Comments on: A Place For Everything, Everything In Its Place

By: N.J. Walters

N.J. Walters — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:12:37 +0000

You’re absolutely right, Lauren. The type of story you get definitely varies with the length.

If I’m reading a novella, I certainly don’t expect the amount of detail and in-depth relationships that you get in a full-length novel. My expectations are different for each style of book.

And thanks so much for mentioning my Quickies.

By: Cynthia Eden

Cynthia Eden — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:48:14 +0000

Oh, wow, Lauren, thanks so much for your kind words about my stories!

I do think it is important to realize that novellas and quickies and full-length novels are definitely going to produce different sorts of stories. And you’re right–in quickies, I also look for that fast punch of sensation–that punch (a punch you deliver particularly well!) always tells me that I’ve found a winner in that author.

By: Charlene

Charlene — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:25:56 +0000

Great topic! I’m with you, I don’t expect a novella to read like a category length or a single title. But with each one, I do expect the story to fit the length! And thank you verra much for the mention.

BTW, William Gibson also wrote Burning Chrome and if THAT doesn’t blow your last brain cell in few words…

By: Jaynie R

Jaynie R — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:29:01 +0000

I’m only just starting to really like shorter/novella stories. I was put off a lot by favorite authors doing anthologies with other authors I didn’t like, so then I’d have to fork out full price for the whole book. Lately with anthos I’ve bought, I’ve been lucky and liked all minus one, or all of the stories.

By: Kate Scott

Kate Scott — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:37:52 +0000

I totally understand what you’re saying. Too often in reviews of a short story, the negative part has to do with development of the relationship. “It just wasn’t believable that they fell in love after only 6k.” Well honey, in a short story made up of 8k words, where an HEA is required, when do you think it’s going to happen?

I feel like reviewers and readers alike need to understand what they’re getting and not getting with a novella in order to appreciate it fully.

And T minus 9 days. woot!