Some of you may remember when I was writing The Gnome, I had intended it to be a novel. As it turned out, it became a longer novella of almost 40,000 words. I went back and read it, added some things that I had thought of along the way, but it was basically still going to be a novella. I went ahead and charged $2.99 for it because it was longer than my novellas that are $1.99. There was just nothing left to add to The Gnome, at least not it my opinion. My beta readers liked it, even though I had worried about writing something in a different genre than I usually write.
So flash forward to the present. I’m working on something right now that I think has a great title, which is weird since I usually can’t think of one. I’ll reveal that title later, but for now I think it would be best to keep it quiet. The story line is good, but when I think of the critical points of the story (kind of like an outline, but not exactly), it looks like this is going to be another novella. I originally thought I wanted it to be a novel, but I don’t think it will be.
This is what I’ve discovered may be the reason I don’t write too many novels. I prefer to READ novellas. When I open a book on my Kindle, if it has too many “locations”, I inwardly groan. Why is this, you might ask? Because I want to hurry and get done so I can read the next thing, and the next thing. Different new things. This is also why I rarely read series (except the awesome ones). I don’t want to get too involved because I might be in the mood for a totally different kind of book the next time. Many times, novellas feel like “a great ride” because they’re usually fast paced and things get done. Now there are some exceptions to this rule I’m currently listening to Stephen King’s 11/22/63 on cd. And it’s LONG. 25 disks. But Stephen King is one of the few authors who make me want to keep reading a book and never stop. I feel sad when it’s over. There are very few authors that can do this for me. There ARE some, both indie and trad, but it’s definitely the exception to the rule.
Does this make me shallow? I hope not. Does it make me restless? Probably. Does it mean I get bored easily? Yep. I might mention I also prefer movies to TV series as a rule. And, no, I don’t have ADHD. I can focus on something intently when I need to (like my job in accounting). I’m just so darn eclectic. Yeah, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
lauralynnelliott.com 
Sometimes it’s hard to find time to read. I do the same thing; I look for the shortest locations. Sadly, I’ll sit there flicking through pages until I find something short which probably takes up more time than reading the thing. 🙂
I always read books until I finished them when I was younger. Now I can only do that with novellas, so they’ve become my go to reads, and I get some kind of weird kick from moving something from the to-read to the read pile. I’m actually really grateful for writers who write short.
Wow, someone who thinks like I do! I get that same kick…from the to-read to the read. Honestly, if I didn’t have a full time job, everything might change for me. But for right now, I have to take little bits of time when I can.
Well I will just tell you. I love your novellas but there are some that you write that I wish were longer sometimes. 😉 That’s mostly because I get involved with the characters then miss them when they are gone. That is the reason I like series books. I feel like their world is still out there and moving along. I think series books are my version of “soap operas” since I never really watched soap operas on tv.
At the same time I do like to hurry up and finish a book so novellas are good for that. I guess you could say that I really like series novellas when I want to know what’s going to happen to that side character that the author mentions in the current book. I can’t wait to find out!
The bad thing about loving a series that has all novel length books is that you have to wait sooo long for the next one to come out because yes, it does take longer for the author to write it. ***sigh*** Oh well, good things come to those who wait I guess. 😉 But if you are very impatient there’s always those authors that write the novellas to fill in the time between the longer books!
I know how much you love to read series. That’s one of the big differences between your reading style and mine. Because we like a lot of the same TYPES of books.
I know what you mean about getting involved with the characters. That’s why I tried the Libby Fox trilogy. And the fact that readers asked for a series. But Libby still doesn’t sell as well as most of my older books. Guardian Vampire still sells much better, and there’s no way that novella is as good as the Libby novellas. Haunted Lake sells the best right now, and it’s still my favorite. Even thought it’s a novel, it’s a SHORT novel. I just love the characters in that book. I’m still thinking of writing another book about these same people but focusing on Daniel as the main character.
Okay, how did I get off on that tangent???
A good story is a good story! I don’t care if it’s a novel or a novella, once I sit down to read I’m usually voracious and can’t put it down until I’m done (which does lead to long nights). Although the feeling of completing anything does feel good, so does reading something amazing no matter the length. But I will say that I prefer the feeling and smell of a hardback book or even paperback to ereading.
