Do you like short stories?
When it comes to writers, it seems like they either go long, or go short. It's rare you have someone who's mastered the art of the short story and the full length novel.
I was always a long distance writer, but could totally appreciate the short story. About 8 years ago I was introduced to flash fiction. (Stories that are 100 to 1000 words long--a paragraph to 2.5 pages.) I was fascinated. It was also my gateway drug to the short story realm.
Fast forward a bit... This year I'm contributing to my 7th and 8th anthologies--one of which I'm super excited to introduce today! (Click on the BOOKS to see the other publications.)
Anthology #7 is one most of you have probably seen about the interwebs, but if not, here it is:
The competition was stiff to get into this anthology, and only 10 pieces were accepted. We (the 10 authors) have started a blog all about the awesomeness of speculative fiction. (Check it out!) We'll be participating in the A to Z Challenge there and may just blow your mind. (In a good way.)
For fun, I thought I'd share a teaser here today from my contribution:
Every day I look into the eyes of a stone-cold killer. Sometimes he’s straightening his tux bowtie before a fancy shin-dig. Sometimes he’s grinning madly while brandishing a knife. Sometimes he’s spattered in blood.
The point is, it’s my job to look into his eyes, day after day, unable to raise the alarm or warn his victims—like the middle aged woman he’s just finished off—because I inhabit the world on the other side of the mirror.
I’m Jak Ralston’s reverse identity, also known as Jak Ralston. His prisoner.
He wipes his blade clean having already sheared off his trophy, a finger, and turns away from the mirror to the mess of a hotel room. I relax. My shoulders ache from the tension. He is always intense. Always serious. Always angry. But not the explosive kind of angry, the cool, I’m-going-to-rip-your-eyeballs-out-in-your-sleep kind of angry (while he tells you how lovely you look in gray). He’s calculating. Terrifying.
I stand on the other side of the mirror, mimicking his movements like my life depends on it, because it does. Mr. Murder is my twid (twin identity), me in another realm, and if I break from being his reflection while anyone is watching (including him), we’ll both keel over and die. No matter how much I despise him, I’m not ready to die—like Susan, the mirror woman he’s just murdered in my realm. Facing her now, it’s all I can do not to slam my fists into the mirror and scream, but destroying myself won’t bring her back...
When it comes to writers, it seems like they either go long, or go short. It's rare you have someone who's mastered the art of the short story and the full length novel.
I was always a long distance writer, but could totally appreciate the short story. About 8 years ago I was introduced to flash fiction. (Stories that are 100 to 1000 words long--a paragraph to 2.5 pages.) I was fascinated. It was also my gateway drug to the short story realm.
Fast forward a bit... This year I'm contributing to my 7th and 8th anthologies--one of which I'm super excited to introduce today! (Click on the BOOKS to see the other publications.)
Anthology #7 is one most of you have probably seen about the interwebs, but if not, here it is:
The competition was stiff to get into this anthology, and only 10 pieces were accepted. We (the 10 authors) have started a blog all about the awesomeness of speculative fiction. (Check it out!) We'll be participating in the A to Z Challenge there and may just blow your mind. (In a good way.)
For fun, I thought I'd share a teaser here today from my contribution:
The Mirror People
We think no one is watching behind closed doors, but what if they are? Meet the Mirror People.
Excerpt:
The point is, it’s my job to look into his eyes, day after day, unable to raise the alarm or warn his victims—like the middle aged woman he’s just finished off—because I inhabit the world on the other side of the mirror.
I’m Jak Ralston’s reverse identity, also known as Jak Ralston. His prisoner.
He wipes his blade clean having already sheared off his trophy, a finger, and turns away from the mirror to the mess of a hotel room. I relax. My shoulders ache from the tension. He is always intense. Always serious. Always angry. But not the explosive kind of angry, the cool, I’m-going-to-rip-your-eyeballs-out-in-your-sleep kind of angry (while he tells you how lovely you look in gray). He’s calculating. Terrifying.
