Hey, hey. I have some good writing news for a change.
Writing short stories can be pretty therapeutic for me. It's a smaller challenge than a novel, but there's a disproportionatly sweet buzz to be had from nailing one. Last week I finished a story for an upcoming Maxim Jakubowski anthology. I had a blast writing this racy little tale. My good friend and first-time reader, Mike Stone, gave it the thumbs up then helped me rewrite the ending. And Mister Jakubowski liked it enough to include it! Woo hoo! It's due out in April 2010. I'll post more information as and when it becomes available, but for now; it's called Sex in the City, the city is Dublin and it's rumoured that two of my favourite writers also have stories in it. Colin Bateman and Ken Bruen.
I also got two very kind invitations to contribute to a couple of webzines this month. One's brand new and the other is a relaunch of an old classic with a worthy reputation. These short story venues will get dedicated posts in the near future.
And finally, if you'd like to read one of my brand new shorts, hop on over to Pulp Pusher and read Nothing But Time. Tell the pusher I sent you (but don't piss him off).
10 comments:
Well I hope your story has more erotic content than mine, or there'll be some disappointed readers!
Disappointed? No chance. But, yeah, mine has a fair amount of eroticism. Just enough so that I probably couldn't ever read it in front of a family member...
gb
Onwards and upwards... could it be any filthier than that rock star/groupie story you wrote.
In terms of rock stars I spent part of the evening in a bar with a few former stiffs, an outcast and a rudi at a book launch.
Tony - It might be a tad racier than HARD ROCK, to be honest.
I'll enjoy reading about your evening in the morning. About to hit the sack here.
Cheers
gb
Hi Gerard,
I’ve just read Nothing But Time over at Pulp Pusher. Congrats on a great story, very dark and atmospheric and a good read.
Also, great news on your other projects, particularly the Maxim Jakubowski anthology, which is a great achievement. I’m looking forward to reading that one.
Best Wishes.
Congrats again on an excellent sale, mate.
And nice work with the 'Nothing But Time' tale. (Well, not nice exactly, but you know what I mean). When did you write that?
Alan - Many thanks, man. Delighted that you took the time to read my Pulp Pusher debut.
Mike - Thanks, man. I wrote NBT about 6 months ago when I was having a tough time with the novel-in-progress. Left it sitting in my short story file for ages then after I finished the novel, had a wee look at it, gave it a quick edit and sent it out.
Cheers
gb
Congratulations, Gerard! Hope this has given you just the jolt you need.
There is nothing 'lesser' about the short story form. It's just that these days, they aren't as commercially sought after. But that is a purely mercantile distinction.
Anyway, I wouldn't base your writing self-worth based on what happens to you novelistically. My take on novels is that no agents want to represent anything but guaranteed bestsellers, and no publisher wants to publish anything but guaranteed bestsellers. Therefore, 'risk averse' is an understatement. All the writers who hang out around these blogs can do whatever they want as far as making realistic decisions about publishing, fame, money, etc. But they should never confuse their talent with what a currently VERY cautious publishing industry is willing to go out on a limb for. Which, again, is basically nada.
Seana - Thanks!
For the record, I don't count short fiction as 'lesser' or even easier than novel writing. But in terms of time consumption, I can write a short story I'm happy with in about two weeks (that's first to final draft). A novel usually takes me a year (based on the three and a half I've written).
But I sincerely appreciate the pep talk!
I have found that I've become very wrapped up in getting that first novel deal. Personally, I don't feel I have the right to describe myself as a 'real' writer until I've signed away my debut. Right now, I write. Hopefully, when the climate improves (or sooner if I'm very lucky -- I'm impatient as well as optimistic), I'll promote myself from 'somebody who writes' to 'writer'. Semantics, I know, but I think there's a difference.
But I'm more than happy for other people to describe me as a writer! That's their prerogative.
Have a great weekend.
gb
I get it. But as a counterpoint, I've just been noticing how the writer Alice Munro, who has a new book out that everyone seems to be buying even though it's in hardback and isn't even discounted, has been able to build a highly esteemed and commercially successful career on short story collections alone. She's the real deal, so if publishers keep wanting your stories, I'd at least try to keep that line open.
Although I must say that I would really like to read The Wee Rockets and look forward to the day that I can do so.
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