Short Story Tip Time

9th Installment

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017

We're back once again for more Short Story Tip Time.  In our 8th Installment, we did an overview of some of the things we had discussed and learned.  We talked about writing in Journals and Diaries to help get our writing flow going.  We also briefly discussed what a Memoir is all about.

For those Writers who were interested in using Writing Apps, information was provided for free Writing Apps for your Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and Desktops.  Any feedback, comments or questions are always welcomed here on the Blog.

You are able to go back to any previous Blog post at any time by simply scrolling down, or clicking on any of the previous Blog post links in the far right hand column.

If you joined us here on the last Blog post, you would have found information on the benefits of keeping a Diary.  I received a lot of feedback thanking me for that particular Blog post entitled, "Hold on Short Story Writers".  You can simply scroll down to view it.

"Hold on Short Story Writers"

In this 9th Installment of Short Story Tip Time, we are going to talk about therapeutic ways to really get into your writing.  The most important part of a pleasant writing experience involves relaxation.

Many writers meditate.  While there are many ways to meditate, there is always a particular meditation practice that you will enjoy more.

I'm going to provide a link that will aid you in learning more about the different ways to Meditate.  The link will give you an Overview of 23 Meditation Techniques.

The Overview will provide you with a lot of information about Meditation practices and techniques.  However, there are still other ways to meditate in addition to what you will find in the Article provided.  I personally prefer Meditating with Music.  It is wonderful, relaxing and soothing to the soul.

Another method I enjoy is Biblical Meditation wherein I'm focused on the presence of God.  I've also found that reading the Scriptures helps to expand your thought process as well as grow your spirit.

Also, many of the Readers following along will be familiar with the Oprah & Deepak 21 Day Meditation Experience that takes place from time to time.  There is currently a session going on right now on the topic of "HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES" which began on April 10th, 2017.  [Click on the above link to get there].

I really enjoy the Oprah & Deepak 21 Day Meditation Experiences, as they are relaxing and eye~opening.  You may find them to be helpful as well.  You can do them at your own pace (pretty much).  If you miss a day or two, you can still catch up and back-track to the days you missed.  There is also a Journal where you can answer questions and really get into the Meditation by exploring your thoughts.  The Meditation with Oprah & Deepak is free and enjoyable.

Many Writers have studied different religions and cultures, and are therefore grounded in what they believe in, but are also open to learn about others.  Differences in religions and cultures will never erase the fact that we all have emotions, feelings, and life experiences that are common to one another.  We should always seek to appreciate and learn from each other.

With that being said, you may also find it helpful to read Books authored by brilliant Writers who come from different backgrounds and cultures.  It is also helpful to check out the Travel channels and go to various countries on the television or the computer if you can't get there by plane, train or automobile.  Putting your fingers on the keyboard is the next best way to travel!

Here are a few more great tips for you today:  Take time to get online and find a free Workshop or a YouTube Clip that discusses any of the following...

1.  How to create a Book Cover

2.  How to write a short story

3.  How to join a Writer's Group

4.  How to publish a Short Story

5.  How to write a Memoir

6.  How to write a Novel

I sure hope you've found our Short Story Tip Time helpful.  See you next time back here on the Blog with something NEW!

Peace, Love & Light,

      René      

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

  

Short Story Tip Time

8th Installment

Sunday, April 23rd, 2017

Authors, Novelists, Poets & Creative Writers ~ We're back for more Short Story Tip Time!

If you are a Writer or an Aspiring Author, (and you are if you are reading this Short Story Tip Time Session), then you no doubt always have writing on your mind.  It is the fuel for your fire.  The yin to your yang.  It is something that motivates you whenever you put your hand to it.

We've been discussing Writing Tips to keep you in the flow of your creative short story writing endeavors.  In our last Session, links were given as a reference for those Writers following along who are interested in free Writing Apps that can be utilized on your cell phone and android devices.  Tablets are perfect for writing on the go, and so is your cell phone if you have the right Writing App downloaded on it.

In addition, for those Writers who were interested in having an online Journal or Diary experience, there were links provided for Sites you can try out for free.  Writing in your Journal online or on paper helps a great deal when you really have a writing flow going and you don't want to lose your ideas as they are flowing.

The free online Diary Site that was suggested in our last Session here on the Blog was listed for those Writers who are not only interested in writing a short story, but also perhaps writing a Memoir!

A Memoir is a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of those events, and is based on personal observation.  Usually, memoirs are an account of one's personal life and experiences (also known as an Autobiography).  An Autobiography is the published record of the history of a person's life written or told by that person.  An Autobiography can also be the proceedings of a group or an organization (a learned society).

