Into the Fire

Those of you who know me well know I love long stories. In all of my years of reading I've never liked short stories. Ever. And, although of late I've read several series novellas, I definitely don't prefer them. Not taking anything away from those authors who write these enticing-for-the-busy-reader stories – because it definitely takes talent to condense a good story into something with fewer words – but if I have a strong preference, it's definitely a full-length novel.

I don't consider 60 thousand words a full-length novel. It's a minor extension of a novella. And, quite frankly, I resent the prices often charged for them in print copy and some even for electronic readers. Over-pricing is a deterrent for me. 

No one needs to tell or attempt to remind me that producing a book is pricey. I've had to do that for all of my novels. And I've diligently tried to keep the retail price low, but today's printing, cover-design, typesetting, and other costs have made that difficult for manufacturing books. 

Not to mention the competition is fierce. Traditional publishers place a huge burden on their lesser known authors to market their wares with consistent plans. The problem with marketing is that no one has truly figured out an absolutely successful marketing scheme for novels. One size does not fit all types of novels and their authors. So the indie author not only has to figure out a plan for marketing their work but foots the bill for all of it – including paying for marketing if they choose. 

One can see the reason behind writing novellas, and it's true that many readers love them because they can read those novels in a short time and move on to the next one at a reasonably quick pace in their demanding lives where free or reading time is in short supply. For the author there can be quicker production, possibly quicker returns from maintaining a flow of these shorter novels if the inspiration sets up for their continuations.

Bottom line: to each his own! 

Do you have a preference?

Father, thank you for your writers, for your inspirations, for your giving us the opportunity to write for your glory, and to keep writing stories. We're all desperate for you whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.