I stand on the other side of the mirror, mimicking his movements like my life depends on it, because it does. Mr. Murder is my twid (twin identity), me in another realm, and if I break from being his reflection while anyone is watching (including him), we’ll both keel over and die. No matter how much I despise him, I’m not ready to die—like Susan, the mirror woman he’s just murdered in my realm. Facing her now, it’s all I can do not to slam my fists into the mirror and scream, but destroying myself won’t bring her back...
Coming May 3, 2016
Preorder HERE
1. I’ve climbed to the top of the Sidney Australia Bridge.
2. Took my son on his first deer hunt. He shot a big buck and I did a controlled slide with a rope to lower the big deer over a 40 foot shale drop off because my son was afraid the antlers would break if we let it roll.
The lie: #3. Alysia likes hiking but prefers warm weather--and she doesn't want to hike anything that steep.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
Now let's award a WINNER!
Last week Alysia S. Knight shared with us AURORA RISING, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook AND a super cool bookmark.
The Game:
Last week Alysia S. Knight shared with us AURORA RISING, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook AND a super cool bookmark.
The Game:
1. I’ve climbed to the top of the Sidney Australia Bridge.
2. Took my son on his first deer hunt. He shot a big buck and I did a controlled slide with a rope to lower the big deer over a 40 foot shale drop off because my son was afraid the antlers would break if we let it roll.
3. I’m preparing to climb Denali.
The lie: #3. Alysia likes hiking but prefers warm weather--and she doesn't want to hike anything that steep.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
And that's it for this week. There will be another fun Truth or Lie game next week for super cool prizes. Go check out the Parellels blog eh? Or order yourself an awesome anthology.
Do you read short stories? When was the last time you read an anthology?
Do you read short stories? When was the last time you read an anthology?
I've never really been able to master the short story. Several of my attempts to write one have turned into a novel.
ReplyDeleteYour contribution to the anthology sounds awesome! Can't wait to check out the whole thing.
I completely understand. For the longest time I couldn't write that tight either.
DeleteI admire people who can write short stories because so much has to be done in so few words. Congrats on getting your story in an anthology. It sounds awesome from what you've shared.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in Flash Fiction! I think that was the key to mastering short stories--learning the key elements by being limited on the word count.
DeleteThanks, Natalie.
You already know how much I enjoy writing flash fiction. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Mirror People sounds terrifying!
It's definitely intense--not anything I would have imagined myself writing.
DeleteI love anthologies because you can get through a story quickly, but sometimes you want certain stories to be longer. Congrats on getting your story in the anthology!
ReplyDeleteIt's true. I've read several short stories that I wished continued on, but then I suppose I wouldn't call them complete because a true short story ties up it's ends.
DeleteOMGosh, Crystal. That sounds REALLY, really scary. Good job! :)
ReplyDeleteI do dabble in thrillers occasionally. Have you met the Soulless? Jak is rather tame in comparrison.
DeleteOoh I love the excerpt!! So creepy it gave me chills. I can't wait to read the whole thing. And what a great idea you guys have with the Anthology blog. I have no doubt all of the stories in the collection will be awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. From all I've read, this will definitely be an anthology worth owning.
DeleteNow that sounds intriguing! I do actually write short stories and novel length pieces but I haven't tried flash fiction. I think this might just be a bit short for me. Wishing you luck with the anthology.
ReplyDeleteThat how I felt about flash fiction initially too, but it really forces you to focus on the prime aspects of your story, thus strengthening your grasp of core elements.
DeleteI don't usually like short stories aside from The Yellow Wallpaper. I just finished The Weather in Africa which is three short stories and they were just okay. Partly because all three stories were really depressing.
ReplyDeleteI hate depressing stories, but I enjoyed The Yellow Wallpaper. Had to read it for a college course and the slow dive into insanity was fascinating.
