Wyckedone
asked
Josh Lanyon:
Hallo! I have two questions, if you don't mind: 1.) What causes you to write a new book as a novella vs. a novel? 2.) I think I have read everything you have written; some twice. I have noticed that some of your series started out as novellas. Is that purposeful and, if so, do you mind sharing why? Thanks for your time & the many happy hours your writing provides me! Wycked
Josh Lanyon
Hi Wyckedone!
These are great questions.
So here's the thing. EVERY story has the potential to be longer or shorter. It all depends on the author's need/desire to explore any given character dynamic. And two of the factors in that decision are timeline and complexity. If a story is linear and going to take place over a matter of hours or a day or so, then chances are it will be better suited to short format. But if the story takes place over a longer period of time and includes subplots and multiple themes, then longer form will be required.
I think of it like this: a short story is a glimpse through a window. A moment of time is captured, and then the observer moves on. A novel is more like staying in the guest room of dear friends. ;-) A novella falls somewhere in between because it is a streamlined vehicle. While the potential for greater depth and complexity will always be present, the author chooses to limit the exploration.
Which leads to your second question.
Sometimes my stories turn out to be novellas or short novels simply because I like writing a tight, lean plot. I have an aversion to padding. A lot of what makes up any novel length book are subplots and side characters, which as a reader I typically skip. I'm an easily bored reader and that influences my writing choices.
Sometimes in the course of writing what I envision as a simplistic story, I realize there's a lot more to explore -- or I guess what I really mean is I recognize that I'm interested in exploring that potential. That's usually because of the characters. Some characters grab hold in a way others don't -- and I have no idea why this should be! They all spring from the same place.
I don't think I've ever changed my mind about characters I tagged for long form stories, but I've definitely been surprised about characters I originally intended for short form who just kept popping up again with more adventures or dilemmas.
Thank you for the kind words!
These are great questions.
So here's the thing. EVERY story has the potential to be longer or shorter. It all depends on the author's need/desire to explore any given character dynamic. And two of the factors in that decision are timeline and complexity. If a story is linear and going to take place over a matter of hours or a day or so, then chances are it will be better suited to short format. But if the story takes place over a longer period of time and includes subplots and multiple themes, then longer form will be required.
I think of it like this: a short story is a glimpse through a window. A moment of time is captured, and then the observer moves on. A novel is more like staying in the guest room of dear friends. ;-) A novella falls somewhere in between because it is a streamlined vehicle. While the potential for greater depth and complexity will always be present, the author chooses to limit the exploration.
Which leads to your second question.
Sometimes my stories turn out to be novellas or short novels simply because I like writing a tight, lean plot. I have an aversion to padding. A lot of what makes up any novel length book are subplots and side characters, which as a reader I typically skip. I'm an easily bored reader and that influences my writing choices.
Sometimes in the course of writing what I envision as a simplistic story, I realize there's a lot more to explore -- or I guess what I really mean is I recognize that I'm interested in exploring that potential. That's usually because of the characters. Some characters grab hold in a way others don't -- and I have no idea why this should be! They all spring from the same place.
I don't think I've ever changed my mind about characters I tagged for long form stories, but I've definitely been surprised about characters I originally intended for short form who just kept popping up again with more adventures or dilemmas.
Thank you for the kind words!
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