The Short Story Dilemma

Dilemma is the key word in this blog post.

So far in my writing career I have written mostly short stories and novellas. Is this by choice? Yes.

I like the length and while I do write full length novels, I like the fact that I don't restrict myself.

I have been given bad reviews based on length. This is something that I totally don't get. If you have something against short works, then don't buy them. Obviously you can only do so much with a limited amount of words, yet I do try to get the whole story in there the best I can.

How do you do this, some may ask? I start at the meat of the story. I like lots of conflict, that's what interests a reader. And there is nothing worst than reading something where nothing happens.

This is a partial rant because some tend to think a writer is lazy for writing shorter works. But I will tell you straight up that I put my best into ANYTHING that I write, short or long.

In the end it comes down to me and my readers. But to the people who have a gripe with length, don't buy it. It's simple. It's the same as the people who have issue with sexual content. It really is that simple.

Rant over,

Xondra

An Interview with me and Free Books on Editing Hat

http://editinghat.blogspot.com/2011/02/vivian-kees-interview-and-giveaway.html Just a reminder to check out the interview with me on, Editing Hat. We are also giving away two sets of ebooks in the Kindle format.

A New Year

It's hard to believe that it's 2011. When I think back to how the past year has flown by, it amazes me.

Last year I entered Harlequin's New Voices Contest. It was a contest to find exactly that, new authors for their many lines.

I didn't place in the top three, but I and a few others did get a mention once the contest ended along with an email to further submit three chapters direct to the editors.

After much preening on my sub, I sent it and held my breath. To me in romance, Harlequin is gold. To have them as my publisher would be a dream come true.

Today I got an email from them. My submission is being looked at and I also was given a reference number to use with any further communication. Am I one step closer? Who knows, but it was a nice feeling not to get that standard no thanks.

I guess all I can do is sit and wait. And how was your day? :)

A Christmas Giveaway

To celebrate the joy of giving, I'm giving away a copy of my e novella, A Sordid Situation.

If you want in on the drawing which will take place on December 27th, just leave a comment. A name will be drawn at random and the winner will be notified on the blog.

Merry Christmas :)

A Contest

I've decided to have a little contest to help reduce my TBR pile of books to help with my move.
Two winners will win a book, selected from my very own bookshelf. The winners will be picked randomly on September 12th.
To qualify you have to follow my blog and leave a comment. The winners will be anounced via the blog.
Books selected are new and unread :)

Only comment if you want to be included in the contest.