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| Link to the Goodreads page |
It was a big relief when I realised I had a Q for this challenge - it was one of the first letters I had, to be honest - are you jealous?
Suzannah Dunn has been a huge influence on me. Before she started writing historical novels, she wrote quite dark contemporary novels. Her first publication was a novella called Darker Days Than Usual - although I can't remember what it's about, I read it a long time ago! What I do remember is that it was published by Serpent's Tail, which was a publisher I thought was perfect for me, because they published Suzannah Dunn. I remember it was 20,000 words long - and again, that seemed perfect. (I was going to link to Serpent's Tail, but they don't seem to mention her on their web site anymore... there's a lesson to us all!)
Then I read an interview where she described Quite Contrary, a novel of 56,000 words. If you're just passing through for the A-Z Challenge, you won't be aware that I write too short (I've also mentioned it here) and I'm obsessed with word count, so this in itself was reason enough for me to be interested. And then, by chance, I found it in a bookshop and bought it.
I've actually read this book several times. I like the quiet thoughtfulness, the rhythm of her voice, the speech patterns. I love the timeshifts, and how each new memory alters the reader's perspective, and also the main character's perception of her childhood. If you like a lot of action in your fiction, this might not be the book for you, but if you enjoy exploring a character's erm... character, then check it out, and - as always - please let me know what you think!
I haven't heard of the book before. My current WIP is also going to be on the too short side and I'm obsessed with word count. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll let you know what I think of the books. I love learning of new books/authors/genres to read.
Great post,
Michelle :)
www.michelle-pickett.com/blog
Thanks Michelle. I hope your WIP goes well.
DeleteYes, I am jealous that Q was one of the first letters you had. I didn't have a topic for today until about an hour ago.
ReplyDeleteMy WIPs are all entirely too long. That's the bane, I suppose, of writing epic fantasy.
I think anything with the word 'epic' in it is allowed to be a little longer than normal!
DeleteI'll be over to check out your Q soon - I'm curious to know what you came up with!
I've never heard of this author or book, but it might be something I'll check out. I prefer my fiction with more action, but there is nothing better than a work about characters that 'works'. Thanks for sharing this one.
ReplyDeleteShe's mostly known for historical novels now - but some of her books have equal likes and dislikes on Goodreads.
DeleteI tend to write short, too, but only for novels. I find it easier to add to the novel ms than to cut. For stories, though, I find it easier to write long then cut. It's just how I work, at least for now. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always adding scenes - I find it easier too. I don't consider the length for short stories, they are what they are!
DeleteOne of my all time favorite books is "Jonathon Livingston Seagull" and it's short. We should worry less about the count and more about the substance.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of that book. I do worry less now than I used to - my novella is... erm... novella length, and I never considered making it longer because I would have just been padding the story.
Delete'What I do remember is that it was published by Serpent's Tail, which was a publisher I thought was perfect for me, because they published Suzannah Dunn.'
ReplyDeleteWhat a compliment.
Another one for my holiday pile. Would you mind paying my excess baggage?
DeleteUnfortunately, Suze, Serpent's Tail disagreed with me :-)
DeleteYou're going to need a longer holiday, Linda!!
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting read... I agree with the previous comment - we should not worry about word count... But publishers do!
ReplyDeleteGood point about the publishers, Pat. I bought this book in 1994-ish, when all books seemed to be very long - people like Jilly Cooper were still riding high in the book charts. I was relieved to see another size.
DeleteI haven't heard of this author or this book. It's wonderful when you find an author who hits all the right notes for you. Writers need to be inspired.
ReplyDeleteShe has a great imagination to be inspired by.
DeleteThanks for the tip about the book. It sounds great. I'll have to try and find a copy. Best of luck in the rest of the A-Z Challenge! (And yes, I'm jealous about Q!)
ReplyDeleteThere have been loads of great Qs today. I'm popping over to see yours now :-)
DeleteI love the summary of this book on Goodreads, sounds excellent. Another one to add to my list. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope these suggestions are helping!
DeleteI remember you mentioning this book before. I have not read it, but I think I'll pick it up:)
ReplyDeleteI completely forgot I'd mentioned it before - I was just so excited I had a Q :-)
DeleteYes I am jealous - Q was Quite... umm Quirky! Ended up being a fun one though...keep up the great work! ~ Kate
ReplyDelete