Guest post by Christine Rains
WHY SHORT STORIES?
I get this question often. It seems many people think that
writing stories equals publishing books. When I tell them I have several short
stories published, only a few are impressed. The rest ask again about my
novels. I actually used to be one of those folks who had no interest in short
fiction until I started to write it.
When I began writing smaller works, I spent a lot of time
learning how to create a different sort of tale. It was intimidating, and I
stumbled several times along the way. I still want to write novels, but the
lessons I learned have made me a better novelist.
Here are five fantastic reasons why writers should write
short stories:
- To practice the craft. The hook, plot, characterization, conflict, pacing, and resolution. You don't have the room to maneuver as you do with novels. Every word counts. Stretch those creative muscles and learn to master each element.
- You can try different genres. I've published stories in several genres including science-fiction, erotica, and western. Discover new voices and try various styles. Challenge yourself and you'll become a better writer.
- Acceptance and exposure. It doesn't take long to get a short piece accepted, and sometimes they're published within a few months. Plus, the exposure is awesome. If readers like what you write, they'll buy your longer works.
- They're great for introducing your character(s) and/or world to readers. Consider the short tale a teaser. Hook them and they'll be calling for more.
- They help strengthen your fragile writer's ego. Getting one short story accepted is a huge boost to your self confidence. It feels good. Better than eating a whole bag of M&Ms.
Title: The 13th Floor Complete Collection
Author: Christine Rains
Genre: paranormal romance
Release date: October 13th, 2013
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/13th-Floor-Complete-Collection-ebook/dp/B00FF9QF3W
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-13th-floor-complete-collection-christine-rains/1116984997?ean=2940148537786
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-13th-floor-complete-collection
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/360987
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-13th-floor-complete-collection-christine-rains/1116984997?ean=2940148537786
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-13th-floor-complete-collection
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/360987
Blurb:
Six supernatural tenants
Living in a haunted apartment building
On a floor that doesn't exist.
Six novellas telling their tales.
A retired demon acquires a price on his head.
A werewolf is hunted by her pack.
A modern day dragonslayer misses his target.
A harpy challenges Zeus for the soul of the man she loves.
A vampire is obsessed with a young woman he can't find.
A banshee falls in love with someone who's death she has
seen in a vision.
And a sweet ghost must battle a primal monster to save them
all.
All the stories take place at the same time intertwining
their lives together on the 13th Floor.
Includes “The Shadow,” a bonus short story.
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18460150-the-13th-floor-complete-collection
Author Bio:
Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees
which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When
she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching
cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and
S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published
series. She has eight novellas and twenty-one short stories published.
Website: http://christinerains.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristinerains
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@CRainsWriter
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4017568.Christine_Rains
Have you written any short stories? If so, what have you
learned from them?
