I started wondering about #4 too when you mentioned it. I think writing something “other than yourself” is quite impossible, just like it’s impossible to dream something that isn’t created in your brain. My protagonists are different just because I’ve taken some aspect of myself and exaggerated ad absurdum, to see where it goes. E.g. if I can slip into marketing speech when necessary, the exaggeration is that marketing jerk that I don’t like and that doesn’t feel like me.

Faith–yea, I know what you mean. I have at least one short story that is actually a, well, long story (at least two characters facing major changes, two wildly different cultures introduced, at least two different POVs necessary etc.). For some reason I thought that I could squeeze it all into 3000 words. When writing Vega I realized that a novel is a long long thing and, my schedule being tight and my life not endless, I had to sort the ideas out.

And, would it be alright if I linked to this post in the Short Story vs. Novel Idea post on the HTTS forum? Others might like to read it as well.

*this* is really great! I know there’s the intuitive aspect, the “well, if it feels longer, it’s a novel” obviousness, but the way you’ve thought it out here is really helpful in showing the many ways to consider an idea.

It also provides insight into you as a writer – my sense is that you’re very adaptive, which I find fascinating and worthy of some degree of emulation. I tend to be too hermetic. Way too self-reflexive, after years of indulging my tendency to not create a supportive environment and consequent turning inward and toward secretiveness – so I’ve written myself in circles and not taken enough opportunity to expand… and as is to be expected from a reflective introvert, my characters often sound like me (boring!) – so I was struck by #4 and the thought of writing a protagonist I wouldn’t really like in real life.

One person who responded to my HTTS post said that basically anything could be turned into a novel but she’d have a hard time turning Gone With the Wind into a short story. The thing I’m currently working on for HTTS was originally maybe a short story idea, but I’ve expanded and worked with it and it’s now at least a novella sized idea, which allows me to work within the parameters of class more easily.

I do wish I had the overabundance of ideas problem, but my idea-generator doesn’t trust me enough – maybe after I prove I take good care of the ones I’m given.

#7 reminds me of poetry – which for me is usually a flash, a sudden inhalation and accompanying sensation/revelation. Lately, though, I’m working to expand beyond that because if I rely on the caprices of revelation, I’ll not write much while swimming through daily life’s daily-ness.

I’m going to keep looking at this and mulling it over. I really appreciate that you took the time to think it out and share it.

Wendy

But you’re right, it’s hard to handle ALL the ideas that come. At least short stories can provide a minimum of respite from too-many-ideas syndrome.