Posted in short stories

10 Benefits of Writing Short Stories by Maggie Bloom

10 Benefits of Writing Short Stories

There are many benefits to writing short stories. Perhaps one of the most underrated is that it can help you become a better writer. When you are forced to focus on creating a tight, well-written story in a shorter amount of time, you learn to be more efficient with your words. You also learn how to hook your reader and keep them engaged throughout the entire story. Here, we will discuss 10 benefits of writing short stories that can help improve your writing skills and help your business grow.

1.  You Will Communicate With Clarity

It is no secret that clarity is important in writing. When you are able to communicate your ideas clearly, your readers will be able to understand your message and take action. When you write short stories, you learn how to be clear and concise with your words. This skill will carry over into your other writing endeavors, such as creating marketing materials or website content.

2.  You Will Develop a Strong Voice

Your voice is what sets you apart from other writers. It is what makes your writing unique and interesting to read. When you write short stories, you have the opportunity to experiment with different voices and tones. You can try out various writing styles until you find the one that fits you best. As you develop your voice, you will also find it easier to stay true to your brand.

3.  You Will Eliminate Stress

Writing can be a stressful endeavor. But it doesn’t have to be. One of the benefits of writing short stories is that it can help you eliminate stress. When you write a short story, you don’t have to worry about creating the perfect plot or developing complex characters. You can simply focus on telling a good story. And once you’re done, you can move on to the next project without any lingering stress.

4.  You Will Build Confidence

Writing can be a daunting task, especially if you’re just starting out. But with short stories, you can build your confidence gradually. Each story you write will give you the opportunity to improve your skills and become a better writer. As you build your confidence, you’ll find it easier to take on bigger projects.

5.  You Will Improve Your Research Skills

Writing short stories can also help you improve your research skills. When you write a short story, you often have to do a lot of research to ensure the accuracy of your facts. This research can be used to improve your knowledge in other areas as well. For instance, if you’re researching a historical fiction story, you may also learn more about history in the process.

6.  You Will Gain Awareness of Your Reality

Writing can be therapeutic. It can help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings. And it can also help you gain awareness of your reality. When you write short stories, you have the opportunity to explore different aspects of your life. You can examine your relationships, your career, and even your own mental health. This self-awareness can be beneficial in many areas of your life.

7.  You Will Overcome Tough Moments Faster

Everyone goes through tough times. But with writing, you can overcome these moments faster. When you write about your struggles, you can gain a better understanding of them. And once you understand your problems, it becomes easier to find solutions. Writing can also help you release any pent-up emotions, which can lead to a sense of relief.

8.  You Will Live More Focused

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But when you write, you can live more focused. When you sit down to write, you have to focus on your story. This focus can help you see the world around you in a different light. You may also find that your writing helps you to focus on your goals and achieve them.

9.  You Will be Happier

Writing can make you happier. When you write, you get to explore your imagination and create something new. This process can be both fun and therapeutic. And when you share your stories with others, you may also find that they appreciate your work. This appreciation can lead to a sense of satisfaction and happiness.

10.  You Will Meet New People

Writing can also help you meet new people. When you share your work with others, you may find that you have something in common with them. This commonality can lead to new friendships and relationships. You may also find that you meet new people through writing groups or workshops. These connections can enrich your life in many ways.

There are many benefits to writing short stories. These benefits can help you in your personal and professional life. If you’re looking for a way to improve your writing skills, or if you simply want to enjoy the process of writing, consider writing a short story. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

Author Bio: Maggie graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations.

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Posted in Reviews, short stories

Review: Two Carrot Ring And Other Fascinating Jewelry Stories by Janet Metz Walter

****5 stars

When I first learned about this book, I thought it was a great idea for a unique read. After finishing it, I’m even more convinced of that. The book contains true stories contributed by people about a piece or pieces of jewelry. It’s divided into eight parts: Proposals; Gifts; Humor; Lost and Found; Repurposed Jewelry; Up Above; and Travel Stories. The story that gave the book its title, “Two Carrot Ring and the Central Park Charm,” was in the “Gifts” section. It was contributed by D. Sabel and tells a sweet tale involving a Woolworth ring and a special charm. It’s a very romantic story and also includes a nice poem.

