Q&A with Anne M. Carpenter discussion

I'm curious how everyone feels about short stories. Personally, I love writing and reading them - flash fiction, semi-short, novelettes, etc. What do you think?

AMC

Hi Anne,
I've always loved short stories. I think that the popularity of e-readers is increasing the demand for flash fiction and shorts. As an indie book reviewer, I find that many authors are turning to short stories to generate interest and fill in the time between their novel releases. I like to post and promote them as a series or two at a time from different authors.

Regarding content, I'm from the old school and believe that a short piece needs a certain punch at the end to pass the grade, especially if it's used as a prequel to a the author's next book. Thanks for inviting me to join your Q&A! I look forward to tuning in.

Alle Wells

Thanks for joining and jumping right into the discussion!

I think you're right - with eReaders, it seems short stories have found a viable new platform. I started out by publishing a few of the short stories I'd written years ago - some of them, many years ago - to see what it was like to sell on Kindle and other platforms. Each had won contests of awards, so I was fairly confident that they were decent stories. But I had no idea if they'd sell. Would people want to spend money on a story that was 2,000 or 4,000 words?

I've been delighted to see that my stories have found a market. I was shocked, in fact. So much so that I started writing short stories again, in between finishing my first and second novels. These haven't been tested out in contests and such like the six that I've got out now, but as I have time over the next few months, I'm going to start releasing them to see if they can find an audience as well.

And, of course, I like writing short stories because I like reading short stories. I'm the type that always has a book or a magazine in her purse, to pull out while in waiting rooms or at the airport or wherever I had an extra minute. And over the years, I figured out that with those little fractures of time, it was easier to read short stories. I still read novels, of course...a hundred or so a year. But I leave that for the time I set aside before bedtime each night, when I can bury myself in a longer story. But for all of those other times, short stories are a win.

Have a great Sunday!

Anne

I agree with Allie. That is exactly why I started writing shorts. And then I went and fell in love, writing and reading them. The most important thing to me is that the story is a satisfying read. I wouldn't be surprised if readers demand more of these shorts since life is so busy. It's a way to get your fix and still keep those balls in the air.

Anne, thanks for the invite. What a great first discussion.

Thanks for joining us, Tiffinie!

I agree - everyone is so busy these days, being pulled in a million directions, that short stories may perfectly fit the need for people who love to read but don't have much time.

So glad you're here!

AMC

I have never been a short story reader, but occasionally I will take a chance. I take advantage of a lot of freebies, so I usually try them out that way. Sometimes if I have a short amount of time and don't want to start something new, I will try a short story. Sometimes they can feel rushed or incomplete, especially if it is part of a larger story, but I have been pleasantly surprised by some.

I never been a short story reader though that does not mean I might not read it. I am more of a Series reader but I have read Novella that kinda go with the series I am reading.

I like reading books out of series as well...when you really get into a set of characters, reading more about them is awesome!

What I love about short stories is that if I have only a little bit about of time to read, this is the perfect thing. You're waiting in the doctor's office, and you get there early, what a great way to pass the time.

Absolutely - I agree! And I spend way too much time in doctor's offices, so that example is perfect in my world!

I must admit to only having read short stories by a handful of authors but, because I enjoyed reading Anne's short stories so much, I've decided to make short stories a part of my reading program.

I agree with short stories being great for "momentary" reads when time is of the essence but I can steal a few moments to get into a story.

However, I review books - largely by indie authors - and I don't always get a chance to post my review right away so instead of immersing myself into another novel and taking the chance of getting the story lines confused, I'd prefer to read something short.

Besides, it's refreshing to finish a story in an hour after having taken two to three days to read a book.

I really enjoy short stories and flash fiction. There is some amazing work out there. It is great to mix things up a bit, lengthwise.

Absolutely agree! I actually got into flash fiction when I started working for a new company years ago and didn't know anyone and so ate lunch alone at my desk every day. So I'd use my lunch hour to whip out a short story - got me hooked!

If you are interested, I host Flash Fiction Fridays on my blog every week. 1,000 words or less, anything goes, except for October (horror), December (holidays) and February (romance). Here is the link, if you would like to check it out.

http://karenwojcikberner.blogspot.com

Karen wrote: "If you are interested, I host Flash Fiction Fridays on my blog every week. 1,000 words or less, anything goes, except for October (horror), December (holidays) and February (romance). Here is the l..."

1,000 words or less. Hmm...I've written a little in the past; I just might try it again.

I'm completely intrigued, Karen! I haven't tried my hand at flash fiction in a few years. I am going to bookmark your site and try my hand at starting again. (Probably won't start, though, for a few weeks. Have surgery on my left arm coming up plus a book release, so it'll be a crazy few weeks.)

I usually enjoy a good short story, but I gravitate toward books. And I have written a few, but often because everyone says you need to write short fiction before trying a novel. Maybe I am backwards, but I skipped straight to writing books at a young age. And most of the short stories I wrote for school were regarded as akin to dangerous beasts, since my English teachers were not well versed in fantasy or science fiction.

Flash fiction sounds fun. I will have to check out your blog.

Would love to have you guys, whenever you have the time.

Anne, hope your surgery goes well.