| I’m in the midst of four writing projects. One has had the first round re-write completed. One is two-thirds done. One is only a few chapters long, and number four is something a little different, and could be finished anytime I decide that’s enough. I don’t know that I had ever considered writing a book-book, as in a novel. Moon Rising is a collection of a little of this and a little of that. Easy to read in an hour or so, and easy to put down until next time. What this book did do for me, was make me appreciate how much can be told on minimal pages using less words. |  |
I like short stories. They’re fun and they keep the mind moving. They make you think about the beginning, middle, and end almost before you start to write them. There’s no room for a lot of fluff. If you have dialogue it gets to the point. If there is trauma, it might be a one liner that surprises us all (me included). Love scenes leave lots to the imagination. The story, in general, has to keep going.
A chapters in a book is a short stories. Their difference is they are an introduction, or not, to the next phase in the book. Because of this theory, I continue to tout short story writing as a portal to expound on topics and characters, thus creating a book. Left as a stand alone and you have a short story.
Through continued short story writing, I find the larger projects I work on don’t get blocked. These are stories not short stories, so there needs to be some fluff filler and meat added; but the rules of engagement I use writing short stories keeps the novel moving with a lot less problems. I have a beginning to my chapters, a middle, and an end. Oh, and let's not forget the hook to keep readers turning the pages.
Alicia Rades wrote a recent piece for The Write Life dedicated to how writing short stories can make you a better writer. I have to say, I agree with the title of this piece 100%.
A chapters in a book is a short stories. Their difference is they are an introduction, or not, to the next phase in the book. Because of this theory, I continue to tout short story writing as a portal to expound on topics and characters, thus creating a book. Left as a stand alone and you have a short story.
Through continued short story writing, I find the larger projects I work on don’t get blocked. These are stories not short stories, so there needs to be some fluff filler and meat added; but the rules of engagement I use writing short stories keeps the novel moving with a lot less problems. I have a beginning to my chapters, a middle, and an end. Oh, and let's not forget the hook to keep readers turning the pages.
Alicia Rades wrote a recent piece for The Write Life dedicated to how writing short stories can make you a better writer. I have to say, I agree with the title of this piece 100%.
Do you find short story writing helps you with other writing projects?
Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
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