Monthly Archives: May 2012

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Avatar of Estrella Azul

by Estrella Azul

News Flash – Vol.3 #52

May 29, 2012 in Community News, News Flash by Estrella Azul

Lily Mulholland let us know that “New Sun Rising” now has a book trailer, and many contributors have given extra stories, which are currently being profiled on the New Sun Rising blog. You can read Lily’s story, “Across the Ocean”, here.

Over at Write Anything, Tony Noland reveals his deepest fear about his own writing.

Rebecca Emin has been interviewed yesterday over on Writer’s Checklist, as part of her launch of “When Dreams Come True”.  The novel is now available to order via any bookshop or online in various places including: The Book Depository , Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Smashwords , Barnes and Noble, Diesel , Lulu , Kobo  & via Apple iBooks.

Congrats to all!

PS: have you taken part in Rebecca Emin’s book launch blog hop? If so inclined, please leave the link to your post in the comment section below so we can all go read it.

~ Estrella Azul

 

Keep the good news coming! You can send in your news items concerning the Friday Flash community to Estrella at estrella.azul@fridayflash.org or by contacting her on Facebook or Twitter. Or feel free to share your news by posting on the#fridayflash Facebook Group Page.

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Avatar of Tim VanSant

by Tim VanSant

The #FridayFlash Report – Vol 3 Number 52

May 26, 2012 in FridayFlash Report by Tim VanSant

We had 57 stories in the Collector this week with 4 Debuts. Please welcome Charlotte Comley, David Grigg, Erika Napier, and Aimee Marieee to the community. The stories this week fall under 15 different genres, including one each in Experimental, Mystery, Romance, Steampunk, Thriller, and Urban Fantasy. What a wonderfully diverse community we have!

Have you read the explosive (I have a hard time resisting any pun) post from our newest correspondent, Alex Carrick? Check out Dynamite is the Cure. And did you see all the great stuff in this week’s News Flash? Keep sharing your news. And keep up the great work!

As always, if your story is not in the listing below please go to the Collector and add the details. It will be in next week’s listing. ~Tim Read the rest of this entry →

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Avatar of Alex Carrick

by Alex Carrick

Dynamite is the Cure

May 25, 2012 in Writers by Alex Carrick

A photo of Alex CarrickI’m an economist by training and I’ve been working in my profession for nearly 40 years.

So what am I doing writing amusing, entertaining short stories intended for a mass market?

That’s a good question. It’s one I grapple with all the time.

The answer, it turns out, is simple.

It’s because I enjoy it.

I’ve been writing on the economy for what seems forever.

There’s a certain level of satisfaction that comes from being recognized in one’s chosen profession.

The acknowledgements I receive for my economic articles – which, by the way, do pay the bills – are nice, but they provide only a limited amount of satisfaction. They pale next to the excitement I feel when I hear that someone has read and enjoyed one of my short stories.

This is why people become entertainers in the first place, to interact with an audience.

Writers are storytellers. We’re a specialized branch of entertainment.

I love my stories. They’re a part of me. My characters – all of them – are bits and pieces re-assembled from my own experiences.

My stories are my own invention. They’re not cool rational pieces of logic.

They’re written with emotion. They’re meant to capture humor and sadness. They play with words to create interesting effects.

They’re what I want to leave behind so my children and grandchildren will get to know the “old man” better.

The reason I’ve been in the process of transitioning from what are essentially academic pieces to works that are more sublime is because new technology has made it possible.

When I was a child, I used to imagine becoming a writer. As the years passed, it seemed such a daunting process. Spend years composing a book. Find an agent. Hope for a publisher. Maybe it would all lead to naught.

How many manuscripts never see the light of day?

That doesn’t have to be the case anymore.

Five years ago, my employer asked me to start writing an economics blog.

I knew that for such an enterprise to be successful, I’d have to be prolific. That alone caused me to flex my writing muscles.

Then I realized that what I was composing was reaching only a limited audience. I craved a wider market, so I started writing amusing pieces to post on an intermittent basis.

Soon I found I had an inventory. I set up my own personal web site as a docking station, not realizing that what I was doing was establishing a platform.

Participating on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube came next.

Also around five years ago, I discovered a phenomenon on Twitter known as #fridayflash.

Anyone is welcome to post their stories of 1,000 words or less at www.fridayflash.org and appear on the latest weekly list and in the archives.

It’s been a wonderful opportunity.

