I rarely buy or read books of short stories, unless they are written by an author I particularly admire. I recently subscribed to website which sends stories and poems to me by email and I read a short story that was very sad and I found it very moving and memorable. I have written some short stories myself and it is not an easy task, I know. For enjoyment I would always prefer to read a full length novel, but occasionally I do find myself appreciating a well-written short story or novella.
[question posted by paid2write]
responses and comments:
i prefer reading short stories..they are crisp n enjoyable..i do read long novels smetimes but prefer to read short stories more.. [jsharriz]
Same here. I like novels but have read a few books with short stories by authors that I like or something that looks like it could be fun to read. But, I usually read novels. There is something about building a character in your mind through what is written. You get to know the characters and you feel invested in seeing them through to a resolution. I don't feel a personal adoration for the characters in short stories. [cortjo73]
I also feel I can only really get to know the characters in a novel [paid2write]
I read really fast. A shorter book (like a typical harlequin sized) I can go through in about half an hour. It's not even really worth picking up. When I'm reading I want a book that I can curl up with and escape into for a few hours a time if I can. And I like series. I like following a story through several books. [imsilver]
I have been reading series books too, it's interesting to see how characters develop and how they react in different situations [paid2write]
Novels- all the way! I love the commitment of reading a novel (sounds strange I know) and I like how the characters develop and grow on you over the course of the novel. Also love complex storylines that are difficult to weave into a short story. [greentfv]
I agree the novel can have much more complex plotting than a short story [paid2write]
i love reading long novels because its so hard to put down ! the last novel that i read was harry potter and the deathly hallows , i couldnt put it down for a second because every chapter was so suspence that i had to continue reading it . some parts made me cry so much , and some scenes i cannot forget ! its a gripping book that makes you read more and more . the ending had me think a little , but its a really good book ! i loved it . [Pequenitah]
When I liked the synopsis and plot of a story, I'll definitely buy it. I'm a novel addict. I don't know but I find myself really amused when I am reading novels. Short stories makes me kind of want more, but like you, paid2write, I occasionally appreciate a short story. If it is interesting enough, then it is worth appreciating. Yes, writing short stories is not an easy task too. Though novel-writing is quite consuming and difficult, short story writing is difficult in the same manner. You could write everything you want in a novel as long as it is related and it will make the story good. But, when it comes to short stories, you should tell a whole story limitedly. I think that is very difficult. [cr0ssf41r13]
I don't like short stories that much myself. I prefer long series myself lol. I like books that dive into something imaginary. [Shawchert]
I do read short stories but i prefer long novels. I feel every situations, every minute of intense setting and conversation. I just love it especially the feeling when it's ending. [lynchariz]
I normally prefer short stories. Reading long novel make me tense. [shalom123]
I don't prefer one of the other but I do read many short stories. THey can be refreshing, and as interesting as a longer one. Actually I admire an author that can create a good short story since there is not much "space" to explain every thing:) SOme authors are very good at it, and I tend to look for them. BY the same token a long story doesn't have to be better or even good just because it's longer LOL [arkaf61]
paid2write you are so right! I keep trying to remind people that quantity does not have to equate quality :) mEisky I love to write as well, and it's true that it's very rewarding:) [arkaf61]
I tend to read short stories more than a novel because I don't want to sit and read for long hours. I have other things to do. [clowdine]
I love a full length novel, but its got to be a good one, to hold my interest! Some short stories are ok, I usually read anything thats readable! I do have my favourite authors though that I like to wait for to bring a new book out. [gemini_rose]
in my opinion,it seems difficult to extend the plot entirely with short length. hence i prefer to read long stories with integrated plot and full characters. i read short stories once in a while for fun or time killing. but i find it painful to read some short stories which end in a hurry while i expect to read more. [sophialin]
I'd love to know the site your talking about. I'm an avid reader and devour books at a quick pace. I have to be in the mood for a really long one or for the really short ones. I like a medium length one or one that has longer than average short stories in them. I also like to re-read them over and over. I always find new things in them. **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~ [twoey68]
The site that sent me the story was http://www.authspot.com/ They send poetry and prose, or you can read them on the website. [paid2write]
it doesnt really matter. whats matters most is if its interesting then im going to invest my time in it no matter how long it is or how short. i just have to see to it that the time ive spent worth the stories or vice versa [chubibo]
That's a good way of looking at it. If something is worth reading it is worth spending time on but if it's not that interesting it's not worth the time. If a book is not that good I won't finish it, same with a short story. [paid2write]
I prefer to read novels, not sure what you classify as a "long" novel, but I prefer something that is around 300 to 500 pages long, but I will not stick to that religiously. I love the Harry Potter books and a few of them were longer than 500 pages. I must start reading again. [Elixiress]
