This weekend I decided to take a break from my writing to work on my website. I decided to add a message board and I have to say, I am extremely proud of myself for figuring the darn thing out. It took me half a dozen programs I was unfamiliar with, I had to build my own database, and then work on the mods that I wanted to add to the program. Check out my hard work, post some messages, and e-mail me if you run into any problems.
On the writing front I am over half way done with my latest novella. I admit that I am much better at writing novellas than novels. (As witnessed by the fact that my novellas get solicited and my full-length still waits for a home) I am really good at sexual tension and emotional attachments but I get there way too fast for a full-length. I just can’t keep my characters at odds for 400 pages. It is something I am determined to overcome since my dream is to have single-titles out as well. My problem, I think, is exacerbated by the fact that I prefer to read anthologies. I have no patience. I want a story to start out fast and keep on going. I admire the writers who can do that for an entire novel and I aspire to their talent.
See you on the message board!
I appreciate your confidence in me, Peter! Truly!
And yes I think attention span has alot to do with it. The readers and my own. Anthologies are doing very well right now, in all formats. Either people are too busy to dedicate a large amount of time to one story or they want immediate gratification. I read anthologies for just those reasons so I imagine others do too. But I love a great full length novel. Gives you a better chance to get to know the characters and their issues.
on July 19th, 2004 at 2:05 pm
As your novellas are being better received than a longer work, do you think this is because more people have a short attention span and don’t concentrate long enough ? Also, I don’t know if some of it is down to a "market requirement" (Mills and Boon titles are written to a set, short length) ? Personally I’m inclined to pick up a longer novel, but only if it doesn’t run out of steam half way (I’m sure yours don’t, of course
)
on July 19th, 2004 at 1:58 pm
Ha! I think the real skill is writing novellas. Prolonging sexual tension and emotional attachment is quite easy for me, but writing it all in a short space and making it believable? Hard! I’ve read many a novella that left me questioning the flimsiness of the h/h’s declarations of love and feeling that it would have worked better as a full length novel. But I think the crux of the novella is the storyline. Some are meant for short stories and novellas and some are meant for full length stories.
on July 12th, 2004 at 12:50 pm
You’re right about the storyline. It has to be something believable AND easily resolved. I’ve read a few novellas where the plot was either totally off the wall or was hastily sewn up in the end. But when you find a good one? Oh my…
on July 12th, 2004 at 8:30 am