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The Muse Whisperer Newsletter Archives: Short Stories
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#4836:February 01, 2012  Shannon
Modus Operandi
How your character's passion motivates and inspires his actions
#4841:January 25, 2012  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
I hear a voice ~ but who's?
Writing fiction in first person viewpoint actively relates what I or my character do, see, hear, perceive
#4832:January 18, 2012  Legerdemain
Can You Name That Tune?
Does music inspire you?
#4821:January 11, 2012  ~j
Tying It All Together
No string required! Finding ways to bring disparate elements into unity in short fiction.
#4797:January 04, 2012  Shannon
In the Beginning
How your introductory paragraph can make or break your story
#4787:December 27, 2011  Shannon
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
How our plight affects those who love us most
#4779:December 20, 2011  Legerdemain
A Semi-Resolution
It's not dieting or getting more exercise, but it is about doing something for yourself next year.
#4770:December 13, 2011  ~j
Inspiration as an Exercise
Sharing some thoughts I had after reading a book about art and creativity; using artistic reference and ideas.
#4748:December 06, 2011  Shannon
It Must Be a Full Moon
How our own superstitious beliefs, distinguishing traits, and quirky mannerisms are reflected in our characters
#4728:November 29, 2011  Shannon
Something Old, Something New
Every item has a story. All you have to do is listen.
#4736:November 22, 2011  Legerdemain
You're Toast!
Are your NaNoWriMo characters getting a little too familiar?
#4722:November 15, 2011  ~j
Showing, Telling, and You
Some great places to inject description, details, and dialogue to add bulk and content to your stories.
#4699:November 08, 2011  Shannon
The Midnight Disease
Coined by Edgar Allen Poe, "The Midnight Disease" (A.K.A. hypergraphia) is an overwhelming compulsion to write
#4698:November 02, 2011  WhoMe???
Back to the Basics
Freytag's Pyramid back to the basics.
#4686:October 26, 2011  Legerdemain
Mixing It Up
Not recipes, genres. An alien in bionic chaps? It's an idea...
#4676:October 19, 2011  ~j
Minimalism
It's a style thing! Less can be more...
#4654:October 12, 2011  Shannon
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
Writer's block? Pick up your local newspaper
#4652:October 05, 2011  SoCalScribe
What You Can Learn From Other Genres
Different genres can provide you with different writing skills to improve your work.
#4632:September 28, 2011  Legerdemain
Making It Memorable
Does your story stand out among other contest entries? No? You might need to add a cannibal.
#4625:September 21, 2011  ~j
Format and Function
how restrictive formats can force you to work creatively to find a solution... through writing!
#4598:September 14, 2011  Shannon
"Call 911 cuz you just stopped my heart"
How a family dinner and a packet of Splenda® inspired my creativity
#4605:September 07, 2011  SoCalScribe
Birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs & Black Friday
How single day events can be ideal settings for a short story.
#4587:August 31, 2011  Legerdemain
I'm Nobody! Who are you?
Emily was a nobody too.
#4580:August 24, 2011  ~j
Be a Contender
Write stories that are competitive no matter where you submit them.
#4557:August 17, 2011  Shannon
Murder in the Grove
An afternoon with J.A. Jance leaves a lasting impression
#4554:August 10, 2011  SoCalScribe
Streamlined Storytelling
The importance of focusing on the main narrative in a short story.
#4539:August 03, 2011  Legerdemain
Being Upstaged
The puppy had everyone's attention. Is that what you want?
#4523:July 27, 2011  ~j
Idols and Inspirations
Musings on influences and ideas... where did that idea come from, anyway?
#4507:July 20, 2011  Shannon
I Ate Lunch With Rambo
How an afternoon with author David Morrell changed my writing life forever
#4502:July 13, 2011  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Finding Inspiration
Knowing when to write and when to stop
#4489:July 06, 2011  Legerdemain
Have You Read the Fine Print?
A few tidbits about entering writing contests.
#4478:June 29, 2011  ~j
Content Condensation
Tips on editing with word count in mind...
#4458:June 22, 2011  Shannon
Copyrights and Trademarks
If someone else wrote it, photographed it, painted it, translated it, recorded it, or drew it, it's copyrighted
#4455:June 15, 2011  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Planning ahead... or not
There isn't a right way to write a short story, but there are reasons to try something new.
#4442:June 08, 2011  Legerdemain
High-speed Duct Tape
What doesn't it fix?
