Surge in short story sharing.(sisss)

[MANICHAEAN]

Is it my imagination or are the number of new threads in Short Story Sharing increasing?

At one time it seemed that short poems were all the vogue on Lit Net. At the current juncture, lots of new writers seem to be testing the waters, and suitably encouraged or guided by the likes of Hillwalker or Loki are moving into deeper waters.

It appears to have started before Aunty threw in her reality check hand grenade, but if anything, this might have switched some souls to engage actively in a different form of writing.

[zoolane]

Is it my imagination or are the number of new threads in Short Story Sharing increasing?

At one time it seemed that short poems were all the vogue on Lit Net. At the current juncture, lots of new writers seem to be testing the waters, and suitably encouraged or guided by the likes of Hillwalker or Loki are moving into deeper waters.

It appears to have started before Aunty threw in her reality check hand grenade, but if anything, this might have switched some souls to engage actively in a different form of writing.

Well I started with short stories then poetry and now in between them both.:driving:

[hillwalker]

Manichaean - there have been quite a few stories posted here in the past but numbers do tend to fluctuate. More school-age members seem to be willing to try their hand at prose rather than poetry - and an encouraging word often makes them view this forum as slightly less intimidating compared to the poetry one.

I don't think it's a case of the regular poets suddenly changing allegiance. It might just be that now the summer vacation is over people have more free time on their hands to scribble.

One problem, however, is that very few bother responding to stories - partly because a more in-depth crit is expected. So the camaraderie of the poetry forum is not so evident on here - there are very few regulars such as ourselves, Steve Huntley and more recently zoo and loki456 who leave our mark.

Most newbies who post on here don't bother to crit anyone else's work, which is a shame. Perhaps one problem is that it takes a little more patience (and occasionally determination) to read through a story, and some do tend to go on......

H

[em onty]

An age ago, my art teacher told me that you should spend twice the time looking at the subject as you do the canvas. I suspect something similar applies to writing---twice as much reading as writing makes for good writing.

[loki456]

Yeah I see where you are coming from MAN though... Usually I can go a couple of days, come back and only have a few short stories to read. But recently as you suggest this number has increased. I actually like it, and as Hill has already commented, a lot more school age kids are getting into the short story scene, which is fantastic, as this is the time I began my little endeavors.
But the little comments, the nudges in the right direction make lit-net feel like a safe place to share and I think if consistent comments are made, then we will see an influx of not just stories, but actually GREAT writers. Which is what I strive for when critiquing a piece of work, to make a writer feel that the end is achievable.

[MANICHAEAN]

What impresses me loki is the enthusiasm of some of the contributions. That one on the Palestinian henna party this week. Leaving the structure and style to one side, that contributer was so proud of what she wrote & there were bits in there like gold dust.

Myself I try to be circumspect in reviewing others work. If you try to write yourself, a certain element of humility I think is required before you can go beyond appreciation of other's efforts or a gentle nudge in what you deem to be a helpful path.

Writers perhaps by definition are sensitive flowers, especially when young or endeavouring to tread those first fragile steps. Old buggers like myself welcome a more direct opinion, even if we disagree.

[loki456]

haha definitely - I, like you, prefer the more robust approach to critiquing my work. Just give it to me straight, I don't want to trip the light fantastic to a hundred word critique that can be simply summed up as 'geez loki, DO BETTER' ;)

but when i started out, I didn't particularly want people ripping shreds off my work, just give me little hints. that's what I try to do, just give people a single focus so that they can work on that one point first. And when they perfect that, give them something else to work on.

[Delta40]

but when i started out, I didn't particularly want people ripping shreds off my work, just give me little hints. that's what I try to do, just give people a single focus so that they can work on that one point first. And when they perfect that, give them something else to work on.

that is a great approach Loki. Sometimes I think a person might feel innundated with suggestions, not just from one poster but several. It must be remembered that the author can disagree and cast the suggestion to one side. My concern is that the critique is always balanced by strengths which the author can identify and use to their greater advantage. This however, is an acquired art, which I am working on!

[Steven Hunley]

I think there does seem to be an increase in number, but as mentioned, it seems like the writing is getting better too. Hooray!

Maybe I've been here long enough to know who I like and I watch out for them more and notice who writes what.
As loki456 mentioned, if something is technically deficient we can give suggestions and point things out. To a good story there's so many aspects to consider. Few of us get the formula right every time. But sometimes, OH MY! Sometimes they ring in our ears bright and true.

If they're bad then nobody says a word. That's considerate, even thoughtful. You're really a kind caring bunch!

It's a fertile field here to plant your story in. I just love the dirt here! (pardon me while I gush!)

[MANICHAEAN]

Pull yourself together Steven. Gushing is definately against the rules & decorum of this forum!

[zoolane]

What impresses me loki is the enthusiasm of some of the contributions. That one on the Palestinian henna party this week. Leaving the structure and style to one side, that contributer was so proud of what she wrote & there were bits in there like gold dust.

Myself I try to be circumspect in reviewing others work. If you try to write yourself, a certain element of humility I think is required before you can go beyond appreciation of other's efforts or a gentle nudge in what you deem to be a helpful path.

Writers perhaps by definition are sensitive flowers, especially when young or endeavouring to tread those first fragile steps. Old buggers like myself welcome a more direct opinion, even if we disagree.


I do like your stories, my favourite is 'London 1946' and I don't always comment of them. Pure because it would be normal just one little sentence. if you read piece that I have wrote. See that room for improvement than please said so.

[MANICHAEAN]

Dear Zoolane
If you are a Yorkshire lass, I will make an exception as in your part of the country they like straight talking.
Best regards
M.