Only a few days left—then I have to decide, one way or the other. I’ve written a few short stories in the past—that is to say, I started a few, but never finished them. It seems strange to me that the idea of writing a novel felt more doable than taking on a short story.So much riding on so few words. One shot at getting it right.
I suppose I could research ‘How to Write a Short Story,’ the way I researched writing a novel (after the fact, of course), but I have the feeling that would be just as overwhelming.
Then I read a quick post by Scott G.F.Bailey, over at the Literary Lab (sponsor of Contest). He simply said, “Something has to change in a story. You don't need to supply all the formal elements of exposition, rising conflict, inciting incident and reaction, climax and the like, but something has to change or happen or you don't have a story. If there is no event in your story, you likely have a non-story. At least that's my take on it. My minimum standards for a story are that you must have the following elements: 1. An actor 2. An action.”
Sooo, if I just operate on that premise, I won't have to do gobs of research. I’ll just write it. What do I have to loose, right?
Nothing…except that there has also been a lot of talk over there at the Lab about honesty in writing, (in fact, Lady Glamis plans to do another post on that this Thursday), and I realized that my short stories (yes I have 2 candidates) make my stomach do flip-flops when I think of anyone reading them. Oh the dilemma—do I put myself out there? Well, realistically, no one but the Literary Lab Trio will read either of them, so I’ll be safe—relatively. But what if...OOooohhh there goes my stomach again…
Of course, this post is all about talking myself into doing it.
Are there any of you other brave souls who plan to, or have submitted a short to the Genre Wars?
The thought of writin a short story has always scared me. There is some sort of safety net in a novel that doesn't exist with a short. Not real sure what that is... But, good for you, Bridget. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteYes, Susan, "there is some sort of a safety net" in writing a novel. Why is that? (I know you just said you're 'not sure what that is,' but I want to know the answer to that!
ReplyDeleteI actually like shorts -- they're much easier to get started and finish for me -- there's no bog down in the middle b/c there's not really much of a middle.
ReplyDeleteSo, Bane, will you be submitting a short in the Genre Wars?
ReplyDeleteI think you should go for it. Winners are praised, losers are thanked for submitting but not ridiculed...You have nothing to lose.
ReplyDeleteI thought I’d feel braver after posting this, but I’m feeling less so. Just the same, Rick, there is a certain logic to the way you put that.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on entering, perhaps more than once. I have to write the short stories first... :)
ReplyDeleteRemember these are more like flash fiction, though. With a 2000 word limit, there's only so much you can say. That both relieves and ratchets up the pressure, 'cause every word has to count.
Really, though, flash fic is awfully fun. Go ahead. Write the stories. Enjoy the process. No research necessary at all. You can do it!
If nothing else, I think it's a great exercise to take a story to the end and call it finished. Even if you don't submit it, you'll learn something from polishing something up.
ReplyDeleteSimon,
ReplyDeleteSurely you have oodles of shorts on file.
And thanks for the reassurance…er…I think…only 2,000 words…no pressure there. I’ve already had to chop 300 words—it’s a long short.
Davin,
You’re right about the exercise of it.
If only the word limit were closer to 11K, I could enter one of my chapters from Story for a Shipwright,—honestly, they’re complete little mini-stories—for, well, a shipwright…
I agree w/ Rick -- go for it. I'm way stumped for time myself (b/c of all this darn blogging :) and all my halfway decent shorts are already out in the ether elsewhere :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with the crowd, JB. Go for it! Sometimes, writing a short story can lead to a novel idea(s) as in my case with Devotion.
ReplyDeleteI know you've done some shorts, Scott--are you planning on submitting anything?
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I would do it if I thought I had the talent. Sadly my strong point (I hope) is a novel. I envy those who can condense a whole story into so little.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained remember.
Great post. Look forward to your next update :)
I'm not, JB. Writer's Digest has a Short Short (1,500 word) contest that's due Dec. 1. I thought about submitting one of my chapters, but decided against it. I want my focus to stay right where it's at until the first draft is done.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a rational choice, Scott. You’re so focused.
ReplyDeletequillfeather,
ReplyDeleteNothing ventured, nothing gained—so true. I have no idea if any talent comes out in my little work. I’ve simply grown comfortable with my novel and introducing my imaginary friends in a broad context—but one quick snippet…
Silly, but it’s scarier.
I say go for it, not much to lose.
ReplyDeleteShort stories intimidate me. I think it's because you can hide some transgressions in a novel. It's like wearing a ski suit--if your bra isn't the exact right color, no one is going to notice. However, a short story is like wearing a bikini--not many places for mistakes to hide, lol.
Roni,
ReplyDeleteYour bikini analogy is perfect! That’s exactly how it feels, all naked and exposed.
When someone reads your novel it's like you’re a hundred foot giant, wearing a bikini—onlookers can see only increments of you at a time—takes a while to put it all in context. They’re bound to find something ‘interesting’...Okay, that’s a really bad analogy.
I've never tried writing a short story, but love reading them. I think entering the contest is a good idea. It'll only make you a better writer. And, you never know where the experience will lead you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paul.
ReplyDeleteOf course, you’re right. At this point, I think I’m just going to stop oscillating and do it.
Go for it Bridget! (I'm officially unplugged but admittedly lurking... marginally)
ReplyDeleteI started a short last night, venturing into experimental. Why not? I ask...
Yeah, Deb, I'm going to do it. There. I just committed myself.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you’ll submit your experiment?
Okay. Now I just have to finish it...
ReplyDelete