Wednesday 25 June 2014

Yesterday and today

Yesterday's post didn't quite go as I'd planned. I'd hoped to have a debate about whether short stories are worth the money people are placing on them at the moment, whether that money is bringing more attention to the short story form, and - implied, rather than asked - do people actually take notice of short stories, or are they seen as a stepping stone to novel writing?

Instead, you lovely people just told me I was a great writer, which is lovely - and thank you - but unintended.

Perhaps I should read my posts properly before I press publish.


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Today I am over at Sia McKye Over Coffee talking about why I don't consider myself a paranormal writer. Please take a moment to stop by and say hello to us.


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Later today, I'm going to attempt to write down the short story idea that I was considering while I fell asleep last night. Fingers crossed it works as well as I think it might!!


34 comments:

  1. Oh I love short stories! I have always found them intriguing. If I ever become a writer, that is the genre for me :)

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    1. I'd be really interested to read them, too, Keith :-)

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  2. Wait...read a post before you press 'publish'? What an interesting concept. Maybe I should consider doing that, too.

    Good luck with your short story idea...did you scribble down any notes last night? I never do, thinking that I'll remember it in the morning. But I never do.

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    1. No, I didn't write any notes. I have it in my head. Well, two lines of it anyway :-) I've lost so many ideas because I couldn't remember them.

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  3. amongst friends who are readers many say "I don't like short stories.". they don't like poetry either. But then they like my flash fiction (or they are just being nice). I think short stories played a bigger role in literature back when main street magazines published fiction. Now it's more specialized.

    Anyway - you are a good writer, so that praise is well earned.

    Good luck on the story. I never remember unless I jot immediately

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    1. I think some people just don't consider picking up a short story, or collection. Ebooks are helping to change that though, hopefully.

      And, thank you :-)

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  4. Already read your spot at Sia's blog.
    Author Milo James Fowler has made a career out of writing short stories, and it did lead to a full novel. So it can be done.

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    1. There are some amazing short story writers who have only ever written short - it's a valid form in it's own right. Saki and Alice Munro are two writers who were happy right there.

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  5. Good luck with your story idea. I hope you have a great Wednesday!

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  6. Some of the best ideas tend to come in a half-asleep state, it's catching them that's the trick! Good luck!

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    1. They are elusive little things, aren't they, ideas?

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  7. Hi Annalisa .. I think there's many opportunities today, that might not have been considered years ago ... Patsy writes loads of short stories for magazines and wraps them up into anthologies ...

    I enjoy a book, yet I can see the advantage of writing short stories .. especially in our day and age .. and now I'm off over to Sia .. cheers and good luck with all writing .. Hilary

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  8. Yeah, I go back and forth about short stories. They just aren't my thing, so I never have short story ideas. I do think they make a good way to get your name out there, but they aren't a replacement for novel writing. They are different forms, after all.

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    1. They are completely different. I find it so hard to write novels, but I'm learning...

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  9. I don't think people see one as a stepping stone to the other. With the recent trends in short pieces, I think the short story is really coming into its own. No one bats an eye at a 99 cent short story. In fact, many people think, "I've only got an hour to read, so I really don't want to get into an entire novel." I love when you've got serial stories that are short, but complimented by a continued arc if readers would like to continue.

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    1. I have the opposite experience, from readers. One, everyone I talk to loves their novels - the longer the better (value for money maybe?? lol). I've also seen people question short story writers on when a novel will be available. Perhaps there's a UK/US divide?

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  10. With the 21st Century reader, the short form may come into vogue more than longer work. It definitely takes a different skill set. Ooo, me likes Crystal's idea.

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    1. It's how Dickens wrote, after all. And I'm always amazed at how short foreign translations are - they definitely seem to enjoy shorter novels... unless English words just take up less room?

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  11. I think with shortening attention spans, shorts may have a big place in the future.

    Is that better ;)

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    1. But if everyone starts writing shorter, I'll have to write even less... Gotta be one step ahead ;-)

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  12. I don't really understand why short stories would be seen as a stepping stone to writing a novel. :S Some people DO write short stories and then novels but I don't think it's seen as a stepping stone. It's just... whatever people want to do.

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    1. I've obviously been talking to the wrong people... I want to talk to people who say 'Novellas? Cool. I'll buy one of each,' instead of 'What's that, then?' Also, a lot of my reviews mention wanting the story to be longer...

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  13. Hi Annalisa,

    Personally, I prefer short stories. With my attention span...sorry, where am I?....with my attention span, a short story can hopefully keep some sort of attention. In fact, thanks for this short posting! :) I shall check out your link after I get my cloning machine fixed.

    Gary :)

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    1. The best short stories are like a punch in the stomach, or a random kiss on the cheek by a stranger, whichever you prefer ;-)

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  14. I don't consider myself a paranormal writer, but I also don't consider myself a normal writer. =)

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  15. Good luck with that short story idea - I have a memory like a *broken* sieve, so I need pen and paper stapled to me bum sometimes - and then I forget that, too (which is a pain in the arse :)

    PS: Happy rest-of-the-World-Cup viewing (and I'm sad that EngUland didn't make the last 16 :)

    Rooney and Co. are always worth watching :)

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    1. It is nice watching football and enjoying it. English people never really 'enjoy' watching England play - we hold our breath and close our eyes a lot :-)

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  16. I am amazed that you still remember the story idea you had last night! If I don't put the light on and write down my brain-waves immediately they are gone for good.

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    1. It's been three sleeps since then, and I still remember it, and still haven't got around to writing it down. I fear I'm living on borrowed time...

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  17. I think there are folks that consider short stories as stepping stones for their novels. They're easier to get published and help to build your readership. I used to be that way, but now I see short stories as gems of their own. I take much more notice of them now, and they've helped me appreciate the craft of writing more too.

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  18. Reading short stories helps to develop interest in the individual for reading.Moreover short stories and novels helps one building their vocabulary. https://vocabmonk.com also helps an individual to improve vocabulary. Go check it.

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