successfully?

These may seem like basic questions, yet many screenwriters grapple with organizational problems.

Lazarus addresses this issue in his book; he recommends writers use one of four organizational methods to ensure their screenplays flow smoothly: outlines, treatments, index cards, and scene lists. All four of these tools are equally effective. Writers need to be discreet to decide which organizational crutch best suits their needs.

In writing the screenplay for the Hollywood feature film "Stigmata," Lazarus chose to use a scene list for organizational support since he already had specific ideas about the chronology and action details of his story. To writers who have difficult organizing and prefer a different method, Lazarus says, "Go for it, because no one is going to see it. It's a process. There is no wrong way."

MAKE IT INTERESTING
Writing is a process. Great screenwriters take creative risks. Without an interesting story, even the most organized screenplay will be unmarketable. The goal should never be to copy another writer's style; instead exercise your own imagination and experiment with different ways to spark your story.

When Warner Brothers hired Tim McCanlies to adapt Ted Hughes' famous English novel "The Iron Man" for the screen, he struggled with whether he should remain true to Hughes' vision or develop a new story based loosely on the original book's events. McCanlies chose to do something risky and wildly creative; he Americanized "The Iron Man" by setting the story in the 1950s during the Cold War terror and renamed it "The Iron Giant." His calculated risk proved worthwhile. American audiences related to the film and appreciated its examination of an unusual time in their nation's history. Also, English audiences embraced "The Iron Giant" despite its variation from the original English text and awarded it the 2000 BAFTA Award for best feature film.

McCanlies' success lends a valuable lesson: when you risk nothing, you gain nothing. McCanlies, Lazarus, and other successful screenwriters embroil themselves in chances, write creatively, experiment with different ideas, and raise their characters' stakes.

SUBMIT YOUR SCRIPT LIKE A PRO
Once you have written an interesting, well-organized screenplay you need to submit your script neatly and according to studio standards. Lazarus warns his UCLA students about several technical errors in script presentation that annoy studio readers. Follow these guidelines:

1) A feature length screenplay should be longer than 95 pages and shorter than 125 pages when you submit it for studio consideration.

2) Don't include a synopsis or character biographies with your script as it gives studio readers an excuse not to review the whole screenplay.

3) Don't put scene numbers on your script until it is sold. This is a rule of the game; readers find scene numbers distracting and use them as an excuse to dub a screenplay "amateur" and unworthy of further consideration.

4) Studio readers prefer to receive scripts bound with circular metal brads. Using folders and binders hog office space and interns may discard scripts unintentionally during spring cleaning.

5) Finally, use one of the many screenwriting programs to help format your script, such as Movie Magic Screenwriter, Final Draft or Script Wizard.

You can find discounted deals at MasterFreelancer.com
(http://www.MasterFreelancer.com), StoryScribe.com
(http://www.StoryScribe.com), and Wizards4Word.com
(http://www.wizards4word.com).

Make sure you proofread your script several times before submitting a script for Hollywood review. Busy studio readers will not peruse screenplays riddled with basic errors like confusing "it's" with "its" and using "are" when you mean "our." Use a program like Style Writer (found at http://www.StyleWriter-USA.com) to remedy such embarrassing grammar mistakes. When you're ready to submit your script, grab a Hollywood Creative Directory (found at http://www.storyscribe.com/mgbooks.html) to find markets for your script.

THINK SUCCESS AND BE A SUCCESS
Remember to take risks with plot and character development, and follow studio standards for script submissions. Studying resources like "Secrets of Film Writing" by Tom Lazarus, "How Not to Write a Screenplay" by Denny Martin Flinn, "Crafty Screenwriting" by Alex Epstein, and "Alternative Scriptwriting" by Ken Dancyger and Jeff Rush can be helpful for aspiring writers. Developing strong writing skills takes time, a willingness to learn, and perseverance. Writers who constantly improve their skills and experiment with new ideas will succeed.

Editor: You may reprint this article online or offline as long as no text is altered and it is reprinted in its entirety. You do NOT need my prior permission to use this article.

This article has a readability level of 10th grade, as per ReadabilityCALC (http://www.readabilityformulas.com)

Brian Konradt is a freelance writer and founder of FreelanceWriting.com (<a target="_new" href="http://www.freelancewriting.com">http://www.freelancewriting.com</a>), a free web site to help writers master the business and creative sides of freelance writing; he also is founder of BookCatcher.com (<a target="_new" href="http://www.bookcatcher.com">http://www.bookcatcher.com</a>), a free website to help authors promote their books.

