Monday, September 15, 2014

ON WRITING THE SHORT STORY

Short stories run from 1,000 to 15,000 words. I share thoughts on it by Edgar Alan Poe—an expert—shared by author and teacher Louisa Bacio
We allude to the short prose narrative, requiring from a half-hour to one or two hours in its perusal. The ordinary novel is objectionable, from its length, for reasons already stated in substance. As it cannot be read at one sitting, it deprives itself, of course, of the immense force derivable from totality. Worldly interests intervening during the pauses of perusal, modify, annul, or counteract, in a greater or less degree, the impressions of the book. But simple cessation in reading would, of itself, be sufficient to destroy the true unity. In the brief tale, however, the author is enabled to carry out the fulness of his intention, be it what it may. During the hour of perusal the soul of the reader is at the writer's control. There are no external or extrinsic influences — resulting from weariness or interruption. (Poe, Review of Hawthorne -- Twice-Told Tales, from Graham's Magazine, May 1842, pp. 298-300.)
From Ernest Hemingway
 
There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.

This past week it's been like drilling rock for me.

Happy writing!

Dee Ann