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“A short story is a love affair;
a novel is a marriage."
a novel is a marriage."
- Lorrie Moore
In this modern, fast-paced culture ...
An intense love affair is often preferred over an all-consuming marriage.
You would think then that the short story would be more popular than it is ...
Which Brings Us to My
Not So Subtle Request
to gamble $0.99
on my latest:
Stephen King, at the start of his career, thought of a short story as a quick kiss in the dark from a stranger.
And like with kisses, some short stories are better than others!
In the beginning of his writing struggles, Mr. King thought of his short stories as a series of pinatas he banged on --
not with a stick but with his imagination.
Sometimes they broke and showered down a few hundred dollars. Other times they did not.
It was an easier market to sell short stories then. Now, not so much.
SO WHY SHOULD WE BANG
ON THE PINATAS
OF SHORT STORIES
IN THIS HARSH MARKET?
ON THE PINATAS
OF SHORT STORIES
IN THIS HARSH MARKET?
1.) IT HELPS YOU WRITE LEAN
Each scene in your novel should be spare and lean so that the drama stands out like stirring chords in a soundtrack.
The limited space in a short story forces you to keep only what is absolutely needed
to paint the scene and leave the rest behind.
Like Elmore Leonard advised -- Leave out the boring stuff.
2.) SHORT STORIES APPEAL TO OUR MICROWAVE CULTURE
Many readers feel that they do not have the free time to commit to a whole novel.
They want entertainment in bite sizes.
Why do you think James Patterson writes mini-chapters?
Short stories can be read in a doctor's office or before you drift off to sleep.
3.) WRITING SHORT STORIES SAVES THOSE NEAT IDEAS THAT ARE NOT UP TO FILLING OUT A NOVEL.
How many times have you come with intriguing ideas
that you know do not have the essence of an entire novel with its many character arcs?
You have this riveting scene with sizzling dialogue that seems to exist all on its own
with no future beyond that moment.
A short story is perfect for that idea.
4.) SHORT STORIES PROVIDE THE PERFECT BRIDGES TO MAINTAIN INTEREST IN YOUR NOVEL SERIES
A book can take anywhere from one to two years to complete.
Publishing short stories with the same characters can keep the interest high in your world or with your prose.
5.) SHORT STORY ANTHOLOGIES INTRODUCE YOU TO A WHOLE NEW AUDIENCE
Also be careful in submitting your story to anthologies whose cause or company of authors mesh well with your voice and personality.
Getting your "prose voice" out there may well draw you additional fans.
Do You Write Short Stories?
Do You Read Anthologies of Short Stories?
Why? Why Not?
Just Because this makes me laugh:
Just Because this makes me laugh:
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