9 September 2005, 12:09 AM

Short Story Writing

I don't claim to have a lot of experience editing short stories--I'm still new on the workshop, of course, and I've had some but not a lot of experience in class.

One thing I've noticed, though, possibly because of that inexperience, is a proliferation of stories which read like outlines. Some of them are like this a bit, with spaces of description in between vivid scenes; others are nothing but related action. I suppose I can't really talk, because the short story I just sent off a couple of weeks ago is 3/4 the protag relating how this situation got about and only about 1/4 current action; but I hope the narration was at least engaging.

So, questions:

1. Is this because some writers try to fit novel-sized plots in short stories, rather than taking stories which are more innately suited to the short story form?

2. Is this because it's the mode of most people to start writing as a teller (not the comedian) and only gradually to move into a shower (not the bathroom fixture), and I've just found people who are part of the way there?

3. Is this because I suck as a reader of short stories?

4. How many licks does it take....er, sorry, different area of expertise required.

Thus wrote Melanie in the categories: Writing