At first, what was particularly beneficial for me was the imposed discipline. I set a goal of writing a Friday Flash story every week. That meant conceiving an idea, writing a draft and polishing it within seven days.

A significant side benefit has been interaction with a community of other writers who in many cases are also attempting to redefine themselves.

Over the years, I’ve submitted 60 stories in all to Friday Flash. Many of them have subsequently formed the basis of stand-alone books that have been self-published.

My writing has altered over the years, in part shaped by the subject matter I’ve seen other Friday Flash writers tackle.

In my economic articles, there is a certain pro forma that has burrowed its way into my work. There are word and phrase repetitions that have become engrained in my style.

My personal writing offered the chance to break away from this straight jacket. Let me phrase it in any easy to understand manner. I’ve been able to apply dynamite to my writing constipation.

My style needed unbinding. I’ve had to learn a new looser and more free-form way to write.

Other aspiring writers are always seeking advice on what they should do to hone their abilities.

My first answer is to write, write and then write some more. There’s no substitute for practice.

Approach everything with the intent to find your own unique way of expressing yourself.

This goes for 140 character entries on Twitter as much as for full-form novels. As a writer, you’re always on display.

Or invert your viewpoint. From a marketing perspective, embrace every opportunity to display your skills.

The ultimate goal is to write with confidence. Proper grammar and technical ability are important, but the extra fillip that puts a writer over the top with readers is the flare.

That comes best when you learn to be honest and open.

~ Alex Carrick

This week we welcome Alex Carrick to the FFDO team. He joins our rotation of community correspondents to help bring a variety of viewpoints and voices to bear on diverse topics concerning reading, writing, editing, and publishing in today’s fast changing world.
~jon

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Avatar of Estrella Azul

by Estrella Azul

News Flash – Vol.3 #51

May 22, 2012 in Community News, Friday Flash by Estrella Azul

Helen Howells  #fridayflash last week, “Taken”, was her entry into the last of Lily Child’s Friday Predictions for May 11th.  The challenge was to use the words Psycho–Purgatory–Belt in a no more than a 100 words long story. Helen’s story was placed runner up in this challenge.

Richard Bon’s story, “NOLA to Philly”, was recently accepted by one of his favorite flash fiction publications, Pure Slush, as part of this month’s cities theme.

Jodi MacArthur is humbled and proud to have a story included in “Beat to a Pulp Round 2″. You can pick up your copy at Amazon or CreateSpace.

Donna and Alex Carrick were interviewed by “The Voice”, John Rakestraw, for his show The Platform last week. Here is the link. Click on the arrow in the blue “blogtalkradio” box, plus there’s a link to another 15 minutes after the official broadcast set out below at the site.

Rebecca Emin was  over being interviewed on Chris Morton’s blog, Flash Fiction and Other Stories, this weekend. While you are there, feel free to sign up for the launch party for “When Dreams Come True“ which is taking place on 28th May.  Rebecca is hoping everyone will have some amusing dream stories to share!

Carrie Clevenger guest blogged on Tombstone Tails, where she revealed the three things that led to “Crooked Fang”, in music.

In my latest travel article over at Milliver’s Travels, I (Estrella Azul) wrote about The Salt Mines of Turda. Hope you will join me walking down a corridor of salt to explore the mines.

Congrats to all!

~ Estrella Azul

 

Keep the good news coming! You can send in your news items concerning the Friday Flash community to Estrella at estrella.azul@fridayflash.org or by contacting her on Facebook or Twitter. Or feel free to share your news by posting on the#fridayflash Facebook Group Page.

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Avatar of Tim VanSant

by Tim VanSant

The #FridayFlash Report – Vol 3 Number 51

May 19, 2012 in FridayFlash Report by Tim VanSant

We had 51 stories in the Collector this week with 2 Debuts. Please welcome Kayla Swanson and Emma to the community. The stories this week fall under 14 different genres, including one each in Historical, Magical Realism, Suspense, Urban Fantasy, and Western. What a wonderfully diverse community we have!

In our effort to better serve the Friday Flash community we have been working behind the scenes to improve the performance of the website and developing new content. I’ll have a report on the technical stuff when we finish ironing out a few issues. Make sure you read Catherine Russell’s post on Podcasting. We have some other members of the community waiting in the wings and will be rolling out those posts in the coming weeks. And don’t forget to check out Estrella Azul’s weekly News Flash. She has contact info at the bottom of every post so you can add your good news to share with the rest of us.