The Untold Secrets of Writing Best Selling Childrens Books

Ever wondered how the most successful children's book writers get their ideas? The answer may surprise you.

Most children's books are based on the same exact story - good versus evil.

Ex. Harry Potter vs Voldomort. Cinderella vs her wicked stepmother. Pinnochio's conscience vs. outside influences.

Next we add a protagonist and an antagonist.

Ex. Don't we love it when Harry Potter and Malfoy get into it? Or when Hansel and Gretel turn the tables on the witch?

Finally a best selling story needs conflict and a big problem that the main character needs to overcome.

Ex. If Harry lets Lord Voldemort come back without a fight, the fate of the magic world could be at risk.

Ex. If Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire don't outsmart Count Olaf then their fortunes and their lives might be at risk.

Most inexperienced writers spend so much time thinking about the setting, the scenery and the color of their characters hair that they forget that the plot is what editors and their audience is looking for.

Hogwarts is a wonderful school. But who would care about it without Harry Potter and his friends.

The castle in Sleeping Beauty would just be another castle in the middle of nowhere without the princess and her prince.

And the three little pigs houses could have been made of snow, cotton or peanuts for all we would care without three clever little pigs and a wolf.

Kids love it when good triumphs over evil. Give them a story they can cheer over.

Also spend time really getting to know your characters. Create a history for each character, even if most of their histories will never see the inside of your book.

Your characters must seem real. Your audience must be able to relate to them and really care about what happens to them.

That in a nutshell is how you write a best selling children's book. The editing, minor scenic details and hand wringing anxiety can come after you finish the book.

Caterina Christakos is a published author and children's book writer. Learn how to write a children's book in 30 days or less at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com">http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com</a>

Stimulate Your Sensebuds...and Wave Goodbye To Writers Cramp!

When you get stuck for ideas, and the words won't flow, invariably it's because one, more or all of your senses aren't being stimulated.

Staring at a blank screen or sheet of paper really doesn't help. The best way to stimulate all your senses in one hit is to provide an inspirational space you can work with.

Lots of Feng Shui arrangements appear in western homes these days, and they're great, but outside those four walls of your writing space, there is another world bursting with enlightenment and inspiration.

Of course you may have to work at it a little, but hey, we all need some exercise sometimes!

Whether you have a balcony or a backyard, you can very simply build a natural living world to plunge into whenever you choose. If you have neither, consider renting a small patch of land or sharing a garden with someone.

Gardening conjures up all sorts of hard work images; tools, backache, blisters etc;. but it's only as hard as you make it. Start small and design your garden on paper first. Decide where you want herbs, flowers - and even vegetables, if you have the space and inclination!

A tiny balcony or back yard can be bordered with herbs and flowers. If you're staring at several square metres of concrete, don't despair. Plant your sensory stimulators in pots. Paint the pots different colours if you like.

Choose strong smelling, long lasting flowers, such as wallflowers ( Cheiranthus ). They will grow in some shade and do well against walls, fences and hedgerows. Climbing roses will only need a few hooks screwed into the fence, and they will happily cover your fence in blooms. Both these flowers are colourful, smell beautiful and are velvet to the touch.

Many herbs will grow in pots. Grow chives for something to nibble as you wander round the garden. Mint varieties are many , from spearmint through to the newer varieties such as pineapple or melon mint . Try them! They really do smell of pineapple and melon.

Some herbs are perennial and, once established, will need very little care. But remember to pick them to encourage growth.

The acoustics in your outside space will change dramatically when you have flowers growing. Those bees and bugs won't be able to resist.

Rub the leaves of your mint plants or other herbs and fill the air with the scent.

Now relax in a chair, listen to the humming of the insects and nibble on your chives. Within ten minutes you'll either be dozing and gaining some well needed rest, or you'll be running back to your keyboard with more words in your head than ever before!

About The Author

Linda Gray is a freelance writer and, with her partner, has spent ten years renovating an acre of neglected woodland. Drop in at <a href="http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com" target="_new">http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com</a> for pots of gardening inspiration!

Know your Audience Before you Write Your Book or Web Site

If you want happy customers to use your service or buy your book, you need to focus on their needs and desires.

Unhappy customers leave when they can't find what they want--benefits and an easy way to buy. Perhaps your site has barriers you don't realize. If anything is difficult, customers will leave and give their business to someone else. Know your audience and write headlines that Wow them.