For those Writers that use their computers and laptops to write poetry or short stories, mentioned in our last Session was the link for information on ten (10) free Writing Apps and tools.  If you were able to check out any of the links or download any of the Writing Apps, please feel free to add your comments here on the Blog about what you thought of any of those Sites listed on the Blog, and the suggested Writing Apps.

You can scroll down to view our last Short Story Tip Time Session (7th Installment), or click on any of the links in the far right hand column to view any of the previous Blog Sessions you are interested in.

Writing on your smartphone or tablet, especially if you may be writing a long article, is not the most convenient, but it can be turned into a pleasurable experience if you have the right software.  Using a minimalist writing app makes things a lot more pleasant.  In our last Session here on the Blog, there was a link given out to all Readers here to check out for information on five of the best Apps for writing on your Android smartphone or tablet.  I personally have not tried out any of the five Apps listed, so I'd definitely be interested in hearing feedback from any Readers here who have used any of those Apps.

I have used the online Journals and Diaries that were listed in our last Short Story Tip Time Session, and I love using them.  The best thing about online Journals and Diaries is that you can use them on your Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop or Computer Desktop.

If you happen to have any suggestions about Writing Apps or tips, you are welcome to share your short reviews or suggestions here on the Blog in the comments section.

Writing your short story is perfect for your own personal therapeutic practices.  You can learn much about your self by writing a short story about your life.  You'll be amazed at the story that comes out of you!

Here's a suggestion for you ~ Try your hand at writing in a Diary on a regular basis, either online or in a nice Diary with a key.  This practice helps you to write fearlessly and honestly.

Diary Writer

Those Writers who write daily Diary entries will find out that writing tips come forth through heart-felt Diary entries.  Writing about how your day went, who you met, what you did, or what your feelings are on any given day can shed light on a thought that can turn into a poem, a short story, or even a Novel.

In our next Short Story Tip Time Session, we will be talking about something that will interest all Writers. 

9th Installment coming right up!

 Peace, Love & Light,

      René      

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Short Story Tip Time

7th Installment

Saturday, April 22nd, 2017

All Writers, Authors, Novelists, Poets & Creatives ~ We're back for more Short Story Tip Time!

We've been discussing writing the first sentence of our Short Stories, and learning more tips about the flow of our writing, including creative ideas for topics to write about.

As many of you know, having a Journal is simply a must.  It helps so much to be able to jot down your writing ideas on the fly...

Be on the lookout for a nice decorative Journal that attracts your attention.  With a Journal in hand, you'll always have the ability to capture great writing inspiration by what you see or hear in your everyday life travels.

With cell phones, tablets, and all kinds of tech gadgets that are small enough to carry with you on the go, there is no excuse not to capture your bright ideas about your Writings.  You can snap a picture with your cell phone that inspires you to write a Short Story, quote, inspirational message or poem about the motivational photograph that you capture.

There are many free Apps out there for you to use to write your poetry, short snippets or ideas on the go.  You can also purchase writing programs for your Computer or Laptop.  I'd go for the free Apps myself, or use a free online Journal to do your Writing.

Here's a link for you to learn more about ten (10) free Writing Apps . . .

https://prowritingaid.com/art/26/10-Free-Writing-Apps-and-Tools.aspx

Check out Penzu or Journalate if you are looking for a free online Journal space.

If you are looking for a free online Diary space, try looking into My Online Diary.

Now for the free Android Apps for Writing, you can check out 5 of the Best Writing Apps for Android by clicking below . . .

https://www.maketecheasier.com/best-writing-apps-android/

You  can always do online searches for exactly what you are looking for to aid you in your writing endeavors.

Check back here for more Short Story Tip Time in our next Session:  Our 8th Installment will be coming right up!

Are you ready to get inspired with your Writing?

See you back here on the BLOG for more Short Story Tip Time!

8th Installment coming right up! 

Peace, Love & Light,

  René

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Short Story Tip Time

6th Installment

Friday, April 21st, 2017

Good Evening Short Story Writers, Authors, Novelists and aspiring Authors & Novelists ~

We're back once again to discuss writing the first sentence of our Short Stories.

In our last Session, we discussed eight Short Story ideas to get you going with your fabulous Writing.  You should have written Notes in your Journal, and tried your hand at writing the first sentence of your Short Story.

It is really a great deal of fun to come up with a creation of your own making from scratch.  It is even more fun when you don't think about it too hard or too long.

