In the very first writing course I took, the first thing my instructor asked me was: Are you a long writer or a short writer? Initially, I thought that was an odd question. Then I thought, sweeping novels or tight short stories—it shouldn’t matter. Ha.
But it does matter. Did you ever hear someone with an operatic voice sing Gimme Shelter?
I’m a short writer. Even though I hadn’t realized it, the clues were all there. I love picture books, short stories, haiku and small poems. I’m not big on reading long, descriptive scenes, especially ones that are trying to tell me what to see. I think I love short because it leaves so much more room for the reader to use their imagination, and to make the story their own.
I’m a short writer. I know that. Yet I still try to go beyond short and explore longer fiction. And I usually fail at it. Because I know, doesn’t always mean I know better.
I’m a short writer. Enough with the experiments into what I’m not. Enough of apologizing for writing 900 or 1200 or 2000-word manuscripts instead of YA. Enough.
I am a short writer. Period.
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I really admire those people who can write both short and long; I think they’re very rare. It took me a while to accept the fact that I’m a long writer. I kept trying to write short stories and picture books, but they never quite worked. I don’t think there’s any shame in being long or short – I’m glad we’ve both learned to accept that.
Anna, I know what you mean about those who can do both; I agree, it’s rare. Accepting who you are as a writer is key—I think I realized it early, but fought it for a long time. We live and write in a book world where, right now, long is sought. I know the cycle will change at some point.
Since I am still on a path of discovery, I admire people who know what they are. To already have that figured out, you are free to create more comfortably, maybe? I’ll be happy to discover if I’m either one!
Hi, Wendy! It’s one thing to figure it out, especially if ego is involved.
I mean who doesn’t want to write novels? But it’s another to figure it out then follow your path, and your voice. Discovery is a long path. That shouldn’t be a deterrent. It should be a pleasure. Enjoy your voyage.
I started out a long writer but soon discovered the joy of writing short stories, articles, so I guess I’m a little of both.
Catherine, you are lucky.
When I think about it, I’ve always written short, even as a kid, writing my first stories. Hmm… That was a clue, wasn’t it? 
Good for you! Hope you can stick to it!
“I’m a short writer. I know that. Yet I still try to go beyond short and explore longer fiction. And I usually fail at it. ”
This is the exact opposite of me! I still try to be a short writer when I get PB requests (they usually like the PB art, but not the PB writing). Am trying to just concentrate on my YA writing and PB art for now. Ha.
Hi, Stephanie, thanks for stopping by! Don’t you think a lot of writers experiment with both long and short forms? I think exploring all options is great, but even when I know where my voice is and what I should be doing, I still imagine (wish?) giving other forms/genres a try. Grass being greener and all, I guess.
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