A Call to Arms!
By Timothy O. Goyette

Congratulations! You have subscribed to Quantum Muse.

As with every month, we have some good reading waiting for you. I especially liked "The Sure Thing" in the alternative section. You won't be disappointed. We have other stories from thought provoking to simply entertaining. Stop by, and drop us an e-mail to let us know what you think.

Many of our authors provide their e-mail or web site address. It is helpful for all writers to receive feed back from readers. Please contact the authors or Quantum Muse with any comments you'd like to share, if for nothing else than to say that you read and enjoyed the story.

One of our desires is to develop a reader/writer community, where we all help each other. Reader help by giving feed back. Writers help by listening and writing wonderful stories.

As I've been crawling down the road to authorship, I've developed a critical eye. It makes it harder to enjoy books and stories, because I'm analyzing and editing while reading. I hope to shake myself of this habit. Until then, I might just as well learn something. Here is one important concept I have learned.

There is a difference between a story told verbally and one written down. When we tell a story to our friends, we fill words with meaning by our voice and body language. We drop to a whisper at the tense moment, raise our voices with triumph, and the like. A written story has none of these; it relies on the words to convey the feeling that would be added by the orator.

Try this test. Get a volunteer to read you story. If you're married, your spouse may be willing to help with this. Have them read through only once, then read the story to them. If their reaction is "Oh, I get it," or "It's better when you read it," then you need to convey the feelings/images in your story better. My wife has given me the, "It's better when you read it," line before.

Readers add their own inflections. Imagine a scene where the man says, "Let's talk about this," and the woman's reaction is to put the gun down. One person may interpret the woman's action a guided by fear of the man, another may feel that she just wanted attention and got it, so she didn't need the threat of the gun.

As the writer of the story it is our job to make certain that the reader receives the impression, we had in mind when we wrote the scene. We must make it clear that the woman put down the gun because she realized that she couldn't kill the father of her children, no matter how much he deserved it.

As much as we would like to acknowledge that we are the font of all wisdom, we can't properly accept that credit. The responsibilities are too great and the pay is pathetic. So, we'd like your input. What is it that you find troublesome in your reading? What ticks you off when you see it in print? What have you picked up in a writing course or workshop that has helped you? Even let us know what you think is wonderful. We'll continue to provide tips and comments to our readers and writers.

It is our goal to help aspiring writers and provide entertaining and interesting reading. Together we can do it. Please contact us with comments, encouragement, and even complaints.

Seize the Web.

| Home | Alternative | Fantasy | Science Fiction | Artwork | Editorial | Submissions |
| Discussion Board | News | Recommended | Merchandise | About Us | Links | Webrings | Archives |