Why Read Short Stories?

Hi, Friends!

Here's a little essay I put on my website the other day--a few thoughts about reading and writing short stories.


https://authorwilliamcook.com/blog/


Blessings to all on this sad day, remembering the tragedy of 20 years ago.

bill
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Published on September 11, 2021 07:27
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message 1: by Michael (new)
Sep 11, 2021 03:55PM

Michael Gardner Excellent essay, Bill. However, I would argue that a short story is just as capable of doing the character development of a novel when it's executed well. Raymond Carver's Cathedral has astonishing character development for 6000 words. David Rose's Frost is another fine example at roughly 2000 words. Your own A Pieta In Ordinary Time has more complex character development than many novels I've read in a fraction of the word count.

Glory and trumpets to the short story!

Although, I do enjoy a good novel too.


message 2: by Connie (new)
Sep 12, 2021 05:51AM

Connie Lacy Love the essay. So nicely put. Your short stories are written with depth and nuance - real gems.


message 3: by William (new)
Sep 12, 2021 06:33AM

William Cook Michael wrote: "Excellent essay, Bill. However, I would argue that a short story is just as capable of doing the character development of a novel when it's executed well. Raymond Carver's Cathedral has astonishing..."

Well said, Michael, and thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so hopeful that I've hit some of the right notes again in the new collection. I will anxiously await hearing your opinion!


message 4: by William (new)
Sep 12, 2021 06:37AM

William Cook Connie wrote: "Love the essay. So nicely put. Your short stories are written with depth and nuance - real gems."

Thank you, Connie. I truly appreciate your support and your generosity! I count the days to the release, hoping I've "struck gold" with the new collection, but knowing it will be the readers who determine that.


message 5: by Ginger (new)
Sep 17, 2021 01:48PM

Ginger Bensman "But what about that fine painting or photograph hanging on your wall—the one that captures the light or the emotion or the mind-set of that special day you’ll never forget? A good short story is like that."

Indeed, and your short stories are among my favorites, always a window into a character's perspective, a new way of seeing something, or sometimes both an awe and an aha! experience. Thank you!

Great essay, Bill!


message 6: by William (new)
Sep 17, 2021 02:02PM

William Cook Ginger wrote: ""But what about that fine painting or photograph hanging on your wall—the one that captures the light or the emotion or the mind-set of that special day you’ll never forget? A good short story is l..."

Thank you so much, Ginger. I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support (and your oh-so-generous words!)


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