Know your Audience Before you Write your Book or Web Site Copy

Before you list those benefits--you must know your particular audience. Who will buy your book? What are their biggest fears--their worries? What problem do they have that you can solve?

Know their Assumptions about You and Your Product. What is their number one life's dream? What are their assumptions about your subject or service? What are their excuses for not acting on what they want? Do they think your product is too much money? They don't trust you yet? Do they think there is no hurry? Do they think they don't have the time to implement your skills?

Which of These 5 Audiences Suits your Book, Programs, or Web Site?

1. The Audience you Meet in the Mirror

Authors write books because we love the ideas, the content, the skills we will share. We usually write the book for ourselves first. Have you heard, "I wrote the book I wanted to read?" Our passion for our topic can create success so long as we stay with a marketing and promotion plan for 2 plus years. Our audience in our seminars are like us. Web site too.

2. The Target Market Who Wants Answers Now.

No, not everyone will want your book, although many authors say so. Your target audience has a common need or problem. Your product or service will solve that problem. For instance, www.stopyourdivorce.com's book already has an audience who wants a solution now. They are desperate at this point, and will do anything. They will pay any price for your magic pill and will buy on the spot.

In just 2 years this site sold 150,000 books. The author answered the rejected spouses' dilemma compelling them to buy now.

Divorce often comes as a surprise, so without much time to negotiate, and because of great pain and discomfort, this audience wants a cure right now. It's only after the doctor announces a prostate serious problem that most men look for an answer. Prevention didn't appeal to them. Only the doctor's wake up call prompted action.

The more narrow the target, the particular angle your book or web site takes, the easier it is to sell

3. The Short-Cut Time and Money Investment for a Big Payoff.

This audience wants a roadmap to where he or she wants to go--fast! This audience wants to know how to do something-- to write a book, to make money Online, to promote their business Online, to put up a top-selling Web site. They also are looking for the least expensive way to accomplish their goals. No more money down the drain for them.

For instance, print and ebooks that show entrepreneurs a short cut to finish their books, and get them sold fast, so their cash flow builds big enough to multiply profits fast is the right audience for books about publishing, business or book promotion.

Once the book is near completion, how can authors make continuing sales that make up one-half of their income? Still relatively unused, the Internet provides this answer because of so little competition there.

4. The Massive Passionate Audience.

These are the readers of the Chicken Soup series. Think about the 70 million plus sold so far, and the authors didn't even have to write the book. Full of inspirational short stores, this audience responded well. The authors did, however, put on a full-blown marketing campaign for years.

Your book will have a lot of competition in this category, yet the sheer volume of sales like the 70 million who shop Wal-Mart every day can make up for that. One client wrote a how-to book aimed at the now 70 million baby boomers out there called "Put Old on Hold." She's an inspiration herself--looks and feels like 50.

Think about your book. Is one aim to entertain and inspire? Who do you want to visit your web site? If you know your audience and what they want, you will sell more than you imagined.

5. The Online Audience of Millions

If you are like me, you love your book(s) and want others to benefit from reading it. But, if you are discouraged at the number of sales through traditional methods, you may want to consider the Internet.

First, when you write for Online, you can offer your print book electronically, now known as an eBook. You need make only a few changes such as shortening up your chapter, paragraph and sentence length. Busy people who shop Online want their information concise, clear, and cohesive. They don't need long stories to learn a point.

This audience is more than happy to download and print out chapters of your book. They will appreciate your book in 81/2 by 11" form or other, and think total page length up to 99 acceptable. The savvy author can make many more sales by dividing and conquering. A 15-page chapter can become a short eBook. You also have a built in promotion machine in your book, because you excerpt short pieces to submit to Online ezines and Web sites as this article excerpt from the eBook.

E advantages include no telling or selling in person, no travel, more convenience such as instant delivery and reaching greater numbers of your target audience. The author keeps all the profits, and doesn't have to package and mail. His faster sales bring him marketing and promotion money--where most authors don't usually succeed. He can invest in books, seminars, coaching, or teleclasses to bring him up to speed.

Every day you can reach 1000's, even hundreds of thousands, using simple online promotion techniques. Here you can sell your book through subtle forms such as the free article or ezine. The varied online audiences including personal growth and business want free information. Your book sales will multiply fast because in every email you send out, you include your signature file that leads people to where you sell your book.

Even the newbie or non-techie like myself can benefit from writing for the online audience.

