Just six months ago, I was convinced I couldn’t write short fiction. Novel writing is just too different from building short stories. (I explained my apprehension in detail in a recent guest post on Stupefying Stories called Scared of Short Stories.)
Scared as I was, I had to face my fears—that’s what I tell my kids to do in this kind of situation. So I started participating in flash fiction writing contests organized through Codex Writers’ Group. My first piece won that round, which gave me courage. My second took an honorable mention.
And my third, Calling the Cloud, just placed first again. It’s a modified drabble: 100 words, plus a seven-word line provided by editor Pete Wood: “I’m pretty sure he wasn’t our waiter.” Check it out if you have time!
Update 7/30/2021: My new drabble At Wits’ End was published on Stupefying Stories.
Congrats, Roxana! I just read your guest post on Stupefying Stories and your latest drabble there. The wry humor in your short fiction make these pieces a joy to read! I’m excited for more!
Thanks, Melanie! I’ve got another one coming and I’ve written two more. It’s great practice, I think, working on something so different from novels. It also feels good to finish something and move on.
I too share the same sentiments, in that when it comes to fiction, I much prefer longer formats. But I did try a short story lately, and I loved it! Anyway, thanks for this post!
Good to hear this feeling is shared. The two formats are so different, it’s sometimes intimidating to switch between them. Thank you so much for reading, Stuart!
So glad you broke through into writing short pieces, and it sounds like you’ve had great success. Congrats!
Not quite sure what I’m doing, mainly keeping my head above the water, learning new skills, and trying to even have fun while at it. Thank you for taking the time to read, Karen! Love your new book cover :)
It all sounds good!