Why this picture? Whywhywhy?
A fellow graduate of my MA in Creative Writing recently asked why I continued to write short stories, if I see myself as a ‘novelist’. The truth is I don’t see myself as a ‘novelist’ or a ‘short story writer’, ‘playwright’ or a ‘poet’. I see myself as a writer and believe that a writer should be able to (at least) try all written forms.
Truth be known, I write and enter short story competitions for the following reasons and it is good for me to have this list at hand – in case I ever question myself.
a) Being shortlisted encourages and motivates – when such stuff is difficult to come by in the writer’s life.
b) I can get published in literary magazines.
c) Money, if I win.
d) It keeps me on my toes and hones and polishes my craft.
e) By writing stories I build up a portfolio – ready to go in case I’m ever offered a collection.
f) It gives me an edge when applying for bursaries, residencies, funding etc..
g) It might bring the attention of publishers.
h) Short stories are something I can work on when time is limited.
i) An agent once told me that it is important to build up your writing ‘credits’.
j) Agents are human and sometimes don’t trust their own judgement, so wins and commendations give you that ‘seal of approval’/credibility.
k) Short story writing is a better displacement activity than making a cup of tea.
M) Having good writing credits help when applying for writing jobs.
p) Writing short stories reminds me that I’m a writer.
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About suehealy
From Ireland, Sue Healy is Literary Manager at the Finborough Theatre, London, a Lecturer in Creative Writing and Publishing at the University of Lincoln, a Creative Writing tutor at City Lit and the Irish Editor at TheTheatreTimes.com.
She is an award-winning writer and playwright, her most recent play, Imaginationship (2018), enjoyed a sold out, extended run at the Finborough and later showed at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. Her previous stage productions include Cow (Etcetera Theatre, 2017) and Brazen (King’s Head Theatre, 2016), funded by Arts Council England. Her short plays have been performed at the Criterion (Criterion New Writing Showcase), Arcola (The Miniaturists) and Hackney Attic (Fizzy Sherbet Shorts).
Her radio work includes nine plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (Opening Lines winner), WLRfm and KCLR96fm.
Sue’s prose has won The Molly Keane Award, HISSAC Prize, Escalator Award, Meridian Prize and has been published in nine literary journals and anthologies including: The Moth, Flight, Tainted Innocence, New Writer, Duality, HISSAC, New European Writers. She has been writer-in-residence on Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, and at the Heinrich Boll Cottage on Achill Island. She has also benefitted from annual artist residencies at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, and at Ginestrelle, Assisi in Italy.
An academic with a PhD in modern theatre history, specifically the Royal Court Theatre, Sue has presented her research internationally. She spent eleven years in Budapest, editing Hungary A.M. She has a PhD in modern theatre history (Royal Court Theatre) and is a UEA Creative Writing MA alumna.
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January 27th, 2012 at 13:52
What a great list! Perhaps short stories would be ideal for me, since I have trouble finishing anything longer than a magazine article.
January 27th, 2012 at 13:55
Thanks for that. I love writing my shorts and it is nice to see that someone with as much “writerly” experience and success as you have gives it a seal of approval.
January 27th, 2012 at 14:32
The cup of tea one is a very good point 🙂
No but I agree with you, I think that every writer should attempt to write all different genres.
January 27th, 2012 at 15:38
I’d also think that the skills needed to tell a compelling short story could be applied to the writing of scenes in a novel. Each scene in a novel should be tight and well-crafted and fit well into the whole.
January 27th, 2012 at 16:08
You can’t be a writer (which to me is a novelist, too) if you don’t write.
January 27th, 2012 at 18:24
Yes, writing credits are good, although they’re usually not make-or-break for agents (at least in my experience). I think the bigger benefit is just from stretching your brain muscles, especially when you push yourself to write outside your comfort zone (whether that is genre, form, etc.). You never know what you might learn while trying something new!
January 27th, 2012 at 19:50
I recently discovered Edith Pearlman, a wonderful writer of short stories who has enjoyed multiple successes within small press and literary magazines, winning several competitions/contests as well–all feathers in her cap. She has been “discovered” after years of writing and sadly states that she no longer has any real time to write because of talks, readings, book promotions, etc.
But, I do think these are all valid reasons to write short stories and I have several of these same thoughts on my list as well.
January 27th, 2012 at 20:34
By providing your list…you have reminded me of WHY I took Creative Writing in the First Place!
Unlike your Courageous Self…I am a CHICKEN and have NEVER Submitted and have stopped writing anything save for my blog…
What a waste! I KNOW! I KNOW! I know….
I should check in with you more often in order to utilize that ever-prominent motivator, GUILT 😉
Thank You!
And God Love You ♥
January 27th, 2012 at 20:51
Hi, Sue! I must apologise – I was/am a follower but I wasnt getting emailed updates of your posts. All remedied now, I look forward to catching up and reading new posts!
January 27th, 2012 at 21:54
I’m the same with my writing – I feel I’m a writer, and I want to explore all the different ways of being a writer, so I don’t specialise at all. I thought my agent might be getting fed up with my lack of focus, but when we talked about it she said it was a real strength to be able to diversify, and helpful particularly in the current market
January 28th, 2012 at 00:50
Thank you. Much appreciated.
January 28th, 2012 at 01:16
Sue, you have reinforced something I’ve been thinking about for a while — I should learn to write other genres, or at least give them a try. I write non-fiction (not necessarily creative non-fiction), but fiction seems to have eluded me. I’ve been thinking I should stretch and learn more about writing it.Thanks for the nudge. 🙂
January 29th, 2012 at 01:48
I agree completely. Besides, short stories are an excellent way to explore stories that have not yet matured in the mind. They are also good practice. I recently wrote a 750 word SS, and it was the most fun I’ve had in months.
January 29th, 2012 at 01:57
Hi,
I enjoy your posts. I nominated you for a Sunshine Award. Hope you can check out my post to see the details. Enjoy.
January 29th, 2012 at 18:48
I loved what you wrote. Thanks.
SB
January 30th, 2012 at 18:23
Most writers do it just because they get a self-flagellative kick out of rejection.
January 31st, 2012 at 13:19
I have never once got a kick out of reading my rejection letters although Steven King said, “That a writer is not a writer until they recieve their first rejection letter!” Sue, I just realised that you have a twitter spot and normally I only add local people where I live or something to with theatre or music entertainment on my twitter…I am sorry that I did not realise that it was you and I have added you onto my twitter now…Quite impressive you are and I enjoy the fact that I can now read your post at twitter as well as here…Bev B
January 31st, 2012 at 15:25
It sounds wonderfully placed for one to concentrate on short stories,but that is not my area of jurisdiction, I simply love to talk a lot and this is equally displayed in the stories I write.However, your stories are good enough for one to read and laugh,yearning for more.