Use these "know your audience" tips and examples to write compelling copy that will guarantee your writing adventure a true success. Your audience awaits!

Judy Cullins ?2004 All Rights Reserved.

Judy Cullins, 20-year Book and Internet Marketing Coach works with small business people who want to make a difference in people's lives, build their credibility and clients, and make a consistent life-long income. Author of 10 eBooks including "Write your eBook Fast," "How to Market your Business on the Internet," and "Create your Web Site With Marketing Pizzazz," she offers free help through her 2 monthly ezines, "The Book Coach Says..." and "Business Tip of the Month" at <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml">http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml</a> and over 155 free articles. Email her at mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com.

Beginnings

Just about everyone is familiar with this beginning: &quot;In the beginning God created the heavens and earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep . . .&quot; (Genesis 1: 1-2 RSV) In a sense we're playing God when we write a story. We create the characters, plot, and setting, turning a blank page-nothingness-into a compelling story.

Not only is your first scene the first impression of a story, it is the doorway that invites your reader on a journey. First scenes are what determine whether or not your reader is going to follow your characters to the end.

Your beginning must accomplish several things:

Introduce your characters

Establish the place and time the story occurs

Introduce the conflict or point at which change begins.

Your opening sets the tone, mood, situation or problem. It actually begins in the middle of things.

Looking at the first lines of Genesis from a purely literary standpoint, the first lines introduce God as the protagonist. The time and setting (simply) is the moment of Creation, same as the point of change. Before God created the world there was nothing. For the purpose of this illustration from a literary standpoint, Nothing was what happened before the story begins. It starts in medius res-in the middle of things.

Let's look at a few opening lines of other stories.

I could tell the minute I got in the door and dropped my bag, I wasn't staying. &quot;Medley&quot; by Toni Cade Bambara

This blind man, an old friend of my wife's, he was on his way to spend the night. &quot;Cathedral&quot; by Raymond Carver

She told him with a little gesture he had never seen her use before. &quot;Gesturing&quot; by John Updike

Something has already happened before the opening line. The first line is actually the middle of the story. Each story has its own history. The plot is affected by something that happened before the first sentence on the first page. In Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter's book, What If? They describe story beginnings: &quot; . . . think of the story as a straight line with sentence one appearing somewhere beyond the start of the line-ideally near the middle. At some point, most stories or novels dip back into the past, to the beginning of the straight line and catch the reader up on the situation-how and why X has gotten himself into such a pickle with character Y.&quot;

Take out an old story, or one you've been working on. Look at the opening scene. As yourself: Does the story have a past? Is the current conflict grounded in the history of the story? If you answer no, then you don't know your story's past well enough.

John Irving said: &quot;Know the story-as much of the story as you can possibly know, if not the whole story-before you commit yourself to the first paragraph. Know the story-the whole story, if possible-before you fall in love with your first sentence, not to mention your first chapter.&quot;

About The Author

Rita Marie Keller has written and published numerous short stories, articles, and essays. Her novel, Living in the City was released September 2002 by <a href="http://Booklocker.com" target="_new">Booklocker.com</a>, Inc. She founded the Cacoethes Scribendi Creative Writing Workshop in 1999.

How to Write a Short Story

Everybody knows writing a story is not easy. Like the drama or the poem, it is imaginative literature that should appeal to the emotions of the readers. Since it communicates the writer's interpretation of reality, there must be an artistic use of language to signify human experience. But how do we write a great short story? What are the things to keep in mind in order to come up with a short story that works? Here's a quick guide to get you started:

1. Read

Reading is essential to anyone who wants to write. In order to be able to write a good short story, you must read other short stories first. This will not only give you the motivation and inspiration for your own story, but it will also help you learn how other authors made an impression on the reader and use their style as basis to create your own style and impression.

2. Get inspired

For seasoned professionals, there is no need to obtain inspiration because thoughts naturally flow and they only have to put them into words on paper. But for novice writers, it is important to have one because it will not only help you begin your first paragraph but also keep you going throughout. Your inspiration may take the form of an object. a person, or an event that you just can't seem to forget.

3. Conceptualize your story

Think of something you want to talk about with your readers. Let's say you want to relate a story about a couple who fell in love with each other. What about the couple? What is it about them that you are interested to let your readers know? Focus on this idea and think of other concepts that you want to associate with this couple. Suppose the girl's parents discommended their relationship. What about the parents? What did they do to stop the two from loving each other? This could signal a good beginning for your story. From here, you would have the notion what to write down.

