Sometimes regarded as a minor form the short story can be as lyrical as a poem and as rich in human insight as a novel. So what exactly makes a story 'short'?
Thank you very much, Catriona, for that high praise. I'm flattered that you enjoyed my short stories so much. It encourages me to write some more! I think the value of a short story lies in the possibility of re-reading it and finding new things to like or new angles on the characters. The condensed form operates somewhat like an iceberg, two-thirds hidden, one-third on show.
I was never a fan of short stories as I did indeed feel 'short changed', mainly because I didn't feel I had sufficient time to invest in the characters or because the short story packed less punch than a novel. However, that was before I started reading some of your short stories, which never failed to leave me in 'an altered state'! Most recently, a friend gave me for Christmas 'The Dolmen Book of Christmas Stories, where I was delighted to find - in the top spot - your 'Whimsical Beasts'. The point I am trying to make is that a short story is only 'short' if it falls in less talented authors than yourself or the illustrious ones listed in your article...
I understand that sense of immersion in a good book but stories can be captivating too and although 'short' a good one will stay in your mind a long time, whereas with the longer form memory sheds scenes or minor characters as time goes by.
I must admit that I like the extended absorbtion in a novel and am always a little sad when a good book ends. For this reason I have avoided collections of short stories even though I have enjoyed just about everything an author has written. You’ve persuaded me to revisit some...
Thank you very much, Catriona, for that high praise. I'm flattered that you enjoyed my short stories so much. It encourages me to write some more! I think the value of a short story lies in the possibility of re-reading it and finding new things to like or new angles on the characters. The condensed form operates somewhat like an iceberg, two-thirds hidden, one-third on show.
I was never a fan of short stories as I did indeed feel 'short changed', mainly because I didn't feel I had sufficient time to invest in the characters or because the short story packed less punch than a novel. However, that was before I started reading some of your short stories, which never failed to leave me in 'an altered state'! Most recently, a friend gave me for Christmas 'The Dolmen Book of Christmas Stories, where I was delighted to find - in the top spot - your 'Whimsical Beasts'. The point I am trying to make is that a short story is only 'short' if it falls in less talented authors than yourself or the illustrious ones listed in your article...
I understand that sense of immersion in a good book but stories can be captivating too and although 'short' a good one will stay in your mind a long time, whereas with the longer form memory sheds scenes or minor characters as time goes by.
I must admit that I like the extended absorbtion in a novel and am always a little sad when a good book ends. For this reason I have avoided collections of short stories even though I have enjoyed just about everything an author has written. You’ve persuaded me to revisit some...