Revised Estimate

[mmerriam]

So. I think the monster-hunting barista thing might not be a novel after all. It's starting to feel like it might be a long novelette or a novella. I'd be more worried, but I've managed to sell both the novellas I've written.

I suppose I'll just have to write the darn thing and see how many words it takes to tell the tale.

At least it's moving.

Comments

[catherineldf.livejournal.com]

Speaking of tales, have you seen the guidelines I posted to the antho that JoSelle and I are editing? They're on my LJ in case you're interested.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

I must have missed those when you first posted them. I don't have anything in inventory, but with that much lead, I might be able to write something to submit.

Also, I'll post these guidelines around to the various writing communities and groups I belong to.

[kmarkhoover.livejournal.com]

I'm sometime surprised myself how long or how short a story can often be.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

I know. I'm always a bit surprised at how short some of my stories really are. I've written several that are less than 2500 words.

[greykev.livejournal.com]

three novellas=one PB collection?

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Yeah, in fact. It usually take about 4 novellas to make a collection, but I could toss in a long novelette instead.

[sandrawickham.livejournal.com]

Just write it!! LOL, I'm one to talk......

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Just write it is all I can do at this point!

[glynisj.livejournal.com]

I haven't taken any writing classes in ages so please be tolerant . . .

I've never heard of a novelette or a novella. I was taught that you either write a novel or a short story.

Enlighten me, please?

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

These are the definitions for story lengths most SF/F/H publishers use:

Flash fiction: 1-1000 words (Though stories that are exactly 100 words are called Drabbles)

Short short: 1001-2000 words

Short story: 2000-7500 words (though some magazines, ezines, etc. consider 5000 the limit, instead of 7500)

Novelettes: 7500-25,000

Novellas: 25,000-50,000

Novels: 50,000 words and up (Mainstream novels are almost always 80,000 words and up though)

[glynisj.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info. I guess I better find me some writing courses online.