Writing Short Stories/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I can answer such questions as "What is a short story?" "How do I go about writing one?" "How do I know when I`ve got a good idea?" Also questions on characters, plot (if any), conflict, resolution, etc. I cannot tell you how to get published or what formats might be interested in your work. My concern is with the story itself - does it work or doesn`t it?

Experience in the area

I have read many short stories for pleasure and even more with a critical eye. I know what a short story is and is supposed to be. I have edited fiction books and contributed articles to several e'zines.

Education/Credentials

BA in English/creative writing, 35 years studying, teaching, mentoring, and writing/editing.

Awards and Honors

First Place, Answerpool.com's second annual poetry contest.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

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    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Alora09/24/09101010Ah,I see. Thank you very much .....
Wayne01/27/09101010The answer I received was not only .....
Marc01/16/09101010 
Ali03/31/0810 
Cathie01/17/07101010 Hi Susan; I was very pleased .....

Recent Answers from Susan Rand

2010-11-28 Novice Writing:

Hi Joey:    Getting your story from your mind onto paper is the hard part!    Here are some tips that might help:    1. Generally speaking, short stories are short:    Flash Fiction: 1,000 words or less

2009-09-24 My short story:

Hello Alora:    Thank you for writing.    I think you have come up with an interesting idea for your story. To answer your questions:    1.  Even if this subject has been written before, you can be sure

2009-03-08 Cheating?:

Hello CGLLR:    I am sorry to be late with this, but I did not get a notification.    So long as you were adhering to your own moral code, you were not cheating. The fact that you finally got up and moved

2009-03-07 Need help with defining personality:

Hello Inverted:    This is a difficult question to answer in the space I have here. You have the right idea with "a rather loveable pyromaniac," but as you realize, more is needed.    There are several

2009-01-27 writer block:

Hello Wayne:    I would suggest you use keywords to spur youself on. Sit quietly and think about what you want to say in the first paragraph. Try to visualize what happens. Then type some keywords on the

 

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