I'm one of these people who can set out to write something short, but still end up with something way over the word limit for that "short" descriptor.
I admit that I never had that problem with essays set as homework. Then, I tended to have trouble getting them up to the word count. Writing stories for English, though, or writing something for a competition… Inevitably, I'd have to take the editing scissors to my work before it could be handed in.
I think this is why writing novels appeals. OK, so no one wants a 250,000 word opus, so I can't get carried away when writing, but I do get to explore the story without worrying about the word count.
On the other side of the coin, "short" reins in my tendency to over-write, and makes sure I squeeze every last ounce of meaning out of every word.
Which format do you like writing best? Short or long? And which do you prefer to read?
7 comments:
The only short writing I can do is if I'm making a list. I suppose I have a problem with brevity (you're welcome, ladies). I think I prefer full books to read. I'm all about more detail.
I like you find longer pieces are easier... shorter is much more difficult...
I am quite fond of both, but I admit I do find it hard writing to a restriction. Me and my essays at the moment are not getting along.
Joshua: Ditto on the list :). Even my letters or emails to friends are long!
T F: I'm sure there was a quote about, "Sorry this letter is so long, I didn't have time to write a short one", and I think that's so true. It's easier to just write, and takes more time to go back and edit to make something brief.
Amie: I never got along with essays, and I don't think I can blame it on the word count ;).
Short suits me -- picture books and verse novels, where I can really concentrate on language, imagery, and word play.
Thanks for the follow!
I wrote short long before I ever wrote long. It seems to fit my personality. Even now, writing long can be difficult for me. I have never gone over 50K. Most stuff is 20K to 30K. So even when writing long, I write short. :D
Caroline: I'm in awe! I think I'd be useless writing a picture book. No doubt it would come out far too long.
Bish: I think it's great that you can get a meaning across in fewer words to start with. I'm forever editing things out afterwards.
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