I don’t gravitate to short fiction either, when I’m reading as a reader.
But when I’m reading to learn about writing, short fiction is the BEST. Writing it has taught me a lot, too. Mostly how to fail faster—attempt too much, confront (lack of) plot, shifts in POV, etc.
To read for both pleasure and study, I recommend WHAT BOYS LIKE by Amy Jones for voice and TABLE FOR TWO by Amor Towles as a relatively accessible (meaning not deliberately ARTSY), straightforward, satisfying narratives.
Totally agree, and good read on the question. I also write short fiction as a way to practice the two most important skills for new writers: learning how to start and how to end. The latter is so difficult; I have a pile of hopeful story starts and worldbuilding sitting in my “WRITING” folder.
Excellent points and yes, endings are tricky. Sometimes it's helpful to take that hopeful start and write an ending you know for sure that you DON'T want. Just having something written down might give you a little insight into what you do want, enough that you can use it as a writing prompt and start exploring something closer to the right ending.
I don’t gravitate to short fiction either, when I’m reading as a reader.
But when I’m reading to learn about writing, short fiction is the BEST. Writing it has taught me a lot, too. Mostly how to fail faster—attempt too much, confront (lack of) plot, shifts in POV, etc.
To read for both pleasure and study, I recommend WHAT BOYS LIKE by Amy Jones for voice and TABLE FOR TWO by Amor Towles as a relatively accessible (meaning not deliberately ARTSY), straightforward, satisfying narratives.
GREAT answer to a question I also hear often!
Thanks so much, Marion!
Totally agree, and good read on the question. I also write short fiction as a way to practice the two most important skills for new writers: learning how to start and how to end. The latter is so difficult; I have a pile of hopeful story starts and worldbuilding sitting in my “WRITING” folder.
Excellent points and yes, endings are tricky. Sometimes it's helpful to take that hopeful start and write an ending you know for sure that you DON'T want. Just having something written down might give you a little insight into what you do want, enough that you can use it as a writing prompt and start exploring something closer to the right ending.