#4431:June 01, 2011  ~j
Plotting to a Conclusion
Finding a means to an ending for your story...
#4409:May 25, 2011  Shannon
And the Winner Is ...
How entering contests gets your name out there AND makes you a better writer
#4398:May 18, 2011  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Am I an Unreliable Narrator?
First person does not always mean truthful.
#4393:May 11, 2011  Legerdemain
Perspective
My view from the other side of the uterus.
#4378:May 04, 2011  ~j
More Dialogue on Dialogue
A few tips and pointers for correcting wayward dialogue for short story authors and reviewers.
#4366:April 27, 2011  Shannon
Who'd've Strunk It?
Though 90+ years have passed, "The Elements of Style" is STILL the definitive guide to clean, concise, crisp writing.
#4350:April 20, 2011  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
This would make a GREAT novel
Pitfalls of writing a novel based on your beloved short story.
#4341:April 13, 2011  Legerdemain
The Sound of Silence
One would think silence is...well, silent.
#4330:April 06, 2011  ~j
Dialogue as a Story Medium
Of all the dynamics which move a story forward, dialogue is the most direct.
#4307:March 30, 2011  Shannon
My Five Sense Worth
How Sight, Smell, Hearing, Taste, and Touch Form Our Memories and Shape Our Lives
#4302:March 23, 2011  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Worlds of Wonder
Through the eyes of a child, even when writing for adults.
#4287:March 16, 2011  Legerdemain
Where Can I Put the Dead Body?
An answer to the age-old question - Can I Put the Dead Body in a Glad Trash Bag?
#4282:March 09, 2011  ~j
Character Components
Building believable, compelling characters is tricky in a short story. Some tips to make the best use of a small space!
#4258:March 02, 2011  Shannon
Breakdowns and Breakthroughs
How the most painful challenges are often the most rewarding
#4255:February 23, 2011  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
A Sense of Place
Describe a place with no visual clues to see how strong the emotional connection can be for your reader.
#4242:February 16, 2011  Legerdemain
Eons ago, in a dark cavern in the sea...
How setting is important to your story.
#4230:February 09, 2011  ~j
Pieces of Something Greater
Sometimes a vignette is just a vignette...
#4217:February 02, 2011  Shannon
Perception Is Reality
or, "Who the heck ARE you, anyway?"
#4204:January 26, 2011  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
The Ending Comes Before the Beginning
Planning your story will ensure you're not just wandering about in the woods.
#4194:January 19, 2011  Legerdemain
What A Character!
Where do you get your character ideas?
#4182:January 12, 2011  ~j
Resolutions of the "Ending" Kind...
Some of my favorite writers have said the hardest part of writing is knowing when to end a story...
#4159:January 05, 2011  Shannon
Same Old Lang Syne
A story about love, loss, regret, and new beginnings
#4158:December 28, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Benefit of Brevity
There are burdens to the brevity of a short story, but there are benefits as well.
#4143:December 21, 2010  Legerdemain
Holiday Stress
Turn holiday stress and family arguments into fodder for your stories.
#4128:December 14, 2010  ~j
The Direct Line
While a short story can have its twists and turns, the ultimate story movement should be straightforward.
#4114:December 07, 2010  Shannon
Conspiracy Theory
Just Because You're Paranoid Doesn't Mean They're Not Out To Get You
#4104:November 30, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Are we there yet? When to end.
Knowing when to end your story is as important as knowing when to start it.
#4094:November 23, 2010  Legerdemain
Review Honesty
Do you tell the truth in a tactful way when you review?
#4080:November 16, 2010  ~j
Make Me Care... About Your Character!
The best stories are character driven, but character alone won't carry a story-- good characters need compelling plots!
#4062:November 09, 2010  Shannon
So, what did you think of my story?
How to be brutally honest without being brutal.
#4056:November 03, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Writing Stories to be Read Aloud
Writing for children can teach us how to be better writers for any age.
#4043:October 27, 2010  Legerdemain
Finding Time to Write
What if you didn't enter NaNoWriMo but want to challenge yourself?
#4031:October 20, 2010  ~j
Holding the Line
Short fiction relies on tension for consistency-- here are a few tips for maintaining the tension in your writing.
#4012:October 13, 2010  Shannon
"My Name Is Roger, and I'm an addict."
How personal demons humanize your characters and endear them to your readers
#4003:October 06, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Those in Front of the Curtain
Ignore your audience at your peril.
