I’m a woman of my word. The past month I had been busy writing a short story, named Mystery Woman. In truth, it took me about a month to get it down. It’s the first time I’ve actually written in the third person. I’ve always favored first person point of view. It’s always just been the type of reading style I favored. So, why not write in it as well.
To make sure I understand the short story format, and how it really should work, I’ve been reading shorter pieces. It is far harder for me to write than longer pieces. You have to be a lot sharper with your descriptions, and watch adding unnecessary words. Fluff, so to speak. I ended up just under a 1000 words. Halfway through, I found myself trying to make the piece longer. But nothing I added made the story better. So I decided to keep it as is, even if it is really short. I guess for a first attempt it wasn’t so bad. Or for someone that hasn’t written in a long time, it is a victory. But it felt good actually writing something new. But aside for pitching it to magazines, or online media (which I didn’t want to do at all), I can’t really sell it by itself, like I wanted. Not unless I put it with one of the other short stories I plan to write.
I know I’m taking the fun out of it. Trying to think of how to sell it, and where. It really is a struggle to put that side of thinking away for now. But I am trying. Writing this short story made me so happy. It reminded me of why I fell in love with writing to begin with.
So, 4 more short stories to go (a personal goal I set for myself). The Executioner (book 2 in the Thelum series) is with my amazing editor. And I hope to publish it this year as well.
So, if you just write 700 words for the month, it is something. Don’t sell yourself short.
Good job! There are a lot of places that take short stories of that length. You're also wise to know it needed nothing else.
ReplyDeleteAdding extra things is my problem, but I fought hard not to do it this time. Thank you for the support.
DeleteI look forward to reading Mystery Woman someday.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thank you. You just say when😉.
DeleteI have a very hard time writing short stories. Such a hard time that I won't even attempt it, so I definitely applaud your efforts here! A new format and a new POV is something to celebrate and be proud of! Way to go!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, M.J. Working on a novel seems way scarier at the moment. So I tried a short story.
DeleteYay for you! Short stories are much more difficult to write than novels for me, too. If you can write enough of them, you can bundle them into a collection. I'm solidly on your side cheering you on.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. I thought of doing a collection, if my other works end up too short as well. Thank you for the support.
DeleteWell done Murees - you're achieving so much. Keep writing and submitting them ... one day they'll be taken up - then you can put out a collection. Very clever and great to read - cheers and congratulations to you - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hilary. I appreciate your support.
Deletewhoot whoot happy dance
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mac. Happy dance indeed😉. Like someone who's had too much sugar.
DeleteWay to go!! I agree, shorts are harder to longer stories. 700 words in short stories are badges of honor.
ReplyDeleteThank you. They are so hard!😀 But I'm glad I tried it. Stepped out of my comfort zone. I appreciate the support.
DeleteHow about anthologies? Lot of writing groups and conferences put out calls for short stories. That's where I've had most of mine published.
ReplyDeleteHi L.D. I didn't really think about that. I thought they might be hard to get in to? Good for you!
DeleteGood for you for writing a short story that you're proud of. You could also try reading Jhumpa Lahiri's short stories, especially from her book Interpreter of Maladies. I've always loved the way she writes, especially her short stories, because she only includes the most essential details (which I suppose short story writers have to do).
ReplyDeleteThank you, N.W. I appreciate the recommendation. I will check her out.
DeleteCongratulations on the short story! I used to write a fair number of them, but not ever since I started working on my novels. Maybe I should start again.
ReplyDeleteYou should absolutely start again. You are super talented Damyanti. But I understand that having a day job makes it hard. Best of Luck. And thank you for stopping by.
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