The other stories in this collection are just as interesting. Some are nostalgic; others are modern, but they are all shared from the heart. Reading them, I realized I, too, had stories about my own jewelry pieces. Hopefully, the author who assists her husband in his jewelry business, Gold Fire Diamonds, will publish another volume.

Posted in Cat Writers' Association, short stories

Announcing My Short Story Awards for my Cozy Mystery, Science Fiction Tale, and a True Cat Rescue Story

I’m proud to announce that I’ve received three Certificates of Excellence for my short stories from the Cat Writers’ Association in their annual contest. My stories, all featuring felines, vary in genre and format.

Sneaky’s Summer Mystery is a cozy mystery that’s part of the Cobble Cove story series with the same characters from the books. It’s available as an eBook and is free on Kindle Unlimited.

Cobble Cove is in the midst of an August heatwave. It’s the worst time for the air conditioner at the Cobble Cove library to break down. Alicia has no choice but to close the library and bring Sneaky, the library cat, home with her. After scheduling the air conditioner service with Rudy Gibbs, a technician from Hapnabber’s Repair Shop, she is surprised to learn that John knew Rudy when they were teenagers. When Rudy turns up dead after working on the AC at the library and Alicia learns of it during a barbecue she and John host with Gilly and Ramsay, Sneaky and Kittykai must once again protect their favorite ladies when they conduct their own investigation into the murder.

Purchase Link: mybook.to/SneakySummer

“The Felinedae Mission” is a science fiction tale included in the What Lies Beyond anthology that’s part of the Red Penguin Collection. This story was also featured in Red Penguin’s Stand Out! Volume 1 of the Best of the Red Penguin Collection. Both anthologies are available in print form and as eBooks.

“What Lies Beyond: Sci-Fi Stories of The Future” Edited by JK Larkin

Are You On The Prowl For A Dark, Enticing, and Wildly Imaginative Science Fiction Reading Experience?

Journey through space and time as you read this second installment of The Red Penguin Collection, an anthology series by Red Penguin Books. In our collection of science fiction stories, you will be confronted with aliens, robots, clones, and… cats? When it comes to the ever-expanding universe and the bounds of technology, anything is possible!

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3fu4xsc

“The Story of Harry and Hermione” is a non-fiction piece about how I came to adopt my two cats. It’s included in the Second Chance Cats: True Stories of the Cats We Rescue and the Cats Who Rescue Us. This anthology is also available in print and in ebook form.

There’s no feeling quite like that of getting a second chance and a fresh start. When we adopt a homeless cat–or that cat decides to adopt us–we’re not just giving one of earth’s most beautiful and inscrutable creatures a chance at a good life, we’re giving ourselves the gift of companionship, solace, and love. And plenty of laughter too!

This heartwarming collection includes more than 30 true, contemporary stories told by a variety of writers, including Melody Carlson, Lauraine Snelling, and Kristin Billerbeck. Each feel-good story involves cat rescue, some in a typical way and others in surprising–even miraculous–ways. Sometimes the question becomes: Really, who rescued whom?

A thoughtful gift for the cat lover in your life, Second-Chance Cats is the purrfect companion for cozy nights, lazy weekends, and any time you need a pick-me-up.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ioIdlK

I’m quite honored to have these stories recognized by the Cat Writers’ Association. They are now eligible to win a Muse Medallion, the highest award of the association. This coveted prize will be awarded at their virtual conference in October. For more information about the conference and CWA, a wonderful group of creatives who feature cats in their works. check their website at catwriters.com.

Posted in New Year's, short stories, Television Broadcast

It’s a Wrap: My 2019 Writing and Author Appearances Recap

I hope you all had a nice 2019 and that 2020 is even better. Here is a recap of my writing and author appearances in 2019 with my tentative calendar for 2020.

On April 6, I attended the Long Island Local Author Fair at the Tilles Center at Long Island University’s C.W. Post Campus.

