This article explores the reasons why writers choose to expand a short story into a novel. It highlights the need for a story to have a heart, or a hearth, and provides tips and tools, such as thinking about whether the story is a skeleton or an organ, fleshing out characters, examining the setting and chronology and introducing subplots, to help create a meaningful and engaging novel from an existing story. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