#3991:September 29, 2010  Legerdemain
Titles
How would you refer to the Dalai Lama? Would you greet him, "hey, Holy Dude!"?
#3981:September 22, 2010  ~j
Push Button, Receive Message
One reason many writers love the short story medium: it's an easy way to communicate an idea and get feedback on it.
#3929:September 15, 2010  Shannon
Never Forget
How Kübler-Ross's Five Stages of Grief empowers us (and our characters) to understand and accept our own mortality
#3958:September 08, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Publishing Stories in the 21st Century
Being a "published author" is a trickier concept than it once was.
#3947:September 01, 2010  Legerdemain
What did he say?
Using the vernacular of a particular region or era can lend authenticity to your story.
#3935:August 25, 2010  Storm Machine
Epiphany
Characters and events work together to make a short story.
#3876:August 18, 2010  Shannon
This Little Piggy Went to Market
How to market your stories and eliminate unnecessary rejections
#3905:August 11, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Too Much Backstory in the Front
If you fill your first few paragraphs with backstory, you may empty out your audience
#3895:August 04, 2010  Legerdemain
Anatomy of a Lie
How can you tell someone is lying? This article exposes liars.
#3874:July 28, 2010  Crys in Winter Wonderland
I'm a Fiction Writer? Since When?
It never hurts to try something new with your writing.
#3849:July 21, 2010  Shannon
That Which Does Not Kill Us
How tragedy makes us stronger people ... and better writers
#3857:July 14, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Suspending Disbelief
What readers will and won't believe.
#3841:July 07, 2010  Legerdemain
The Short Trip to Edit
What do you do with the short contest entries in your porfolio?
#3829:June 30, 2010  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
I hear voices ~ telling a story ~ whose?
First person point of view doesn't have to be all about me ~ let's explore this versatile, often challenging, viewpoint.
#3770:June 23, 2010  Shannon
Mind Your P's and Q's
How profiling your protagonist produces quality prose prone to leaving your competition quaking in their Quarks
#3804:June 16, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Abraham Lincoln's Doctor's Dog
Writing about a hodgepodge of popular topics will not make your short story popular.
#3791:June 09, 2010  Legerdemain
Something Unusual
Using something unusual to break tension or change the tempo of a story.
#3772:June 02, 2010  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
Show and Tell~every story has a story
A story within the story ~ add depth with effective flashbacks or some creative framing to engage your readers
#3703:May 26, 2010  Shannon
Tell Me a Tale to Remember
How reading the good, the bad, and the ugly makes you a better writer
#3743:May 19, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
What if Harry had been a Girl?
Checking your characters, setting and plot by indirect proof.
#3727:May 12, 2010  Legerdemain
Finding your Muse in the Museum
Surfing museum websites when you can't visit them physically can be just as rewarding.
#3711:May 05, 2010  Storm Machine
#3679:April 28, 2010  Shannon
#3688:April 21, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Go Ahead, Put the Cart Before the Horse
Sometimes research leads us down strange paths. Don't be afraid to follow your leads.
#3672:April 14, 2010  Legerdemain
#3658:April 07, 2010  Storm Machine
#3603:March 31, 2010  Shannon
#3635:March 24, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
Proper Manuscript Format
Following the guidelines is a must if you want your work published.
#3614:March 17, 2010  Legerdemain
#3597:March 10, 2010  Storm Machine
#3543:March 03, 2010  Shannon
#3577:February 24, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3556:February 17, 2010  Legerdemain
#3548:February 10, 2010  RobiMediaExcellenceAwardWinner
#3497:February 03, 2010  Shannon
#3525:January 27, 2010  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3510:January 20, 2010  Legerdemain
#3502:January 13, 2010  Storm Machine
#3444:January 06, 2010  Shannon
#3466:December 30, 2009  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3458:December 23, 2009  Legerdemain
#3438:December 16, 2009  Smiling Sonali WDC Power #1!
#3396:December 09, 2009  Shannon
#3423:December 02, 2009  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3402:November 25, 2009  Legerdemain
#3383:November 18, 2009  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3351:November 11, 2009  Shannon
#3370:November 04, 2009  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3352:October 28, 2009  Legerdemain
#3342:October 21, 2009  Shannon
#3284:October 14, 2009  Shannon
#3321:October 07, 2009  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3300:September 30, 2009  Legerdemain
#3283:September 23, 2009  esprit
Encourage, Push, and Prod
I believe talent needs to be encouraged, pushed, nurtured and prodded in order to grow.
