After wrestling my blogs back from the black hole of the 'net, I'm back.
Over the years, I've written all lengths of things---from a 300,000 word resource guide, to a 50-word flash fiction story, and everything in between. I'm most comfortable with short stories of less than 5,000 words and novellas, which are usually less than 40,000 words.
As a reader, I'm finding that I read a lot more short stuff and less very long novels.
Now, given my attention span and interest, I'm mostly writing short stories. And I love it.
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Interestingly enough, I got back into short fiction after writing a slew of ten-minute plays and monologues for youth theatre, many of which went on to be published, produced and win awards.
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Thing is, I've heard people who are avid readers say that they "never read short stories." Or "I only read novels because there's a character arc." Or there are others who read an occasional short story.
I wonder, what would entice you, as a reader, to try more short stories? There's a lot of great short fiction out there these days--from literary stories with ambiguous endings (LOL) to all kind of genre stuff.
And if you have a favorite novelist, chances are somewhere they also have a collection of short stories, or stories in an anthology.
Think of fiction like a good meal. The novels can be the main course, and the short stories can be the dessert. :-)
Why not try one?
Happy trails!
bobbi c.
6 comments:
Enticing people to read--short or long--can be a tough sell. As an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction I don't understand it. To those who don't read, my advice is always try it. You might like it. Welcome back to the world of blogging, Bobbi. I've faltered on mine and should also get back to it.
Hi Bobbi,
Nice to know more about you. Wishing you continued success with your writing.
It's more, for me, to be convinced to read more novels. Certainly, short fiction is more likely to have a sustained energy...and, since they're usually not too prized commercially, vignettes to novellas are often done out of love or artistic necessity...
Thanks, JR! I've been blogging for years but all of a sudden, I lost access to mine. I finally sat down and figured it out, with the help of a lot of people. Thanks for reading, and commenting!
Thanks for reading, Jacqueline!
Good point, Todd! These days, I'm the same way with novels. I'm loving discovering stories in the different genres--like horror. :-)
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