As always, if your story is not in the listing below please go to the Collector and add the details. It will be in next week’s listing. ~Tim Read the rest of this entry →

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Avatar of Catherine Russell

by Catherine Russell

Podcasts for the Time-Challenged

May 18, 2012 in Tips and Suggestions, Writers by Catherine Russell

By Catherine Russell – FFDO Correspondent

Making time for self-improvement while writing, reading, and meeting all of life’s other obligations is a problem faced by aspiring authors everywhere. Downloading podcasts is one of the easiest and (usually) free ways to claim time for education.

A podcast is a downloadable audio program that you can listen to on a device (either computer or mp3 player) at your own leisure. You can listen to content on virtually any subject you like, usually without cost, whenever it is convenient. It is an easy way to snatch some extra story or nonfiction time when you are otherwise engaged doing dishes or driving to work.

Podcasts can be downloaded manually from your computer, but a much easier way is to simply use a podcatcher. If you use your phone as an mp3 player and you have internet connectivity, you can download a podcatcher application. If not, you can also search and download one onto your computer. My personal favorite is DoggCatcher on my Android phone, available through the Android Market. Another method would be to use Google Reader on your computer, open up the audio in another tab, and listen while browsing the web or doing other things.

In the interest of reclaiming time that would otherwise go down the drain with the dirty dishwater or out the window while driving, here are a few suggestions for aspiring authors and other bibliophiles.

Podcasts

I Should Be Writing by Mur Lafferty (@mightymur) – started out as a podcast for wannabe fiction writers. Now that she had published with a traditional publisher as well as self-published several podiobooks and ebooks, she continues to share her journey, commiserating with her listeners, cheering their triumphs, dispensing advice, and interviewing authors.

Grammar Girl by Mignon Fogarty – a podcast of quick and dirty tips for the grammatically challenged, or just those who would like to brush up on their punctuation skills. Not only is the show informative, it is entertaining as well.

Functional Nerds with Patrick Hester (@atfmb) and John Anealio (@JohnAnealio) – not specifically a writing podcast, but one that features interviews with many genre authors for those looking to stay current on new and upcoming books and authors.

Writing Excuses features four professional writers discussing the craft of writing. The podcast begins with the declaration, “Fifteen minutes long because you’re in a hurry and we’re not that smart.” While the format is short, the podcast hosts most definitely give intelligent and thoughtful advice.

So, if you have not tried these podcasts before, I urge you – in the interest of both education and entertainment – to reclaim some of your driving time by giving them a chance.

—–

Author Catherine Russell shares her life with her high school sweetheart, their son, and two ferocious puppies in the Wilds of Ohio while writing short stories, editing her novel, and learning more about the craft every day. Her work has been published in Flash Me magazine, Metro Fiction, Beyond Centauri, and the ‘Best of Friday Flash – Volume One’ anthology. More of her writing can be found on her writing blog at ganymeder.com.

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Avatar of Estrella Azul

by Estrella Azul

News Flash – Vol.3 #50

May 15, 2012 in Community News, News Flash by Estrella Azul

Lily Mulholland has some exciting news about the short story anthology, New Sun Rising: Stories for Japan, in which her story ‘The Brewer’s Son’ was selected for inclusion.

For National Flash Fiction Day on May 16th, Marc Nash will be publishing his second anthology of flash on Kindle, 16 stories called “16FF”.

Justin N. Davies has won the latest Flash 500 competition with his story “Dandelion Breeze”. It is up on the Flash 500 website and will be printed in the next issue of Words With Jam magazine.

Recently,  Rachel Carter has put together a flash-fiction anthology, ”Kissing Frankenstein and Other Stories”. It is a not-for-profit publication available at Lulu containing 53 different flash-fiction written by 40 different writers from all over the South West of England. Some of the writers are well-known (such as Tania Hershman) and other were new writers. Read all about it here.

Writer’s Digest has named Alex Carrick’s personal blog as its web site of the week. If you go to Writer’s Digest website and scroll down the right side of the screen, you’ll notice the description saying: “Alex Carrick’s blog is clean, crisp and entertaining. His stories range from humorous to thought-provoking, making it a fun read.”

Eric J. Krause has been interviewed about ”Ghost Betweens” and writing over at Different Outcomes. Go here to read his answers.

Over at Write Anything, Tony Noland is bemoaning the failing health of the apostrophe key on my old laptop. This has graver consequences than you might realize. Go read his article.

Jon Strother has a wonderful guest post, “The Challenge of Writing Flash Fiction”, up over at Amwriting.Org.

Congrats to all!