#3246:September 16, 2009  Shannon
#3268:September 09, 2009  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3248:September 02, 2009  Legerdemain
#3235:August 26, 2009  Shannon
#3184:August 19, 2009  Shannon
#3214:August 12, 2009  Ben Langhinrichs-quiet
#3160:August 05, 2009  Legerdemain
#3187:July 29, 2009  esprit
Overwriting is a Good Thing
Your creativity is working, don't stifle it by forcing perfection too soon. Focus on the story, not the editing.
#3131:July 22, 2009  Shannon
#3138:July 15, 2009  esprit
Writing Tips From The Experts
We all know writing well is not easy, so tips are always welcome.
#3153:July 08, 2009  Legerdemain
#3140:July 01, 2009  Adriana Noir
#3082:June 24, 2009  Shannon
#3115:June 17, 2009  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
The Rhetoric of Repetition
Repetition isn't always bad. As a rhetorical device it can foreshadow the plot or underscore important information.
#3098:June 10, 2009  Legerdemain
#3083:June 03, 2009  Just an Ordinary Jyo
#3045:May 27, 2009  Shannon
#3063:May 20, 2009  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
Emotional Rescue
Flat, emotionless prose? Try one of these techniques and you may find the passion was there all along.
#3052:May 13, 2009  Legerdemain
#3032:May 06, 2009  Shannon
#3019:April 29, 2009  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
#3014:April 22, 2009  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
Weather or Not?
The one thing you can count on is weather changing. Change is action, and action is never boring.
#3000:April 15, 2009  Legerdemain
#2950:April 08, 2009  esprit
How Do I Develop My Own Style?
Style is developed, good or bad, in direct ratio to how much time is spent learning the craft of writing.
#2962:April 01, 2009   Joy-- RAOK needs help
#2968:March 25, 2009  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
Character is King
To create "real" characters we must go beyond appearance, to personality, and even further, into psychological makeup.
#2943:March 18, 2009  Legerdemain
#2925:March 11, 2009  Vivian Zabel - author
#2915:March 04, 2009  iKïyå§ama
#2912:February 25, 2009  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
Dialogue in Action
Much harder than it looks, realistic dialogue emulates speech but is not an exact copy of the way we talk.
#2892:February 18, 2009  Legerdemain
#2883:February 11, 2009  Vivian Zabel - author
#2869:February 04, 2009  Nikola
#2860:January 28, 2009  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
A Great Start
A great opening line unrolls a "Welcome" mat, a door ajar into fire lit walls, a warm rush of apples and cinnamon.
#2838:January 21, 2009  Legerdemain
#2829:January 14, 2009  Vivian Zabel - author
#2815:January 07, 2009  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
#2805:December 31, 2008  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
A Few of my Favorite Things
Use your life. Sanitize it, satirize it, fictionalize it. Teacher and muse lie within your own experiences.
#2773:December 24, 2008  Legerdemain
#2770:December 17, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2761:December 10, 2008  Past Member 'larryp'
#2752:December 03, 2008  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
Sense and Sensibility Set the Scene
Setting is the background that holds not only what you show the reader, but also a heap of implied information.
#2734:November 26, 2008  Legerdemain
#2724:November 19, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2710:November 12, 2008  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
#2697:November 05, 2008  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
Classic Rock
Symbols work subconsciously: the most enduring hold three interpretations: universal, cultural, and personal.
#2684:October 29, 2008  Legerdemain
#2669:October 22, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2661:October 15, 2008  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
#2648:October 08, 2008  Best of Rising Stars 1296462
Like an Onion
Like a cake (or an onion), a short story has layers: plot, setting, characters, conflict-and the creamy icing--theme.
#2635:October 01, 2008  Legerdemain
#2622:September 24, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2614:September 17, 2008  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
#2600:September 10, 2008  esprit
Writer, Know Thyself.
For one heady moment you know you're brilliant and then, with just as much clarity, you know what you do is awful.