DeleteCongratulations to Christine and to you for getting in the anthology. That was some fierce competition.
ReplyDeleteI like shorts and longs. Shorts are great snacks.
Thanks, woman!
DeleteOf course you appreciate both realms because you rock them both!
I like some anthologies, whether poetry or prose. I'm a bit of a binge reader, so anthologies help me keep my habit under control, so to speak. Okay, so that's a fib... I still end up reading the whole book in one fell swoop, but the point is, I COULD theoretically only read a single story at a time and then put the book down... if I wanted to... which I don't.
ReplyDeleteOne good thing about anthologies is it gives readers an opportunity to sample works by multiple writers. If they like a particular writer's story, they can follow up by looking for more of her work.
Your excerpt is fantabulous! Can't wait to read the whole thing. And the whole book...
LOL! You're a woman after my own heart. Sometimes my husband hates books, because he loses me.
DeleteI've definitely met some authors I love through anthologies.
*blushes* I can't wait for you to read the rest. It's an epic story if I do say so myself.
I love doing flash fiction and I have a few short stories.
ReplyDeleteYour excerpt was awesome. I love the concept and the fact there's a serial killer.
Right? I'm not sure how much I like the serial killer. He forced me into some pretty stomach-turning research. I tell you what, these are some eyes that will never close quite as soundly again.
DeleteI haven't tried to write short stories but I have learned to love reading them. They're great for reading on the exercise bike.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Although I like tha longer ones while working out. That's how I keep myself motivated. I'm allowed to read as long as I'm exercising.
DeleteI don't often read anthologies, but I will admit your excerpt has me curious!
ReplyDeleteBecause it's awesome! (No insecurities here, eh?) Believe me when I say this will be an anthology not to pass on.
DeleteI'm a flash fiction junkie!
ReplyDeleteThe Parallels Blog is a smart initiative.
Right? Thanks to the brainiacs who thought it up! (I wasn't one of them, but I'll gladly contribute.)
DeleteI love reading short stories of all lengths. ^_^ I can write them if I focus, but I don't get the same enjoyment out of it.
ReplyDeleteThis my favorite line! "Always angry. But not the explosive kind of angry, the cool, I’m-going-to-rip-your-eyeballs-out-in-your-sleep kind of angry (while he tells you how lovely you look in gray)." LOVE it!! ^_^
I can understand that. If you're going to develop a character and world, you want to live in it for a satisfying amout of time.
DeleteYay! So glad you got a kick out of the humor.
Cool story! I especially like the part about him wanting to hit the mirror and scream; it really captured how he felt at that moment. As far as other short stories go, I like Jhumpa Lahiri's stories, especially Interpreter of Maladies.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations on the anthologies! That's awesome!
Huh. I've never heard of Lahiri. I'll have to go searching....
DeleteI do read and write short stories, though not near as much as I used to. I also enjoy a good flash fiction contest every now and again. I just don't have the time I used to. Maybe when the kids get older I can get back into the short game.
ReplyDeleteLoved the beginning of Mirror People!
Thanks! I hear you about the kids. They definitely take a significant emotional/mental toll, but they're totally worth it.
DeleteI love reading short stories because sometimes all I want is a short repreieve...to read for an hour and finish a story. You can't do that with a novel. Or, at least, I can't. That's why I think anthologies are great. They're like goody bags. :D
ReplyDeleteThat was an awesome excerpt! I want to read more!
Yay! I'm so glad. I get what you're saying completely.
DeleteI love reading short stories because sometimes all I want is a short repreieve...to read for an hour and finish a story. You can't do that with a novel. Or, at least, I can't. That's why I think anthologies are great. They're like goody bags. :D
ReplyDeleteThat was an awesome excerpt! I want to read more!
Looking forward to the anthology. It sounds delightful!