 

This is a great turnout for the NewsFlash this week as well, isn’t it so much more fun when you all send in your news items and the post is this long and wonderful? Thank you!

~ Estrella Azul

 

Keep the good news coming! You can send in your news items concerning the Friday Flash community to Estrella at estrella.azul@fridayflash.org or by contacting her on Facebook or Twitter. Or feel free to share your news by posting on the#fridayflash Facebook Group Page.

 

 


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Avatar of Tim VanSant

by Tim VanSant

The #FridayFlash Report – Vol 3 Number 50

May 12, 2012 in FridayFlash Report by Tim VanSant

We had 68 stories in the Collector this week with 1 Debut. Please welcome Simon Towler to the community. The stories this week fall under 13 different genres, including one each in Crime, Noir, Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Western. What a wonderfully diverse community we have!

I don’t remember the last time we had more than 60 stories two weeks in a row. May is shaping up to be a prolific month. Keep up the great work!

As always, if your story is not in the listing below please go to the Collector and add the details. It will be in next week’s listing. ~Tim Read the rest of this entry →

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Avatar of Estrella Azul

by Estrella Azul

News Flash – Vol.3 #49

May 8, 2012 in Community News, News Flash by Estrella Azul

An Indian film maker is hoping to turn one of Tom Gillespie’s #fridayflash short stories “My Beloved Edith“, into a short film. Check out the original and then imagine the Bollywood version!

Dan Powell’s submission to 1000 Words has been accepted and will apear sometime this month. 1000 words is celebrating National Flash Fiction Day by, over the course of May and early June,  posting the best of stories written in response to the images on their Pinterest board. At the time of writing, two of Dan’s stories have already been accepted. Dan also received his copy of “The Best British Short Stories 2012″, in which his short story, “Half-mown Lawn” appears.

“Red Riding Hood Revised”, Cahterine Russell’s #fridayflash, was published in the most recent Beyond Centauri. This was the first time she has received a contributor’s copy (as all her other sales were online or no contributor copy).

As A.B. Wells, Alison Wells is launching her debut novel, space comedy “Housewife with a Half-Life” today, on Tuesday May 8th. It’s available on Amazon.com, on Amazon.co.uk and on Smashwords.

Eric J Krause’s “Ghost Betweens” is now available for purchase in paperback at CreateSpace for $9.99. If you don’t have a Kindle or free Kindle Reader App, now is your chance to read his Young Adult Paranormal Romance/Adventure. (And do not let the YA tag throw you; it is a great read for adults, as well!) Click here to find it in the CreateSpace shop. Amazon will also be selling the paperback for the same price. That will be ready in 5 to 7 days. Enjoy reading, folks, and do not forget to leave a review at Amazon if you enjoy it!

101 Fiction, John Xero’s website, where he has been posting his own 101 word stories for over a year, is now open for submissions from anyone! The #fridayflash community has brought him plenty of visitors and great comments, now he hopes some #fridayflash folk might like to contribute stories too. 1 word title, 100 word story. Science fiction, fantasy, horror, surreal. For guidelines and submissions go here.

 

This is a great turnout for the NewsFlash this week, isn’t it so much more fun when you all send in your news items and the post is this long and wonderful?

Congrats to all!

~~~

As you might have noticed last week, we have a brand new FAQ page here on FFDO. Go check it out if you are new to #fridayflash, a new community member or an existing member wanting to spark your memory of all things #fridayflash.

~ Estrella Azul

Keep the good news coming! You can send in your news items concerning the Friday Flash community to Estrella at estrella.azul@fridayflash.org or by contacting her on Facebook or Twitter. Or feel free to share your news by posting on the#fridayflash Facebook Group Page.

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Avatar of Tim VanSant

by Tim VanSant

The #FridayFlash Report – Vol 3 Number 49

May 5, 2012 in FridayFlash Report by Tim VanSant

We had 61 stories in the Collector this week with 6 Debut stories from 5 authors. Please welcome H.W.Litchfield, DL Thurston, Elizabeth Myrddin, Steve McHugh, and Patrick Anderson Jr. to the community. The stories this week fall under 16 different genres, including one each in Action, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, and Suspense. What a wonderfully diverse community we have!

We are just a few weeks away from celebrating another anniversary of the #FridayFlash meme. I mention that now in case you want to plan something special to mark the occasion. (I wouldn’t say no to cake, for example. ;-) )

As always, if your story is not in the listing below please go to the Collector and add the details. It will be in next week’s listing. ~Tim Read the rest of this entry →

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