Many first time Writers start out with plots, outlines, scripts, or lay-outs with a flurry of detail.  That is fine if you are the type of person that has to have things in order before you begin.  However, we are moving along the path of making this Short Story Writing Project a relaxing an enjoyable Session that won't stress you out.

Writing is about the discovery of new worlds, and definitely about finding a path that leads you to deeper insight concerning the stuff you are made of.

If you had the chance to test your short story idea or ideas out on your friends, a Writer's Group, or an online community, then you may have come back here with good feedback that helped you to buzz right along with the beginning of your Short Story.

Now here is where we learn more about what our first sentence can do to provide inspiration and motivation to keep the momentum going . . .

Take this first sentence for example:

"Audrey took the black rose and laid it on the grave."

In what direction does that sentence lead your mind?

Does it make you think about being at the grave of a friend or a foe?

Does this sentence immediately make you wonder about who Audrey is?

Alright, with those two questions in mind, your next logical step would be to talk about the setting.  Where is this grave?  What is the weather like?  Whose grave is this?  Why the black rose?

From those points, you would then roll on into your next sentence . . .

"After battling for months with her ex-husband about the properties they owned together, and then finding out that he had committed suicide, Audrey resigned herself to leaving a black rose at his grave."

From the second sentence, we now know on whose grave the black rose was laid, and a touch about why the color "black".

Our third sentence would go further into Audrey's background, and then move on to the location of where the scene is taking place.

You'll find that after laying down one sentence after another, your mind will develop the story magically!

If you have any questions about the process of writing your first sentence, or about developing your story line, just tune in to our next . . .

Tip Time!

7th Installment coming right up! 

Peace, Love & Light,

  René

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Writing the first sentence

Short Story Tip Time

5th Installment

Thursday, April 20th, 2017

Good Afternoon everyone ~ Hopefully you are back here with the first sentence of your Short Story.  We're going to go over ideas for your short story just in case you have drawn a blank (which I sincerely doubt resourceful writer!).

If by chance you were able to come up with a first sentence with ease, the ideas that will be shared with you today will just be something additional for your Journal.  Remember that Notes are always helpful for your future Writing Projects.

Whatever idea that you may happen to come up with, the best thing to do is to write the first sentence.

Here is a quick List of Ideas for Short Stories:

1.  What has happened to you in your life that had a great impact on the way your life was going?  Was there ever a death in your family or a friend that passed away suddenly that took you off course financially or emotionally?  If so, write about it.  Tell your story in a way that expresses all of the emotions that you felt when the incident happened.  Were you able to fully grieve, or are you still in the process of grieving?  Take a moment to write sincerely and thoughtfully about your feelings.

2.  Did you ever move to a different state or travel to a different place and discover new and exciting things or places that you would not have ever had an inclination to look into before your move?  If so, write about it.  Tell your story in such a way that the Reader will feel your excitement, and experience the newness of life that you felt.

3.  Have you ever met a person that completely changed your trajectory?  You may have had a dream that was packed away, and someone came along that awakened that dream in you.  If so, write about it.  Fuel your dream even further by writing exactly what you have learned through your connection with the individual that walked into your life at just the right time.

4.  Have you ever been wounded either physically or emotionally?  How did the wound effect your life?  Write your story about the circumstances surrounding your wound(s), and the aftermath.  What did you learn?  How can you help someone else with your story?  Did you go through a medical process that you can share in your story?  Did you seek therapy?  If so, what type of therapy, and how did it help you?  Your story may change someone's life by providing needed encouragement or a sense of understanding.

5.  Have you ever seen a ghost?  When did you witness the ghost or ghosts?  Was it in a property that you purchased and moved into?  Was it in a relative's home?  Was it inside or outside?  Have you experienced the presence of spirits that you could not see fully, but you could sense fully?  If so, go ahead and tell your story.  Let your Readers feel the presence of the ghosts and/or spirits just as you did.  Give your Readers a view of how the experience felt to you and let your Readers know how the experience affected you.  And don't pay any attention to people who may laugh at this story idea, there are thousands of people who have experienced ghosts/spirits, and are not afraid to talk about it.  Consider the many movies made about this subject matter.

6.  Have you ever had a bad encounter with a friend, neighbor, spouse, significant other, family member, associate, or co-worker that ended up becoming a lasting feud?  How did the feud start, and what was the reason for the feud?  Is the feud still ongoing?  Allow your Reader to understand the exact details by writing all about it.  In the process of writing your story about the feud, you may even discover a solution or resolution that can be implemented.