On April 24, I appeared on Between the Covers TV Show with fellow guests from the Book Fairies. Here is a link to the episode.

On May 4, I published my standalone psychological mystery, Sea Scope.

In May, I was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for my cozy mystery, Love on the Rocks.

From May 15 to 18, I attended the Cat Writers’ Association Conference in St. Louis, Missouri where I spoke on a panel with three other members who write cat mysteries: Sandy Murphy, Patricia Fry, and Mollie Hunt.

In May, I also attended the Romance Writers’ Association luncheon at the Fox Hollow Inn in Woodbury, New York.

On June 5, a front-page story appeared about me and my new release, Sea Scope, in the Hicksville News.

On August 10, I appeared at the Sip This Coffee House in Valley Stream with fellow authors, Lisa Diaz Meyer and Tracy Auerbach.

On August  15, I spoke at the Hicksville Library about Sea Scope.

On September 21, I attended the South Huntington Library’s Fall Fair with three other members of the Long Island Authors Group.

On September 29, I published a short mystery eBook, The Mistaken Mission.

On October 19, I appeared at the Kitten Kadoodle Coffee Cafe in Selden, NY with fellow authors Lisa Diaz Meyer, Elaine Donadio, and Andrea Roche.

In November, I published the article, “Keeping Your Indoor Pets Safe from Household Hazards” that appeared in its print edition and online blog.

On November 2, I appeared at Mongo’s Coffee in Syosset, New York, with fellow authors Lisa Diaz Meyer, Elaine Donadio, Andrea Roche, and Tracy Auerbach.

On November 16, I hosted, spoke, and signed books at the St. Stephen’s Fall Author Fair in Hicksville, New York with 8 other local authors including Roland Allnach, Nika Rhone, Tracy Auerbach, Catherine Mairiosi, John Krahn, Lisa Diaz Meyer, Janet Rudolph, and James Cudney IV.

On November 30, I published two short mystery eBooks: Sneaky’s Christmas Mystery and Murder Unwrapped.

So far, for 2020, I will be answering questions at the Hicksville Library’s book club discussion of my book, Sea Scope, on January 15.

On February 1, I will be appearing at Barnes and Noble in Massapequa, New York with 8 other mystery authors.

On March 28, I’ll be appearing at Starbucks in Bay Terrace, Queens with fellow NY authors, Elaine Donadio, Andrea Roche, Lisa Diaz Meyer, and Tracy Auerbach.

On April 25, I’ll be appearing at Barnes and Nobel in Selden, New York with fellow NY authors Elaine Donadio, Andrea Roche, Luisa Diaz Meyer, and Tracy Auerbach.

In July, I’ll be attending the Cat Writers’ Association Conference in New Jersey.

I also have two complete manuscripts I am hoping to publish in 2020 and am working on some short stories. I appreciate all the support of my readers and fellow authors and those who have hosted me at local author fairs and events.

Posted in holidays, Mysteries, New Releases, short stories

Two New Holiday Mysteries and a Free eBook to Stuff Your Stocking

The holidays are a busy time. Between shopping, decorating, and socializing, it’s hard to find the time to read. That’s why short holiday stories are so popular. They can put you in the spirit of the season without taking too much time away from your day. I hope you will consider stuffing your stocking (or your Kindle) with one of my new short mysteries.

Sneaky’s Christmas Mystery

mybook.to/sneakyxmas

Another death has occurred in Cobble Cove near the holidays. This time, it’s the owner of the new pet store in town who was felled by a case of cat food that crushed his skull. Was it an accident, or murder? While the townspeople including the sheriff are divided in their opinions, Sneaky and Kittykai, the library and inn cats, sniff out the truth.

Excerpt:

Sneaky endured the humiliation of the Santa Claus costume as Laura read Christmas books to the children. It was worth it because when the stories were over, he was released to the delight of the kids who clamored over him. There were no sticky hands, and no one pulled his tail. They all took turns petting him gently following Laura’s instructions. As he purred and reveled in the words and touches of the kids, he overheard Alicia speaking with Gilly, her best friend, who worked at the library part-time and operated an inn. Gilly had recently married the town’s sheriff and brought home a calico kitten named Kittykai from her honeymoon in Hawaii.

