There is a trend for cross-promotion in writing for authors to share a world. On one hand, by having a common framework in stories, authors can showcase their individual talents. The most common of these would be books written around established characters such as the Star Wars or Star Trek books.

Most author groups and publishers create another world. There are established characters and a fixed location involved. Recently one of my writing groups decided to embark on such a project. I was intrigued but then I saw the word count: under 5,000 words.

Yeah, that so doesn’t fit my cranium.

The shortest story I’ve been able to write was 7K. And then I received reviews for it being too short. Apparently, I open up the possibility of too many ideas, leaving that vaguely unfinished feeling at the end of a book. Which as a reader, I hate, so I’m not surprised others feel the same way.

The irony is the story I’m currently writing was meant to be short as in 30K (or 120 manuscript pages). Instead, it’s growing like mushrooms after weeks of rain. But it is telling the story as it needs to be told. Which is the whole point about writing, isn’t it?

Ah, well. There are some really gifted short story writers out there. I just don’t happen to be one of them.

Until next time.