Interviewing Short Story Writers
Alice Munro’s winning the 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature brought
notice to the thriving short fiction community. Due to electronic publishing
and online markets, the opportunities for placing short stories have
multiplied. Authors are encouraged to write stories involving recurring
characters in order to keep readers satisfied while waiting for the next book’s
release.
notice to the thriving short fiction community. Due to electronic publishing
and online markets, the opportunities for placing short stories have
multiplied. Authors are encouraged to write stories involving recurring
characters in order to keep readers satisfied while waiting for the next book’s
release.
Consider Robert Dugoni. He became a New York
Times bestselling novelist writing about David Sloane, the lawyer who cannot
lose, featured in five novels, The Jury
Master, Wrongful Death, Bodily Harm, Murder One, and The
Conviction. Robert’s new protagonist
is former teacher and current homicide cop Tracy Crosswhite who appears in My Sister’s Grave and Her Final Breath, which debuted in
September. Prior to the release of each Tracy Crosswhite novel, Robert
published short stories about the character as Kindle shorts. In “The Academy,”
Tracy makes the transition from being a teacher to law enforcement trainee. She
encounters resistance from patronizing detective Johnny Nolasco, who she
continues to contend with in the novels. She also has an opportunity to
demonstrate her shooting skills and people managing capabilities. In “Third
Watch,” Tracy has joined the force and finds herself alone responding to a
critical situation. Robert bases both of his shorts in a time period prior to
Tracy’s novels so he can allude to what she has to face without having to work
around “spoilers.”
Times bestselling novelist writing about David Sloane, the lawyer who cannot
lose, featured in five novels, The Jury
Master, Wrongful Death, Bodily Harm, Murder One, and The
Conviction. Robert’s new protagonist
is former teacher and current homicide cop Tracy Crosswhite who appears in My Sister’s Grave and Her Final Breath, which debuted in
September. Prior to the release of each Tracy Crosswhite novel, Robert
published short stories about the character as Kindle shorts. In “The Academy,”
Tracy makes the transition from being a teacher to law enforcement trainee. She
encounters resistance from patronizing detective Johnny Nolasco, who she
continues to contend with in the novels. She also has an opportunity to
demonstrate her shooting skills and people managing capabilities. In “Third
Watch,” Tracy has joined the force and finds herself alone responding to a
critical situation. Robert bases both of his shorts in a time period prior to
Tracy’s novels so he can allude to what she has to face without having to work
around “spoilers.”
Because short stories are eligible for awards, they offer
not only writing credits, but also the ability for an author to develop a
higher profile in the writing community. The Short Mystery Fiction Society
offers free membership through its website. In addition to a very informative
list serv and opportunities to meet other members at mystery conferences, the
Short Mystery Fiction Society presents the prestigious Derringer Awards,
honoring different lengths of mystery shorts, each year at Bouchercon.
not only writing credits, but also the ability for an author to develop a
higher profile in the writing community. The Short Mystery Fiction Society
offers free membership through its website. In addition to a very informative
list serv and opportunities to meet other members at mystery conferences, the
Short Mystery Fiction Society presents the prestigious Derringer Awards,
honoring different lengths of mystery shorts, each year at Bouchercon.
The encouraging aspects of writing
short stories are:
- You can write a story in a shorter time frame than a
novel. - You don’t need an agent to submit.
- You hear fairly quickly if your story has been accepted
or rejected. Sometimes you may even be able to receive feedback and
editorial assistance.
On the down side, crafting a short story may be as complex
as developing a novel, renewed interest in the market has increased the
competition, and the few markets that pay are not lucrative.
Personally, I’ve benefited greatly by submitting and being
published as a short story writer. I’ve learned about the craft and discipline
of writing and met some phenomenal authors. I asked my blogging partners here
at The Stiletto Gang if I could invite some short story writers to be
interviewed and the SG regulars were kind to agree. If you write shorts
and would like to participate in our impromptu series let me know. I’m looking
forward to introducing you to these talented authors and showcasing their work.
published as a short story writer. I’ve learned about the craft and discipline
of writing and met some phenomenal authors. I asked my blogging partners here
at The Stiletto Gang if I could invite some short story writers to be
interviewed and the SG regulars were kind to agree. If you write shorts
and would like to participate in our impromptu series let me know. I’m looking
forward to introducing you to these talented authors and showcasing their work.
Robert, attended one of your workshops at ITW. Thanks for letting me know about the Short Mystery Fiction Society. I just joined. May even submit for the Derringer. Best, Marjorie