4. Map out the scenes

In order to keep your writing aligned with your pre-conceived story events, it is good to briefly map out scenes of your story on a different piece of paper. Write down the possible characters of your story and list the main events in order. You don't have to put so much detail on them because this only serves as a rough sketch of how your story will look like.

5. Chooose your point of view

Who tells the story and how it is told is very critical for a short story to be effective. The point of view can change the feel and tone of the story radically. Hence, you must decide carefully before finally resolving with the angle of vision to use for your story. But whatever it is you decide to choose as the point of view, make sure it stays constant throughout your story to maintain consistency.

6. Conceive your characters

For a short story, create a maximum of only three main characters. Too many main characters will make your story confusing since each new character will provide a new dimension for the story. Each character should be more than cardboard caricatures. Make your characters speak naturally in proportion with their traits. Make them believable but mysterious.

7. Furnish a good introduction

When you have everything planned out, start scribbling your first paragraph. Introduce your main characters and set out the scene. The scene must be some place you know much about so that you'd be able to supply the necessary snapshot for a clearly described setting. Make your introduction interesting to hold the reader&#8217;s interest and encourage them to read on to the end. It is also important to hold back significant details and the greater part of the action at this point so the mystery is kept.

8. Build up a great plot

From your introduction, draw out events that will eventually create a problem or a conflict for the main character/characters. After that, begin laying out an array of clues to keep the reader interested, intrigued and guessing. Intensify the conflict as the story moves forward. This will not only make your reader enthused to read more but will also keep them riveted to your story.

9. Show don't tell

The characters should be the ones responsible for expressing the story through their actions and dialogue and not the writer telling the reader what is being expressed. Rather than saying, "Annette was really mad at her bestfriend Christina for stealing her boyfriend", say "Annette felt an ache in her stomach and a strong pang of betrayal as Christina approaches her and flashes her with a sweet smile. She breathed hard trying to calm herself as she speaks with suppressed anger: "I hope you're happy now that you've proven yourself as a friend."

10. Use active verbs

Put as much life into your story as you can. In order to do this, employ verbs in the active voice in your story. Instead of saying,"The flower was picked by Johanna", say "Johanna picked the flower."

11. Use some dialogue

Dialogue is important in bringing your story to life. Don't just use it to pad out your characters. Use it to convey your characters to identify with the reader. Use it in direct quotes like "Go there!" instead of indirect quotes as "She told him to go there."

12. Keep references handy

A good reference such as a thesaurus or a dictionary is crucial in creating a good story. You can use them to check your spellings and to find the words which best fit your description. Instead of using one lengthy sentence or paragraph, you can utilize one or just a few words to convey what you want to say. Oftentimes, one strong word has a greater effect than a paragraph full of fancy language.

13. Conclude briefly

Conclusions are tough sledding. For a good ending, it is advisable to experiment and to add a little twist. Make your ending unique but not hanging in a loose end. Make it satisfying without making it too predictable. Keep in mind to keep it short but concise and lingering so that the reader is left with a feeling of resonance. Your conclusion should wrap up everything from start to finish.

14. Edit and revise

After fashioning the last words of your story, it is time to begin the editing cycle. Carefully go through your work and fix all your mistakes regarding sentence construction, word usage, formatting. punctuation marks, diction, spelling, grammar, and descriptive analysis. Scratch out words, phrases and even paragraphs which don't seem to contribute to the basic elements of the story. After you're done, let it sit for a while for days and even weeks, then edit it again. Reread your story over and over again at different occasions. This will make you see various things you may want to change to make your story shine at its best.

15. Let others proof read

Have your friends take a look at your work. They may just be able to see mistakes which you have missed. For instance, they may be distracted with some words or lines which you adore dearly. In this case, you have to decide on changing it or cutting it off completely.

Writing a short story may not be easy but it can surely be done. With some knowledge on the basic elements and some passion and patience, it's effortless to pull together a story with just a few ideas. Just keep in mind that you're writing not because you have to, but because you want to. Give it a go now!

Rachelle Arlin Credo is an entrepreneur and relationship coach. She also works as an image consultant and part-time writer. Formerly a contributing scribe to The Freeman and Sunstar Daily - Philippines, she writes short stories, poems, essays, and tons of articles for Writers.net, Netterweb.com, Ideamarketers.com, Searchwarp.com, and Goarticles.com. For more info, mailto: <a href="mailto:raeshylle@yahoo.com">raeshylle@yahoo.com</a>.