“It’s a shame about what happened at the pet shop, and it was only open a few weeks.”

“I don’t think we should discuss this here, Gilly.”

“But it’s all over the papers. John published it in yesterday’s Courier.” John, who had taken Carol and Johnny up to pet Sneaky, wasn’t aware of what Gilly was saying.

Sneaky needn’t strain his hypersensitive ears to hear the two women’s whispered words. One thing he loved about being a cat was how he could hear conversations and noises that humans couldn’t. He knew all about the murders that had happened in Cobble Cove and even helped Alicia on some of them.

Murder Unwrapped

mybook.to/xmasunwrap

Richard Bright is a man with a plan. He’s an inventor who he wants to kill his wife with one of his inventions. He hopes to put his plan into effect on Christmas, but his invention isn’t quite perfected. Dealing with his wife isn’t an option, nor her two rambunctious kittens, Harry and Hermione. What sweetens the pot is her large inheritance and a pretty young woman who is now working at his shop. Will Richard’s plan to have his special gift ready in time pan out, or will it fizzle with some of his other unfinished projects?

Excerpt:

Ben was smart. He never married. “Richard,” he’d say. “Women are trouble. They want fancy clothes, big houses, and babies. That’s not my scene, and I don’t think it’s yours either.” He worked with Ben for ten years. They never made much money, but they were happy drinking beer in Ben’s basement and watching “Let’s Make a Deal” and other game shows on TV. He and Ben sold their inventions at local fairs and through the Internet. It was a good life until that fateful day Ben had a heart attack. Richard took the remainder of the money his mother left him and all the projects he and Ben had completed and opened a shop on Main Street.

It was through the dusty doors of Creative Inventions that Jane Carter walked two years ago wearing a fur coat and diamond jewelry. She’d seen the displays in the window and was interested in the Jack-in-the-box which was actually a cat-in-the-box, a stuffed toy that meowed when it “popped.” When he demonstrated it for her, she giggled. She told him it was cute and that she had to buy it. Her cat would enjoy watching it. Eager to make a sale, Richard sold it for the asking price which was double what it cost him to make. She didn’t haggle, but when she reached into her purse and he saw all the hundred-dollar bills, he nearly fainted. He wanted to make this lady a regular customer. Even better, he wanted to make her his wife.

Last, but not least, my third Cobble Cove Mystery, Written in Stone, is free for Cyber Monday, December 2, only.

Purchase Link: mybook.to/CC3ebook

Alicia McKinney is confused . . . .

Was the strange email her husband received from the fictional detective in their mystery series a threat? Did the killer mistake the woman shot in the library for Alicia or the victim’s twin sister?

Cat vs. Dog . . .

After Sneaky goes missing from the library, will he turn up before a young girl becomes ill with worry over his disappearance? And will he return in time to outsmart Fido by being first to find the perpetrator’s smoking gun?

Alicia is worried . . .

While waiting for the killer’s next move, Alicia has other concerns. An old flame of John’s is in town and her friend, Gilly, has adopted the role of Miss Marple to aid her sheriff boyfriend in his investigation.

When all clues point to one of her co-workers, Alicia joins Gilly in searching for the answers to the mystery.

Will they survive . . . .

or is their ending written in stone?

Check out this video of the other great holiday stories just released from Solstice Publishing.

Posted in Freebies and Special Offers, Horror, Paranormal, short stories

Don’t Miss the “Deadline” for Deadline, my Free Paranormal eBook

FREE OCTOBER 15-18:  DEADLINEmybook.to/Deadline

When college student Susan Shaffer wakes up on the wrong side of the bed in her dorm room, strange things begin to happen. Time seems to shift and draw her into an imaginary deadline that would rival those of the stories she writes for the student paper. Unable to face horrible news that she can’t remember happening, she traces the events of the last few days. Discovering the awful truth of why these hours are a blank, she must meet a deadline that is truly deadly.