Taking a break from short stories, I am in the midst of writing a novel. I've heard that the only difference between the two is that a novel is longer.
I couldn't disagree more. Writing a book demands tenacity and endurance. Faith and patience. Hope and letting go. A strict writing regimen.
Short stories come to me quickly. I'm in control. After every word is checked and my writing group critiques, I send the finished product out to literary journals. So far I've received gratification in a short time in the way of an acceptance. After publication, the copyright reverts to me.
Not so with my novel. It's taking an agonizing amount of time, effort and discipline. The plot changes as do the characters, without any direction from me. Suddenly a character shows up I've never met before. A new plot develops. Part of the old one gets thrown out. I don't expect gratification now or anytime soon. I am far from submitting to small presses. Far from finishing the first draft. Even further from editing and revising.
So why am I torturing myself? Because my protagonist and his tale have been following me around for decades. I cannot not squeeze his life and soul in a short story.
In the meantime, I'm furthering the story by getting out of the way and letting it happen.
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