I recently had a conversation with another writer about short stories versus longer forms, such as novels. I enjoy reading and writing both. But if I am honest, I do find it difficult to remember short stories that I have read, even though I would say that it is my favourite form to write (especially flash fiction). Is it because a short story gives us less time to get to know the characters and to make an emotional connection? For me, memory and emotional engagement go hand in hand. In a novel we have time to develop a relationship with the characters. And if we fall in love with them, we won't want to leave. We care about them.
Writing a novel is a huge emotional commitment - and a time consuming one. It's a big task, in every sense.
And it made me think - am I basically a lazy writer? Okay, so I have completed and published over 30 novels for children and teenagers, the biggest being only 35,000 words. I don't think in epic forms. I'm sure I would really struggle with 100,000 words. When I write a short story it naturally takes around 1000 words. I love the brevity of the form, and the discipline. The skill and joy of flash fiction, where you may have only 100 or 200 words to tell a tale, is a challenge I find highly satisfying. Every word counts. Every word has to earn a place in the story.
I'm currently reading The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis and am fascinated by the way she manages to take us inside the minds of her characters so quickly, and to leave the reader asking questions.
As a writer/reader/both, do you have a favourite form? And is your preferred reading form the same as your favourite writing form?
Related post: http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/does-size-matter-lydia-davis-wins-man.html
Writing a novel is a huge emotional commitment - and a time consuming one. It's a big task, in every sense.
And it made me think - am I basically a lazy writer? Okay, so I have completed and published over 30 novels for children and teenagers, the biggest being only 35,000 words. I don't think in epic forms. I'm sure I would really struggle with 100,000 words. When I write a short story it naturally takes around 1000 words. I love the brevity of the form, and the discipline. The skill and joy of flash fiction, where you may have only 100 or 200 words to tell a tale, is a challenge I find highly satisfying. Every word counts. Every word has to earn a place in the story.
I'm currently reading The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis and am fascinated by the way she manages to take us inside the minds of her characters so quickly, and to leave the reader asking questions.
As a writer/reader/both, do you have a favourite form? And is your preferred reading form the same as your favourite writing form?
Related post: http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/does-size-matter-lydia-davis-wins-man.html
