Comments on: Sometimes Short Is Better http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/ SEXY, SASSY, SMART ROMANTIC FICTION Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:17:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Ellen Fisher http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/#comment-685 Ellen Fisher Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/#comment-685 I don't know that novellas are easier to write, but for me they are much quicker to write. I can whip out a novella very rapidly (even though I'm a pretty slow writer). Yes, you're saying, of course it takes about a third or fourth of the time it takes to write a novel, because it's only a third or a fourth as long. But no, it takes me much less time than that. I think I could write five or six novellas in the time it takes me to write a novel. I'm not sure why this is...I'm guessing it's because the plot isn't as complex, so it takes less time to work out all the details. Or maybe it's just that the Dreaded Middle is shorter, so I don't get bogged down as badly. Either way, for me novellas are fun and easy to write, and that's why I love 'em. I don’t know that novellas are easier to write, but for me they are much quicker to write. I can whip out a novella very rapidly (even though I’m a pretty slow writer). Yes, you’re saying, of course it takes about a third or fourth of the time it takes to write a novel, because it’s only a third or a fourth as long. But no, it takes me much less time than that. I think I could write five or six novellas in the time it takes me to write a novel. I’m not sure why this is…I’m guessing it’s because the plot isn’t as complex, so it takes less time to work out all the details. Or maybe it’s just that the Dreaded Middle is shorter, so I don’t get bogged down as badly. Either way, for me novellas are fun and easy to write, and that’s why I love ‘em.

]]> By: Jordan http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/#comment-686 Jordan Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/#comment-686 I like to write novellas too. They're definitely simplier. But, I WANT to be able to write single titles without feeling the overwhelming urge to panic. I like to write novellas too. They’re definitely simplier. But, I WANT to be able to write single titles without feeling the overwhelming urge to panic.

]]> By: HelenKay http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/#comment-687 HelenKay Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/#comment-687 I agree they go faster. I even agree with Ellen that they go faster than 1/3 of a single title would. But, the idea that they're easier is where I disagree. One of the problems I have with novellas is that many suffer from lack of characterization and zero plot. To hit those elements well takes some planning in a novella - I say that when I am the absolute worst plotter in history. Seems to me many novellas read like "A Day In The Life" excerpts rather than compelling stories. To get the balance right is not easy and not eveyrone can do it. Of course, Jordan's right that a single title is a different kind of challenge. I agree they go faster. I even agree with Ellen that they go faster than 1/3 of a single title would. But, the idea that they’re easier is where I disagree. One of the problems I have with novellas is that many suffer from lack of characterization and zero plot. To hit those elements well takes some planning in a novella - I say that when I am the absolute worst plotter in history. Seems to me many novellas read like “A Day In The Life” excerpts rather than compelling stories. To get the balance right is not easy and not eveyrone can do it. Of course, Jordan’s right that a single title is a different kind of challenge.

]]> By: Jaynie R http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/#comment-688 Jaynie R Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://helenkaydimon.com/blog/2005/07/sometimes-short-is-better/#comment-688 Are people really that thick that they can't figure out a book is an anthology? *shakes head* Novellas are a good way to check out an authors style before buying a full length, that's why I like anthos. Are people really that thick that they can’t figure out a book is an anthology? *shakes head*

Novellas are a good way to check out an authors style before buying a full length, that’s why I like anthos.

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