ReplyDeleteI'm all across the board with both reading and writing. My passion lies in my big books which are over 150K. But I've written short stories for anthologies and a novella. My husband said I could've extended the novella, but I said no, I know I can write long. I wanted to prove I could keep it short too.
Yup. My hubby wants me to expand this one into a novel. I could do it, but do I really want to?
DeleteI learned about flash fiction a couple of years ago and I love it!
ReplyDeleteYour excerpt is great! Really makes me want to keep reading!
Awesome. Flash fiction is epic, eh? I seriously adore the stuff.
DeleteLove the beginning of the story. Great concept! I have mixed feelings about anthologies because often the stories are such a mixed bag.
ReplyDeleteIt's true. You never know what you're going to get when you throw a bunch of authors together under the same theme.
DeleteIntriguing story, good job! While I love reading short stories, I think my writing skills tend toward longer stories. But you never know. I might surprise myself someday.
ReplyDeleteYou might. I never thought I'd be doing short stories, but lo and behold.
DeleteCongratulations on being included in the anthology! I like both long and short stories, but if I had to choose, I guess I prefer settling down on a chilly evening with a longer book. Happy Wednesday! :)
ReplyDeleteUnderstandably. It's fun to have the time and be deeply invested in characters.
DeleteShort stories can be fun to write. I've been in several anthologies, but don't think I've master them yet. Congrats, Crystal!
ReplyDeleteLOL. What is mastery, eh?
DeleteHi Crystal, thanks for your comment on my blog! This excerpt sounds terrifying. Jak is a dangerous fellow. I like the idea of an anthology, but like some authors here, I don't know if I would be able to keep the momentum going.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand. It wasn't until my debut novel was published that I started going for anthologies--not because I was any better a writer, but because I suddenly had confidence in my story skills. I think that's the key.
DeleteCool! I'm very much the same way. I definitely prefer to write novels, but flash fiction really got me to appreciate short stories:)
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. I didn't read short stories much until I met flash fiction.
DeleteOoo, I loved your excerpt, Crystal! I read more novels than short stories, but I have written way more short stories than novels so far.
ReplyDeleteRight? Actually, if you don't count flash fiction, I've written more novels than short stories, but my flash fiction outnumbers both.
DeleteI like anthologies, but I agree with you it does take a certain talent to write a short story and still make it as entertaining as a full length novel.
ReplyDeleteIt has to have a certain symmetry and if it doesn't, it's so disappointing.
DeleteHave to admit that I rarely read short stories or anthologies. I generally prefer the longer stories, but The Mirror People sounds fabulous!! Love the concept :)
ReplyDeleteAhhh. Thanks. I usually read anthologies when they're free or someone asks me to review it. There are a number out there to support good causes though and I think that's the best motivation to buy a book.
DeleteWow on the excerpt, Crystal. Fabulous. I love your writing. It's powerful and entertaining. Short story writing is the same as other writing in one way. You have to revise (I guess you can tell I'm in revision mode). But I do agree. It takes a special kind of writer to pull off the short story. The anthology blog is genius, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could claim credit, but it was one of the other brilliant minds that came up with the idea of an anthology blog.
DeleteWishing you the best in revisions! I'm there too with TIMELESS. (Of course, that's my favorite place to be--revising. It's so fun to see all the elements become epic.)
Loved the excerpt, Crystal. That Jak is super evil! Scary dude! Mastering the short story is not as easy as some people think. I've been publishing shorts for sometime, but mastering a full-length takes you into a whole new ballgame. The new anthology looks awesome. Can't wait to read the stories.
ReplyDeleteDenise :-)
Thanks, Denise. Jak is definitely not someone you want to meet in a dark ally, or on a dance floor for that matter.
DeleteI hear you about full length novels. As with anything, the more you do it, the better you become. It just takes longer to master the novel realm.
Intriguing excerpt. Makes me wonder what that mirror world is like beyond the window of the mirror, and how it can interact with our world.
ReplyDeleteI'm very much a novel person. Not into shorts. I like to write like I paint - on a broad canvas without those constraints.
