If you are reading this,
then obviously
you are a reader.
The ranks of book readers
are shrinking.
are shrinking.
A recent study revealed
that
that
33% of high school graduates
plan never
plan never
to read another book ...
ever.
That same study revealed
42% of college graduates
plan never to read
another book either.
I know what you're thinking.
But You and I
are of another generation.
are of another generation.
We reflect the thinking of
the Past not the Future.
In this Digital,
Multi-Task Era,
Multi-Task Era,
our world is designed
for shallow skimming
rather than deep diving.
Think SHORT STORY
Perfect length for this
distractible time.
Don't groan.
Think H. P. LOVECRAFT
His stories existed
in a linked universe
in a linked universe
with entities and tomes
crossing over from one
story to another.
Readers did not have
to start from scratch
with each story.
The surroundings
were familiar
were familiar
although terrifying.
Or have a character common
to all your stories.
to all your stories.
Short stories bring more pressure,
because like with poetry,
each paragraph, sentence, and word
is more important
than they would be
inside a large novel.
Short stories are precise
with their delivery,
they must capture
the attention of the reader
extraordinarily quickly,
and
tell a full tale
from beginning to end
in roughly
a half hour of reading.
That's why a book series does well - people know what to expect.
ReplyDeleteI should really do more short stories although the novel I'm working on is threatening to be rather short.
Lately, I have been short novels myself with my Dark Hollywood Cycle of tales. Best of luck with your latest,Alex!
DeleteI'm considering releasing the four novella-length stories I'm working on as individual eBooks first before doing a print book of the collection.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great plan. With the hurricane about to hit later this week and weekend, I will be making other kinds of plans and running flooded roads on blood runs, Always something, right?
DeleteI seem to have a knack for selecting books that other people like. It's my small contribution to keeping reading alive. I can't even imagine how sad my life would be without books.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Audiobooks keep my sanity while I drive my often dangerous blood runs! :-)
DeleteYes. Great interview with King. And, as I still ponder my entry for the latest IWSG short story contest. I'm ready to dive into the shallow end.
ReplyDeleteI confess. I'm a reader, and I hate to see those stats about the decline in readership. I just heard that Starbucks is not going to sell newspapers anymore because their patrons aren't bothering to read them. Thanks for the post, Roland.
ReplyDelete