I would call a book with less than 300 pages a short novel, I prefer novels to be at least 400 to 500 pages. I can enjoy reading a much longer novel, if it is well written, I am reading one of 800 pages right now. [paid2write]
Short stories are great. They don't eat up much time but offer quality content. Novels take a lot of time to finish but the feeling is very satisfying after reading it. I guess, for me, it depends on how much time I have. I enjoy reading. So far I finished a few novels by Nicolas Sparks and Paulo Coelho. I've read more novels than short stories. ^^ [selece]
Yes, I can see that if you don't have a lot of time for reading, short stories would be a good read in a short time. [paid2write]
Both is okay for me. Short stories are good for my students, in which as a teacher I need to read it first. Novels are quiet long that sometimes, I forgot to finish because its too long. Hahahahah Take care =) [leateagee]
Yes, I think for students it is often a good introduction to a writer to read some short stories rather than start with a full length novel. [paid2write]
I enjoy both. A well written short story is as good as a novel . [naseeha]
I'm pleased to know you enjoy reading both naseeha. [paid2write]
I prefer the short ones because they are straight forward with the content .There is no unnecessary build up in them.Moreover I dont find enough time to spend for reading long stories. [bhaskarsrkr]
I'm glad you have time to enjoy reading short stories bhaskarsrkr [paid2write]
Dear friend,rolleyes I do read books which are less to read, and rarely I do read, I do like comics and magazines that too good magazines like technology informations, styles, fashions, sports, news, entertainments, jokes mainly these kinds. Novels I just do not find any patience for complete reading hence I just want to know it in nutshell may be as a capsule mode. Short stories I rarely read. Mostly I like good novels knows its content breifly. I do read lot in the websites in internet. Mostly compared to novels I prefer short stories. But if it is not boring both I would like to know briefly.lol [SHAMRACK]
You can get good information from magazines and the internet. I read books because I enjoy good novels, but I learn a lot from things I read on the internet. [paid2write]
Hi There, I really sish I had more time to read and write as I do love it. I get so busy however that I rearly get time to read for pleasure as much as I would like to. However, I still manage to get a little time each night before I drift off to sleep. I tend to like to read long novels and just chip away at them over time. I have never been a fan of short stories. cheers, [golfproo]
I'm glad you manage to find a little time for reading each night anyway. Cheers. [paid2write]
During my college days i used to read novels and i am fan of Jeffery Archer.. but soon i learnt that his style of writing was beginning to get imprinted in my minds.. and so stopped reading novels from there on.. But now, if at all my mood seeks to read.. then i seek refuge in reading the shakespear plays, and poems by Wordsworth, Shelley and W.B yeats.. Reading the works of these Masters, gives some sort of relief to the mind when it is tantalised. Take care friend. [saivenkaat802003]
You have made an excellent choice of reading in the plays of Shakespeare and the works of the great poets. [paid2write]
I am like you - I only read short stories from authors that I have enjoyed previously. A perffect example is Jeffrey Archer. He has many excellent novels but also has two excellent collections of short stories. [sandyrusty]
I highly recommend him if you are looking for a new author to read. I think he has about ten books all told. [sandyrusty]
hey paid2write I like to read short stories instead of long stories or novel. Reading novel is boring. I prefer to read short stories pkc3000 [pkc3000]
I would not read a novel if I found it boring. Luckily I read many that are not. I often find short stories boring which is why I don't read them. I think it is just a matter of personal preference. [paid2write]
If I were to be given the choice I would take the book every time...I often read the short stories in the mags etc..but they only keep me going for a couple of minutes..so I much prefer something to get my teeeth into...but nothing too heavt ..just a little bit of light reading here for me...Mum was once totally convinced that she had dementia setting in...so she went to the library and took a book out all about King henry the eighth and his six wives ..well she read it through and through and every chapter she read she kept me up to dAte with...but lol bless her heart it was so boring !!!..but at least it convinced her tat she didnt have dementia!! [ruby222]
That is so true and she does very very well in keeping up with her brain training...at the moment she is into Sudoku... [ruby222]
I read short stories and I also read long novels. As for a short stories, it's much easier to read as you can go cover to cover in a day or couple of hours.. but in novels it takes me some days to finished it all, sometimes I read until the morning if I am so engrossed by the novel. I don't mind not sleeping at all but to finish it as not to let my mind wondering. [ksha777]
It's nice to know you enjoy reading both. I like novels that take me days to read so I can enjoy them for longer! [paid2write]
It depends on. Most of the time,I prefer long novels,if the book is very good. But sometimes I also enjoy short stories. [busy_lizzie]
It's good to know you can enjoy reading both. [paid2write]
hi, i like short stories because i will finish reading it soon. whereas long stories take hours to finish it some times days and if we miss one part it will be so difficult to understand the content. anyway have happy myloting. best of luck. [ameenp]
I also have written some short stories in my time in the student publication. Of course, I would love reading other short stories written by my colleagues and writers from other school too. But like, I don't buy books of short stories. If I would buy a book, it would be a novel. I don't know that there is a site like that. Is that for free? Have a nice day!happy [richiem]