7.  Do you have a fear of anything?  What is that fear?  Why do you fear whatever it is that you fear?  Is the fear debilitating?  How did your particular infirmity come about?  Any physical or mental weakness should always be addressed, and the best way to address fears and other debilitating issues of any kind is to write about those issues or infirmities in detail.  In doing so, you will not only help yourself, you will potentially help others as well.

8.  Try writing about coming into a fortune.  You can make the story personal, or write about a fictitious character that comes from a state of poverty into the comfort of riches.  Remember that stories that involve huge sums of money can also take a sudden turn and plummet.   You can write about either gaining successful riches, or the terrible pain of losing riches.  Another thought for you about Riches -- they are not always in the form of money as so many people believe.  Riches can come in the form of education, the beauty of natural resources, enlightenment, spiritual maturity, the awareness of the beauty of life and the loved ones in your life.

The above eight (8) Short Story ideas are just a start for you today.  Take a little time today to think about coming up with a few Short Story ideas of your own.  Use your Journal to write down those short story ideas that peak your interest.

You can test some of your ideas out before you begin writing.  Sharing your story idea with a friend, a writer's group, or an online community can add fun to your short story writing project.  When you toss your story ideas around, you'll be surprised at the additional input that you will receive.  You'll also gain writing buddies and those who will be interested in reading the story that you come up with.

        

As mentioned in our last Short Story Tip Time Session, there is no short list of ideas for Short Story tales.  You'll find that short story ideas will begin to flow to you freely.  Just make sure you have your Writing Journal at hand to capture those awesome ideas!

~ See you back here for the 6th Installment of our Short Story Tip Time Session ~

Be ready to Write in your Journal at all times!

Peace, Love & Light,

  René

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Short Story Tip Time

4th Installment

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017

We're starting this day off bright and early with another dose of our Short Story Tip Time.  We will learn a little more about writing a short story.  We'll also find out about ideas for writing your short story.

One thing is for sure, there is no short list of ideas for Short Story tales.  They are as unique and varied as the day is long ~ well maybe longer.

Everyone has a story to tell.  There are so many variations of the same story that it would make you head spin if you allowed all of the various stories of the same sort to infiltrate your brain.

You know how many movies there are about the same subject matter right -- the airplane tales, the scary house tales, the relationship tales involving the third party, the kids on vacation  tales, the work environment romance tales, and the list goes on and on.

Now, lets just say that you have a story inside of you that no one has ever heard before, or seen before, or written about before.   Do you think that is possible?

I guarantee you it is possible to have a unique story -- the names will change, the places will change, the scenes in the story will change, and the twists and turns will change -- even if someone has dared to tell a similar story like yours before -- your story will be different -- maybe even better!

Take a moment today or this evening to sit down at your trusty typewriter, and wrap your head around writing your Short Story . . .

Writing the first sentence

All you need to do to get started is to write the first sentence.  Let your mind get tuned up.  Look at the typewriter keys.  See how beautiful they are?  Look closely.  Get familiar with the Backspace bar, the Enter key, the Shift keys on the left and right, your Tab key, your Caps Lock key on the left, your ctrl keys on the left and right, and most importantly your Delete key.  Your Delete key will be used a lot.  And so will your space bar and your backspace bar.  We love to go backwards and forwards in life -- some of us, and those two keys seem to fit the personalities of the back and forth folks.  Your space bar will not have any letters or writing on it.  It will be blank.  It is blank because it will be used a lot and there is no need to put any letters on it that will wear off.

You'd be surprised at how many people just sit down at the typewriter and type away without ever taking a look at the keys before they start.  They have typed so much over the years, it is like riding a bike.  For some writers, they have worn off the letters on the keys because they type so much.  I'm one of those people, so don't think I'm talking about you on the sly.

Let us focus on writing the first sentence.  What is it that is on your mind at the moment you sit down at the typewriter.  Think for a minute if you draw a blank.  Breathe in and out to collect your thoughts if you need to.  Your first sentence is the momentum starter and the spark for your story.

You can decide what you want your story to be about or not.  It is not really important right now.  All we want to do is write one sentence.

We will come back here for Short Story ideas in our next Session.  Today's practice is to sit at the typewriter and type.  One sentence is all we're looking for right now.  If you do more than one sentence, glory hallelujah!  We might just have a real Writer on our hands.

See all you wonderful Writers and Authors back here for Short Story ideas in our next Blog Session.

We're getting our first sentence together

Peace, Love & Light,

  René

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved