Short Story Connect discussion
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Why do you like to read or write short stories?
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Blue Moon
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Jul 02, 2014 06:33AM
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I love reading short stories because the time commitment is small but the payoff can be huge if the story is written well. Sometimes I only have 30 minutes to escape during the day and I don't want to get dragged into a long story that ends up competing with other priorities of mine. The perfect fix - short stories!
Like RC, I like the payoff you get for a short time investment.As for writing them, some characters just don't need a full novel to have their story told, and it's a great way to get those creative "juices" flowing. You have the chance to complete a full story in a shorter time span.
I like to read short stories because when I finish one, I feel accomplished that I actually sat down and read something of substance! Life is too busy these days and I know it would take me WEEKS to get through a standard novel.
I second RC and Rachel. I wrote a novella for the Holiday Season and it was the kind of story that didn't require a novel, but I felt was important to tell. The short story gave me that option!
I like reading short stories because I can get so much out of a small investment in time. The other day I read "Yesterday" by Haruki Murakami online in one quick read, and my thoughts keep returning to the characters. On writing them, I like the idea of a short story collection with the same character or characters. Each story can stand alone; yet, they form one book.
I love reading on the beach or near water whenever I can.
I'm not a reader. I've always found reading to be quite boring. However, I love to write and the stories pop into my head when I'm sitting in the garage smoking cigarettes. My wife doesn't let me smoke in the house. My short stories are usually along the lines of Rod Serling, Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King.
I love to read short stories because i get the full package of what i want in a novel in fewer words and less over-complicated characters. Short stories are precise, and just keep you wanting more; especially if there's a surprising ending twist.
In order to generate sufficient interest to sustain a novel-length narrative, a story needs to be multi-layered and to be constructed of various segments, essentially. While this allows for the development of a plot that is more complex and, potentially, more engaging, it necessarily dilutes the focus of the story. With short stories the opposite is true: the focus is heightened, which allows for a greater emotional impact. I think this is why, upon finishing a great short story (whether it's J G Ballard or Chekhov or Katherine Mansfield, etc), I tend to let out a kind of sigh of contentment or satisfaction - because the writer's idea was fully realised and it feels entirely sufficient.
I like to write short stories because sometimes the character only has a little something to say. If I'm trying out a new premise, or a different P.O.V, a short story allows me to stretch myself creatively without entering into a massive commitment like a novel. I have found, however that a few of my short stories can evolve into novels, as one of my current works has.I like to read short stories because it's a great way to 'try on' an unfamiliar author or genre. Sometimes you want a short dip in the pool and other times you want a long hot soak.
Same thing.
I agree, Carolyn! Reading short stories is a great try to sample an unfamiliar author or genre. They are a good way for me to something new!
In many ways, short stories can be more satisfying than a novel. I think they're a much-underappreciated art form.
Has anyone tried Oreo Mini's, I think they're called? All the flavor in smaller bites just as short stories should be, though when a zombie chews the sky-blue eyes out of heroine # 1 on page 1, I want to tear out my own eyes.. Rare are the ones written with character development in mind. When I write shorts its so much more about the characters and their internal problem rather than plot. It's a tough challenge that any writer should take on once in a while.
Scott, I know what you mean. My stories are character-driven, rather than plot-driven, as well.If you like character-driven stories, check out Jhumpa Lahiri's superb collection, Interpreter of Maladies:
Interpreter of Maladies
I found fiction is the best way to express my thoughts. Like to write stories on life-like topics.http://carvingfiction.blogspot.in/
Robert wrote: "I'm not a reader. I've always found reading to be quite boring. However, I love to write and the stories pop into my head when I'm sitting in the garage smoking cigarettes. My wife doesn't let me s..."Me too....don't like too read, like to write instead.
Characters pop in my mind.
As a reader short stories are a quick escape. At least that's the rational reason to like them, but in reality I'll read just about anything.As a writer they just tend to work with my style of less is more and economy of words. Just enough to say what needs to be said.
As a GED teacher working with adults short stories are a fantastic tool. The fact that they are short makes them less intimidating, we can get through an entire story in one class meeting thus leading to a sense of accomplishment, and they are still interesting enough for adults to read unlike children's stories.
Short stories get rid of all the scaffolding not needed and have more emotional impact. I LOVE them.
I like reading and writing stories of all lengths, but lately I have been putting more emphasis on short stories. The kind of work I do doesn't allow for a solid writing schedule like I'd like, so short stories are easier to work. The plots are less complicated and there are generally less characters to juggle. It's just all around easier.
Writers of short fiction face the challenge of creating powerful works with a limited number of words. Short story authors often utilize a variety of techniques, such as heavy symbolism, focus on character, and ironic conclusions to create intense and intricate stories. I especially enjoy reading works that include these strategies, and appreciate the talent that these authors must possess!
Dwayne, Easier in terms of time...probably
Easier in terms of difficulty... doubtful.
Best.
I'm a wordy person, and writing short stories forces me to be succinct. Much as I hate to admit it, being concise helps my longer writing (novels, poetry) tremendously. Suddenly, "diction" has meaning and isn't defined as "every single word I can possible cram into this writing project because I like the sound of it"!
One of my writer idols is William Faulkner, otherwise known as "Count no account" to some of his jealous Mississippi neighbors. Faulkner supposedly wanted to be a poet, but his tendency to wordiness got in the way I suspect. Still, wordy or not, I doubt there are many finer sentences than the eighty line or so one Faulkner wrote in "The Bear." When one has the sense of rhythm Faulkner had, as well as his ability to tell a story and have it MEAN something. a bit of verbosity is easily forgiven.
Joseph wrote: "Dwayne, Easier in terms of time...probably
Easier in terms of difficulty... doubtful.
Best."
Easier in time and difficulty both. Absolutely no doubt.
Dwayne, I think it's a good idea to avoid words like absolutely and no doubt. I suspect there are few things besides death and taxes that are absolute.
I love short stories because of the simplicity. When I read them it takes me on a roller coster ride of adventure. Also, with me being in the army I do not have alot of time for novels.
It's also nice as an author because they are more instant gratification and you don't feel tied to something that may take eight months or more. Short stories are a great way to practice the art of getting to the point and writing snappy, powerful prose.
It is fun to be able to read an entire story before falling asleep.And as an author, it if fun to get published. Xchyler is publishing one of mine soon and is sponsoring a contest in December http://www.xchylerpublishing.com/site...
Joseph wrote: "avoid words."I have had no difficulty in writing a short story, not like I do novels or even novellas. I have absolutely no doubt about this.
I do not avoid words. It would be akin to a mechanic avoiding wrenches.