It's a fun concept, eh? I spent a good week or two just figuring out all the rules.
DeleteAnd you do the novel world justice, so we'll take it. Paint on, great master.
I'll read a short story if one presents itself at the right time. But they usually feel too short to me.
ReplyDeleteUnderstandably. Sometimes they actually feel too long to me. There's something about the 20 to 40 page length that just makes me cringe.
DeleteThis is an extremely interesting premise for a story...lately I am enjoying more short stories as that what I have time for.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for making it into one of the ten writers, that's exciting Crystal xox ♡
You should try taking a book with you while walking, eh? ;)
DeleteThanks so much, Launna.
Wow, your piece is extremely powerful. I'm looking forward to reading the rest. I hope the competition was steep, or I'll feel like a big loser for not being accepted. :) I was a little heartbroken, not going to lie.
ReplyDeleteThe last collection of short stories I read was Stephen King's Bazaar of Bad Dreams, which I found very disappointing. I have nothing against short stories, but usually I like them to be authored by someone whose work I already love.
I'm sorry. =( This piece was one that wrote itself. When I sat back and looked at it, I was rather blown away. Sometimes writing takes on its own life eh, and that's when you know you have magic on your hands.
DeleteI'm just going to point out one issue with that collection you read: Stephen King. No offence to the guy. He sells like crazy which is awesome, but I've never been particularly impressed with his storytelling.
No need to apologize! I'm very happy you won. It was great to see so many people I know on the list.
DeleteI usually love King's storytelling, but I really get the sense he's phoning it in these days. I wish he'd put more time and effort into it, or just stop.
That's a chilling excerpt. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteShort stories are out of my league. I think long stories are much easier to write.
Hope you're well, Crystal.
Thanks. It gets better. Believe me.
DeleteI shared your opinion once upon a time. Give it ten years and we'll see if you feel the same. ;)
Congrats on the anthology! I really enjoy short stories but I must admit I rarely pick them up, for no good reason.
ReplyDeleteBecause you have WAY TOO MANY NOVELS TO READ. Like me. =D I do occasionally shove the novels aside for something shorter though.
DeleteI do love writing short stories. I've written two novels that are in editing, but I admit to being distracted by the fun I've had with the short stories. Your piece sounds amazing! And congrats to Christine!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shannon. You are the queen of short stories. I'm betting my short story telling pales in comparison to yours.
DeleteCongrats on getting in the IWSG anthology (and all the other ones too)! It's funny but I'd have thought you'd write something fantasy or paranormal and wouldn't have picked you as the one who'd write about a serial killer. Surprise! lol
ReplyDeleteLOL! I do write fantasy and paranormal. And dark comedy. And inspirational pieces. And poetry. And sci-fi. And historical. And sub-genres of romance.
DeleteWhy not try them all, eh? But no, I don't usually write about serial killers. In fact, in all my millions of words, I've only ever penned out two of them and the other one has great motivations for her depravity.
I too like them to be short now. Maybe my days of reading big fat books are over.
ReplyDeleteA good suspense filled short story is what I look forward to now.
I can understand that. Attention spans are shrinking in general if you ask me.
DeleteShort stories are fun. I really enjoyed The Mirror People and know readers will, too.
ReplyDelete*super grin*
DeleteCongrats on the anthology! I'm so excited to get my hands on it. Your teaser is amazing. Congrats, Christine too! As to shorts, they're nice to throw in between novels every now and then...sometimes it's great to dive into something which doesn't take several hours.
ReplyDelete*blushes* Jak really does have a compelling conflict, eh?
DeleteI agree. Maybe that's why I love flash fiction so much. A piece can be polished and perfect within a couple days. There's such a sense of accomplishment with completing a work.
I like short stories! I've written 3 so far, and I'm working on my fourth right now. It takes me along to write a book, so the gratification of writing something and getting it revised in a short amount of time is pretty addicting. =)
ReplyDeleteI'll second that.
