The case for novellas versus long books - Page 3

RWood · 02-01-2008, 12:24 PM

Often times many of the "novels" written today have the focus of a telephone directory. The short stories I have read in the past few years seem like a rifle shot by contrast -- sharp, direct, and on target.

Many writers seem to rejoice in their own words. They love to pile on excessive detail to the point that we forget why we started this paragraph two pages ago under the peeling wallpaper applied several generations before by an out of work accountant wearing shoes cobbled with square nails forged on Second Avenue in Troy, New York.

There are bright spots in modern novels. Steve Jordan's works are right sized. I enjoy his works and they are one of the best deals in ebooks other than the free downloads at MobileRead.

HeffeD · 02-01-2008, 12:50 PM

I don't mind a long book as long as it is long for a reason. (That sounds weird...) There are too many books in need of a good editor, as there countless pages wasted with drivel that doesn't actually help the story at all. You mean I read two chapters of background on the main characters aunt's cousin and the cousin doesn't become a character later on in the story, or in fact even influence the main character?? What's up with that? Bravo for fleshing out your characters, but how about we stick to the characters in the story?

The book Eragon was like that. Yes, I know the author is very young, but that book was way to long for no reason.

nekokami · 02-01-2008, 12:54 PM

I like books, and even sets of books (though I cringe at some series -- I think I can tell when the authors get bored and start just writing for the money). But I admit there have been some really great short stories I've read that weren't meant to be longer, and similarly some novellas that were just the right length.

I can think of at least one novella that I much preferred after it was expanded into a novel, though: "Ender's Game." I read the novel first in this case, and when I read the novella years later, I was quite surprised at how flat the characterizations were. It's not that Card can't write good short fiction, either-- in the same volume in which I read "Ender's Game," I read "Teacher's Pest," which has quite strong characterization. I think in this case the story of "Ender's Game" just needed more room to tell it properly.

Sparrow · 02-02-2008, 04:55 AM

One of the unsung benefits of ereaders is that you can solve this problem yourself. If you find a 150 page novella too short, merely increase the font size and - hey, presto - its a 500 pager you can really get your teeth into!

TadW · 02-02-2008, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparrow

One of the unsung benefits of ereaders is that you can solve this problem yourself. If you find a 150 page novella too short, merely increase the font size and - hey, presto - its a 500 pager you can really get your teeth into!

And given the slow page turn associated with E Ink screens, it'll still take you a good time to finish the book.

Elsi · 02-02-2008, 04:49 PM

I'm definitely a fan of novels, though I'll accept serial novellas as an alternative. I read for fun and entertainment. I hate it when I get involved and invested in characters and then the story just ends. I have to go off and make all new friends. I'm really really enjoying reading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. I think it's up to 6 books so far, each containing in excess of 900 pages. I've read the first 3 and the next two are in hand!

TallMomof2 · 02-03-2008, 02:55 PM

I read it all, short stories, novellas, novels, and series. I love series because the characters become friends and very real to me. But I love well crafted short stories and novellas because of the impact of fewer well chosen words. Just call me an omnivore.

drgnbear · 02-08-2008, 01:59 AM

Has anyone read The Gap Cycle? Some of my favorite Sci-Fi. If Jordan is too much for you (and believe me I understand why he would be) you might like The Sword of Truth Series. Many parallels but more concise writing. with that said there are 13 books but at least it's finished LOL. Also anything by Laurel Hamilton (if you don't mind lot's of sex)

JSWolf · 02-17-2008, 06:56 PM

I like Kim Harrison's books.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Free - DARK FUTURE novellas	dlmartin6	Self-Promotions by Authors and Publishers	0	06-10-2010 03:20 PM
FREE on Smashwords - 2 novellas in Dark Future series	dlmartin6	Writers' Corner	0	05-28-2010 12:23 PM
iPad How long before books are sold DRM-free?	jibril	Apple Devices	11	05-15-2010 04:41 AM
Tired of Hunting for Books (LONG WINDED)	jerryleejr	Lounge	11	07-11-2008 10:00 AM
Rant: Are Books Too Long?	Colin Dunstan	Lounge	23	10-17-2006 09:46 AM