#2585:September 03, 2008  Legerdemain
#2563:August 27, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2565:August 20, 2008  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
#2554:August 13, 2008  Kate~Rune Writing & Reading
#2509:August 06, 2008  Legerdemain
#2531:July 30, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2523:July 23, 2008   Joy-- RAOK needs help
#2503:July 16, 2008  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#2485:July 09, 2008  Legerdemain
#2476:July 02, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2399:June 18, 2008  iKïyå§ama
#2438:June 11, 2008  Legerdemain
#2424:June 04, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2408:May 21, 2008  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#2387:May 14, 2008  Legerdemain
#2374:May 07, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2373:April 30, 2008   Joy-- RAOK needs help
#2346:April 23, 2008  iKïyå§ama
#2336:April 16, 2008  Legerdemain
#2320:April 09, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2304:March 26, 2008  RobiMediaExcellenceAwardWinner
#2283:March 19, 2008  Legerdemain
#2272:March 12, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2250:February 27, 2008  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#2229:February 20, 2008  Legerdemain
#2218:February 13, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2215:February 06, 2008  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#2198:January 30, 2008  Robert Waltz
#2183:January 23, 2008  Legerdemain
#2159:January 16, 2008  Vivian Zabel - author
#2165:January 09, 2008  Ms Kimmie
#2148:January 02, 2008  Robert Waltz
#2135:December 26, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#2129:December 19, 2007  Ms Kimmie
#2108:December 12, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#2097:December 05, 2007  Legerdemain
#2087:November 28, 2007  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#2073:November 21, 2007  Robert Waltz
#2057:November 14, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#2048:November 07, 2007  Legerdemain
#2038:October 31, 2007  Fyn can use 2 hands!
#2018:October 24, 2007  Ms Kimmie
#2006:October 17, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1994:October 10, 2007  Legerdemain
#1982:October 03, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#1975:September 26, 2007  Ms Kimmie
#1950:September 19, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1940:September 12, 2007  Legerdemain
#1939:September 12, 2007  Legerdemain
#1930:September 05, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#1913:August 29, 2007  Ms Kimmie
#1897:August 22, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1889:August 15, 2007  Legerdemain
#1868:August 08, 2007  SHERRI GIBSON LUVS SP
#1855:August 01, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#1843:July 25, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1837:July 18, 2007  Legerdemain
#1822:July 11, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#1807:July 04, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#1793:June 27, 2007  Legerdemain
#1782:June 20, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#1756:June 13, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1748:June 06, 2007  Past Member 'kelly1202'
#1738:May 30, 2007  Legerdemain
#1731:May 23, 2007  Sarah Rae
#1708:May 16, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1698:May 09, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#1688:May 02, 2007  Legerdemain
#1668:April 25, 2007  StephB
#1647:April 18, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1645:April 11, 2007  Past Member 'kelly1202'
#1635:April 04, 2007  Legerdemain
#1620:March 28, 2007  iKïyå§ama
#1604:March 21, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1594:March 14, 2007  Past Member 'kelly1202'
#1581:March 07, 2007  Legerdemain
#1570:February 28, 2007  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#1552:February 21, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1546:February 14, 2007  Past Member 'kelly1202'
#1529:February 07, 2007  Legerdemain
#1517:January 31, 2007  Past Member 'kelly1202'
#1496:January 24, 2007  Vivian Zabel - author
#1423:January 17, 2007  Past Member 'kelly1202'
#1477:January 10, 2007  Legerdemain
#1465:January 03, 2007  Past Member 'kelly1202'
#1449:December 27, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1448:December 20, 2006  W.D.Wilcox © ¿ Φ
#1434:December 13, 2006  Mavis Moog
#1413:December 06, 2006  Legerdemain
#1399:November 29, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1384:November 22, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1371:November 15, 2006  Mavis Moog
#1367:November 08, 2006  Legerdemain
#1348:November 01, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1342:October 25, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1318:October 18, 2006  Mavis Moog
#1310:October 11, 2006  Legerdemain
#1297:October 04, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1288:September 27, 2006  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#1267:September 20, 2006  Mavis Moog
#1261:September 13, 2006  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#1240:September 06, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1216:August 23, 2006  Mavis Moog
#1203:August 16, 2006  Legerdemain
#1191:August 09, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1174:August 02, 2006  InkyShadows
#1163:July 26, 2006  Mavis Moog
#1149:July 19, 2006  Legerdemain
#1140:July 12, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1134:July 05, 2006  Diane
#1121:June 28, 2006  Demon Squirrel of Doom!
#1106:June 21, 2006  Legerdemain
#1063:June 14, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1090:June 07, 2006  Diane
#1062:May 31, 2006  Mavis Moog
#1053:May 24, 2006  Legerdemain
#1035:May 17, 2006  Vivian Zabel - author
#1036:May 10, 2006  Diane
#1012:May 03, 2006  Mavis Moog