DeleteOoooh! Your story sounds enticingly spooky. Congratulations on having your story in the anthology. I am so looking forward to reading them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beverly!
DeleteYay! Thank you so much! And congratulations on the anthology. I used to think I could only write novels, but I've learned so much by writing short stories. It's only in the past few years that I've enjoyed reading more anthologies. It's a different sort of crafting skill you need for shorter works and I appreciate all the hard work that goes into them now.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. If you can learn the art of the short story, you've learned the art of the captivating chapter. If we fashion each chapter like you would a short story, readers will eat it up.
DeleteI'm definitely better at short stories. It must be the editor in me!
ReplyDeleteLOL. That makes sense. I edit the heck out of things too.
DeleteI enjoy a good short story and I appreciate them because they're not easy to write. I'm so excited about this new anthology and want to read what you guys have put together.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely going to be awesome.
DeleteI love short stories. I used to write them all the time and have had about 20 published, but I stopped writing them when I started getting serious about novel writing. Congratulations on the anthology. It's always so exciting to get a copy of a book with your own story in it.
ReplyDeleteNovel writing definitely takes a ton of time. I think it's easier to go from short story to novel rather than the other way around.
DeleteThat is so terrific that your piece got accepted for the anthology. I can't wait to read the 10 stories! I write shorter stories. I'm going to attempt a long one. We'll see how it goes. I always enjoy reading your work. You're really a talented writer!
ReplyDeleteGlad I popped by today. I love the excerpt. Writing short stories have some appeal to me, and I've recently realized that that is really what a chapter is, duh. I've started going about a longer piece with this in mind. We'll see how that goes! If I could only take a poetry writing break long enough...
ReplyDeleteso exciting and I can't wait to read!! And I love short stories!
ReplyDeleteI love a good short story, though I've always struggled with writing my own stand-alones. All my short stories and pieces of flash have to feature pre-existing characters. My third- and fourth-favorite writers are Chekhov and Turgenev, who wrote a lot of short stories.
ReplyDeleteI have a problem writing long. As I typed my entry for this anthology contest, I had to keep an eye on the word count and then snip, snip, snip when I was done.
ReplyDeleteI read The Mirror People and loved it! I used to think I couldn't write a short story to save my life. In college I took classes where I had to write short stories, but my professors all said they were paced more like novels. It wasn't until recently that I got the hang of it.
ReplyDeleteThe Mirror People sounds like a great story! What a great tease that was, Crystal and I bet it was a fun plot to write too. I love to get inside the heads of twisted characters minds and play around.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to think we've mastered both the full length novel and the short story. We just don't write a lot of short stories because there's not a big market for short story collections (note: not talking about anthologies with multiple contributors like Parallels) unless you have a big name behind you.
ReplyDeleteCheers to your contribution, and what a great excerpt! Like Elsie above said, there's nothing more fun than getting into the head of a deranged killer. Jak is every bit as intriguing as he is terrifying.
The Mirror People is definitely intriguing. I like short stories more and more the older I get. :) Congratulations on being selected for the anthology!
ReplyDeleteOog. I lost a lot of time trying to do short stories, thinking that was how to get started with getting my stuff published. I had one success, but it's really hard for me to think of something that fits into a few thousand words. I never feel like I have enough room to tell the story. >_<
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Christine. I pre-ordered the anthology. I can't wait to read it. I've been writing more short stories lately, even though I used to think I could only write long.
ReplyDeleteI practiced most of the craft on shorts first and then moved on to longer works. It took a while. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I quite enjoy anthologies. Both the writing and the reading of them. Your Mirror story sounds awesome!!!!! Congratulations on getting in!
ReplyDeleteOooh, what a creepy story! Very intriguing. I actually like anthologies, though I haven't read many. Flashfic is cool! Congrats on getting into this anthology!
ReplyDelete