I've just read a delightful short story by my friend, Aubrie Dionne over at Flutey Words: Jester's Folly, published by Gypsy Shadow Publishing. It's a 6300 word story in her CARNIVAL OF ILLUSIONS series. This is the first one I've read and now I want to read more of her stories.
It's always useful to see what another writer does right. Aubrie draws you into the world of the Carnival and her main character, immediately (can be difficult to do). Her main character is sympathetic while being unusual and her problems are great (good writing here). There's plenty of excellent action, an unexpected event and a satisfying ending rounds it all off. With a touch of a twist to boot!
What might be missing? Not to give it away, but one relationship seemed a little...too easily resolved. It's hard to have too much complexity and conflict in 6300 words, but I wanted a bit more struggle between two characters.
Overall, a fun engaging read.
Aubrie also writes novels--so my novelists out there, what do you think about writing both novels and short stories? I find doing so to be useful. But I have friends who find it only confusing, switching from one format to another.
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10 comments:
Thanks so much for the wonderful review! :)
I never set out to be anything other than a poet and yet I have written in all sorts of style, novels, short stories, plays, songs… There is a best way to say everything and the simple fact is that I found I had things to say that wouldn’t fit within the confines of a poem. I never sat down to write a novel. I sat down to write and when I’d stopped that’s what I had. I’ve never stopped being a poet and never will but I’m also well aware of its limitations. At the end of the day there is only writing.
I write both novels and short stories, although these days my short stories are mostly of the flash variety. Otherwise I want to explore too much and expand.
Aubrie, it was easy to write.
Jim, IMO that's the best way to write.
Carol--I've noticed that nowadays short stories are either flash or quite long--weird, huh?
I do both. In fact, my book Breakthrough starts out with a 12 page stand alone short story based in Las Vegas.
Stephen Tremp
I shall have to go take a looksee at this story. Knowing what to do is not difficult. Examples of how are always welcome.
Stephen, cool idea.
Dave--again, your wisdom is spot on.
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