Today, I finished my first short story (well . . . novelette, but let's not get too technical) since High School. Can you believe it? And I'm wondering, what have I been doing all this time???
Short Fiction is awesome! I had no idea. It's instant gratification, people! I feel just as attached to these characters, just as involved in my world, and just as satisfied to finish as I ever have with a novel. And it took me basically FIVE DAYS*.
Let me repeat: five days!
Not only that, but I feel all of the giddy "OMG, this is the best story ever" feelings with a completed draft on my hands. I can't wait to polish this baby till it shines. And then, submit! I'm very excited.
So to all you out there who are feeling the stagnation/frustration that can burden one writing a novel, I say, write a short story!!
*Disclaimer: I feel it perhaps important to mention that I have had this idea for an entire year. Every once in a while I would scribble down a few thoughts about it in my Moleskine, and I actually started it two separate times, though I never got more than a few pages. So yes, it's not exactly as swift as five days, but you get my point. :)
10 comments:
And hey, so far it is AWESOME.
I agree with you though--short stories are such a fun break. Plus, MUCH easier to edit.
That seems like a great writer's boost. Good luck with the polishing and submission!
It's good to change things up every now and then, keep the creative juices challenged. Congrats to you!
Congrats, Ren! Can't wait to read it:)
Kiersten-Thanks! And yes, I am looking forward to editing this one. Should be nice and fast. :)
Megan-It is a good boost! And I needed a boost.
Joanne-I totally agree. With this story I tried something new, something I might have been hesitant to try in a whole novel. It was a real learning experience.
Natalie-Hope you like it. :)
I love short stories!! I prefer writing them than these loooooong books! good for you!
Hooray! Breaking up the long novel writing/revising process with some short pieces is so refreshing, isn't it? I like writing short nonfiction as a total departure from my usual YA books.
Congratulations!
I need to write more short fiction, yep!!! But I'm too busy working on a novel, dang it all! Congrats! Do I get to read this? After I read your book, of course. ;)
Your disclaimer shows what a painfully honest person you are. Now, I would have thought you were really cool to have written it in only five days, but now I think you are only kind of cool.*
Disclaimer: Comment has sarcastic undertones.
Terri-I really am pleased to discover how much I liked writing short stories. I'm already planning the next! :)
Miriam-I agree! It's such a nice change from eight months slaving on a novel.
Michelle-You definitely can read it if you like!
Jessie-LOL! I love your sarcastic undertones. :D
Post a Comment