02-01-2008, 12:24 PM	#31
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	Often times many of the "novels" written today have the focus of a telephone directory. The short stories I have read in the past few years seem like a rifle shot by contrast -- sharp, direct, and on target. Many writers seem to rejoice in their own words. They love to pile on excessive detail to the point that we forget why we started this paragraph two pages ago under the peeling wallpaper applied several generations before by an out of work accountant wearing shoes cobbled with square nails forged on Second Avenue in Troy, New York. There are bright spots in modern novels. Steve Jordan's works are right sized. I enjoy his works and they are one of the best deals in ebooks other than the free downloads at MobileRead.

02-01-2008, 12:50 PM	#32
HeffeD Enthusiast Posts: 35 Karma: 270 Join Date: Feb 2007 Device: Palm Z22	I don't mind a long book as long as it is long for a reason. (That sounds weird...) There are too many books in need of a good editor, as there countless pages wasted with drivel that doesn't actually help the story at all. You mean I read two chapters of background on the main characters aunt's cousin and the cousin doesn't become a character later on in the story, or in fact even influence the main character?? What's up with that? Bravo for fleshing out your characters, but how about we stick to the characters in the story? The book Eragon was like that. Yes, I know the author is very young, but that book was way to long for no reason.

02-01-2008, 12:54 PM	#33
nekokami fruminous edugeek Posts: 6,745 Karma: 551260 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northeast US Device: iPad, eBw 1150	I like books, and even sets of books (though I cringe at some series -- I think I can tell when the authors get bored and start just writing for the money). But I admit there have been some really great short stories I've read that weren't meant to be longer, and similarly some novellas that were just the right length. I can think of at least one novella that I much preferred after it was expanded into a novel, though: "Ender's Game." I read the novel first in this case, and when I read the novella years later, I was quite surprised at how flat the characterizations were. It's not that Card can't write good short fiction, either-- in the same volume in which I read "Ender's Game," I read "Teacher's Pest," which has quite strong characterization. I think in this case the story of "Ender's Game" just needed more room to tell it properly.

02-02-2008, 04:55 AM	#34
Sparrow Wizard Posts: 4,395 Karma: 1358132 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: UK Device: Palm TX, CyBook Gen3	One of the unsung benefits of ereaders is that you can solve this problem yourself. If you find a 150 page novella too short, merely increase the font size and - hey, presto - its a 500 pager you can really get your teeth into!

02-02-2008, 04:49 PM	#36
Elsi Wizard Posts: 2,366 Karma: 12000 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas, USA Device: Kindle; Sony PRS 505; Blackberry 8700C	I'm definitely a fan of novels, though I'll accept serial novellas as an alternative. I read for fun and entertainment. I hate it when I get involved and invested in characters and then the story just ends. I have to go off and make all new friends. I'm really really enjoying reading Diana Gabaldon's *Outlander* series. I think it's up to 6 books so far, each containing in excess of 900 pages. I've read the first 3 and the next two are in hand!

02-03-2008, 02:55 PM	#37
TallMomof2 Kindlephilia Posts: 2,017 Karma: 1139255 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Snowpacolypse 2010 Device: Too many to count	I read it all, short stories, novellas, novels, and series. I love series because the characters become friends and very real to me. But I love well crafted short stories and novellas because of the impact of fewer well chosen words. Just call me an omnivore.

02-08-2008, 01:59 AM	#38
drgnbear Evil alien overlord. Posts: 57 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2007 Device: Kindle	Has anyone read The Gap Cycle? Some of my favorite Sci-Fi. If Jordan is too much for you (and believe me I understand why he would be) you might like The Sword of Truth Series. Many parallels but more concise writing. with that said there are 13 books but at least it's finished LOL. Also anything by Laurel Hamilton (if you don't mind lot's of sex)

02-17-2008, 06:56 PM	#39
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,836 Karma: 146918083 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I like Kim Harrison's books.

Advert

Advert