I would also read short stories in a magazine or publication if I knoew who they were written by. The site which sent me the story was authspot - it's one of the Triond sites. If you submit to triond.com you can get a share of ad revenue, but like Helium articles you need to promote your work too. [paid2write]
i like stories that are not long and will be easy to read for an hour or two [asawanialvin0611]
I am pleased to know you enjoy reading stories. [paid2write]
Like you, I don't generally care for short stories unless they're written by an author I really like. I enjoy full novels but usually not over 400 pages because I don't have enough time to read it. [brimia]
I do understand that the amount of time you have for reading can influence your choice of novels. [paid2write]
I like longer novels better because they keep my attention longer. When I'm through within half an hour I don't feel like reading it in the first place, I'm not sure why but the forthsight that it will take me longer is somehow comforting to me. I like to lie down with a good book knowing there will be pages and pages of interesting, humourous or scary stories in there. Occasionaly I will get a book bundled with short stories but I do prefer the longer novels. [cyberfluf]
I agree with you that starting to read a good long novel means you know there are many hours of enjoyment to come. [paid2write]
I prefer mostly to read short stories rather than novels. As, novels consumes much time and it prolongs the matter which we want. [nareshreddy68]
I do see your reason, but sometimes I enjoy a good long novel so much I don't want it to end. When I read a short story it ends too soon for me. [paid2write]
Novels. More depth of characters and better plot development so a longer storyline is more satisfying. [thelastwolf113]
That is true. I don't get the same feeling of satisfaction from reading a short story as I do from a good long novel. [paid2write]
Just like you, I buy only long novels. And I mostly read long ones. I rarely read short ones. But now I think I have to change a little bit since I don't want to miss any good writings. And I do want to write stories for children. I believe children should have as many good stories books as possible which paint their childhood so colorful and beautiful. But just as you mentioned, writing stories is not an easy task and I haven't finished one yet! Oh, MY! I hope there will be one in the near future! [leealice67]
I think you should have a go at writing for children. It is important for them to read good stories and they don't need to be long ones, just long enough to keep their interest and make them want to keep reading to the end. Of course J. K. Rowling has proved that children can and will read long novels too! I wish you success with your writing. Don't give up trying and maybe you can get them published soon. cool [paid2write]
I have downloaded a lot of books from the internet. I do like to read short stories but I think short stories should have a compelling start so that it engages the readers. I am working on a few short stories. Do tell tme about the sites who sends you short stories and poems. I am a fan of robert browning and jane austen. I love "The Road not Taken " and "PRIDE AND PREJUCDICE". I also compose poems myself but they are still on the intermediate stage. Right now I am reading "sense and sensibility" it is also quite interesting. I loved pygmalion. I am thinking about reading les miserables by victor hugo. [teenwriter]
Yes, it's important for a short story to take hold of the reader's interest within the first few lines. The site that sends me poems and stories is authspot.com, and you can have your poetry and stories published on the site if you submit them to http://www.triond.com I have published some articles and poems and I earn a little money from Triond. [paid2write]
hi, I visited the site you suggested yesterday. The site is really good. I also want to read your articles and short stories on triond. Do you have the same username i.e paid2write over there too. I like to read fan fiction as well. I have written some myself. What is your opinion about writing fan fiction? Tell me if you have written any. Also tell me if you write reviews and whether reviewstream.com is good or not. Also let me know about the latest book you have read. [teenwriter]
I write at Triond as Ruth B You can find links to some of my articles on my profile page here I don't know any fan fiction I write reviews for SharedReviews I recently read A Maggot by John Fowles [paid2write]
I have added you as a friend on triond. I am looking out for your stories too. I don't know how to start a discussion on mylot. I have added some pics on mylot please go and check them out. I am rading a great short story "someone" on authspot.com. The story is really interesting and well written. The description is lively and beautiful. I am going to add more interests. It feels really great to be on mylot. [teenwriter]
Hi P2W, I read both. Over the last few years I have read some good short stories: Paolo Coelho's The Alchemist; Mr. Abraham and The Flowers of the Koran; Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morries & The Five People You Meet When you Get to Heaven. I have not read any true "short" short stories since I read Somerset Maugham. The longer novels I have read recently include: The Master & Margerita; The Kite Flyer; and Middlesex. Have a good weekend. UMart [umart13]
Yes agreed! It was a great book. It just took me ages to get through, as if every page was filled with details on medical conditions and other things. I am glad I stuck to it and finished it. [umart13]
I'd rather read novels than short stories. A lot of short stories that I have read were reading requirements for school. I couldn't figure out the "meaning" of the plot or the symbolisms. The last short story that I read was "The Mist" by Stephen King. It was interesting enough for me to completely read it. A lot of times, I don't finish reading a short story. I have read different kinds of novels: historical romance; settings in Amish country; science-fiction, etc. I also like to read biographical books. Pretty soon, I'll be reading textbooks and they are the least of my favorites.blink [bluerubymoon53]
I enjoy reading biographical books too. Good luck with the textbooks, I hope you do well with your studies. [paid2write]