May 28, 2014

Armchair BEA: Expanding Blogging Horizons and Short Stories/Novellas

Welcome to day three of Armchair BEA.  There are two more great topics to discuss.

Logo by Amber

Expanding Blogging Horizons


This one isn't really me.  I mean, I've redesigned my blog periodically, but not expertly (as you can probably tell).  No freelance writing based on the blog, nor podcasting.  I suppose you might count the judging I've done for the CYBILS as branching out . . . I don't, not really.  But honestly, I like sticking to my blog.  What about you?  Have you ventured out?  Do you want to venture out?

Short Stories/Novellas


I think short stories and novellas are great.  (You can also check out my anthologies tag.)  I like that the internet has led to more support of publishers specializing in shorter fiction, like Nouvella and Shebooks.  It's also led to Harlequin and Tor.com and such selling short stories designed to capture lunch break readers and such.  It's a real boon to me.  A good short story or novella is all killer, no filler.  You get all the satisfaction of a completed character arc and/or resolved conflict, and you can read it in a shorter time.  They're the perfect form for the busy reader.

Speaking of Shebooks, they've just launched a Kickstarter for their Equal Writes Campaign.

20 comments:

  1. I like short stories...I need to read more.

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  2. I haven't really ventured out as well, blogging is purely a hobby for me - I recently did a re-design but that was more out of needing a change :-)

    Novella's just aren't for me but I completely agree they are the perfect form for the busy reader.

    Sharon - Obsession with Books

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    Replies
    1. I used to not be big on novellas (I want more!), but they've grown on me.

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  3. Oh I agree with you about sticking to your blog. That is me allright :) I haven't had any venturing/branching out ideas (yet).

    "The Nigerian-Nordic Girl's Guide to Lady Problems" - looks quite interesting!!!

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    1. It is interesting! I enjoyed that one.

      And nothing wrong with sticking to the blog!

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  4. Short stories are great for lunch break readers, I hear you on that one!

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    1. I read novels too, but sometimes it is hard to go back to work when lunch is over if I'm not done!

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  5. I rarely read short stories/novellas.... but maybe I'm missing out...

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    1. Eh, if you don't have trouble finding things you like to read, then you're fine.

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  6. Agreed re: short stories and novellas, they really go right to the point of the story :) I like to turn to short stories when I need to take a break between the bigger books :)

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  7. Cybils can be considered branching out! That involves a lot of time and effort. I would love to do that someday but I can't commit to it now, I feel like I barely have enough time to blog as it is.

    Love how you described novellas, "all killer, no filler". That's why I enjoy reading them too.

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    Replies
    1. It is a lot of time, but it is so much fun and exposes you to so many good books.

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  8. I guess my idea of branching out is just trying to do new discussion and feature posts, participate in more blog events like this, and taking the time to use social media for my blog. As far as, vlogging and such... no thanks, like you I just want to focus on my blog. But I'm still new to this whole blogging thing.

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    Replies
    1. I've tried new features, and done several I liked, but so often I have no time for anything but reviews.

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  9. My second love is art, so I have played with design. It tends to distract me at times and I get a little change crazy, so I have been trying to reign that in.
    -Flirting with Fiction

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    1. If you enjoy it, do it! I wish I had more talent for design (or time to develop it).

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  10. I've ventured out to the Cybils, too...and yes I would call it venturing out! Other than that though...my focus has become Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays. Thinking, though, I would really like to start vlogging Middle Grade.

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    Replies
    1. The Cybils are super fun. And you should vlog if you want to!

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