The Blogging from A-Z Challenge continues today. Throughout April I’m posting about my life as a writer, including my inspirations, frustrations and celebrations.
Short Stories
Since having my daughter, I started reading more short story anthologies. Short stories fit more easily into my routine than novels (plus my attention span and memory are much worse these days). I love how they pack so much emotion and tension into so few words. I listed my top 7 short stories here.
Around the same time, I started writing short stories again, and I feel that doing so has helped hone my writing skills. As with flash fiction, you have to be concise and can’t afford to waste valuable words on world-building or backstory. Writing a short story to a particular prompt and word limit is an exercise I find both challenging and enjoyable. I’m hoping to submit several more this year.
Sea of Sorrows
My short story, “Sea of Sorrows” appears in the YA romance anthology Masquerade: Oddly Suited, which comes out next Tuesday! It was one of ten winning stories selected by judges of the 2018 IWSG anthology competition. You can find out what inspired me to write it in my Story Spotlight at the IWSG anthologies blog.
Blurb
When ocean-dwelling shapeshifter Mairg is mistaken for Erik’s missing fiancée, she reluctantly agrees to help him find his love in order to protect her sisters. Erik gives her hope of a life free from killing, and she soon finds herself falling for him.
But her search for Aisla dredges up memories that Mairg’s guardian, the sea hag, would rather forget. Will Mairg fight against her own kin to save the girl Erik loves? Or will she embrace her monstrous nature and keep him for herself?
Before you go…
Do you enjoy reading or writing short stories?
Your story for the Masquerade Selection sounds enticing. I like short stories too. Especially for bedtime reading.
I’m looking forward to Masquerade. I attempt to write shorts but without success.
I enjoy writing short stories. At first, I didn’t think it was “worth my time” as a novelist, but eventually I became entranced by the way they can tell so much with so few words.
Ronel visiting with the A-Z Challenge music and writing: Something Local