Speaking of amazing…did I mention 11/22/63? LOL. That is turning out to be one AMAZING story.
See, I’m the opposite…I much prefer ereaders. They’re easier to hold, and you can set them down without worrying about losing your place. And I have some pain in my hands sometimes (it’s flaring up badly right now after several years of being better), and holding a book open is harder. And when I go on vacation or a business trip? Boy, does it take up less space. However…I do admit to taking pleasure in seeing books spines lined up on my shelf….
Does it matter if you’re destined to only write novellas? I enjoyed your Libby Fox stories and they were short and sweet. 40,000 is a lot of words to me. I thought 50,000 was the average word count for a novel but maybe not anymore?
I love reading short stories and novellas so I can fit them in around my busy schedule like a tasty snack/treat. Keep writing great stories & don’t mind so much about the word count.
Well, maybe it doesn’t matter, I don’t know. I’ve been told that maybe the Libby Fox series didn’t sell as well because people like longer works. And yet, the one story that made me the most money last year was Guardian Vampire, a novella. And you can’t really put a novella in print. But when you have two or three, you can combine them like I’m getting ready to do with three of my older novellas. 50,000 is actually the minimum word count for a novel according to most sources I’ve read. Two of my novels are around that size and the other one is about 62,000. My novellas usually run around 25,000 words. The Gnome ended up in between my longer works and my shorter works. LOL
You’ve really made me feel a lot better, Emma. 🙂
Lauralynn, I wouldn’t worry about it. Of course, I worry about it myself, so maybe I should take my own advice before I bother giving any! 🙂
I don’t believe in forcing stories to any particular length. It’s awkward. And I’m like you — my stories usually end up novella length. I’m glad that those who commented seemed to appreciate a story’s quality, regardless of length.
I agree that you shouldn’t force a story to be longer than it is. Sometimes that’s all there is. I feel a lot better now that I’m accepting the fact that this story might be a novella. It takes some of the pressure off.
I read this post a few days ago…but wanted to think about how I felt about it. Ha! My conclusion is this. I really love novellas. If that’s what works for you…grab hold of it with both arms and write your unmentionables off! :}
I’ve written one novella, and honestly, I want to write another one. It certainly brings a piece to fruition faster, and keeps readers with something new to add to their readers! Plus, the stories are fast paced, which keep things moving along.
And a story about Daniel? Yes, please. Ha! Haunted Lake is still my favorite, too. I loved your hero in that story. But…you already know that. :}
I see I’ve added nothing new to the ongoing discussion, rather, I repeat the mantra previously posted. But I’m…well…onboard! Have a great Sunday!
I love novellas, too. A lot of it depends on my mood and how busy I am, too. I like to have the choice, and I pick novellas to read a lot. This doesn’t mean that I won’t write any more novels. This just means that I’m finally okay with the fact that some stories won’t make it to that length and I shouldn’t force them. And to be honest, your novella is my favorite of what I’ve read of yours. Not that I didn’t love The Third Fate…I just loved Her Dark Baron more. 🙂
I’ve been tossing around the idea of writing a story about Daniel for awhile. Even though John was the main male character (and still my favorite) in Haunted Lake, Daniel played a huge part in that story and he was very likable. And I would want Rachel and John to be in the story, too.
Thanks for adding your thoughts. I always value your opinion.
I can’t write novealls. I’ve done a couple, but I usually end up writing between 65,000 to 75,000 words. I kept trying to do novellas but the stories kept expanding. So we have the opposite problem. 😀 I think there might be a certain word length writers lean toward.
I actually prefer short stories and novellas to full-length novels because I can read more authors that way. I am a slow reader, so that doesn’t help the situation. I hear of people who can read a full-length book a day and read hundreds of books a year. I have no idea how they do it. LOL
Personally, as long as the story can hold my interest and I don’t get the urge to skim to hurry up and finish it, I’m thrilled with the book, whether it’s short or long. Your books are ones that I don’t skim, and I remember them long after I read them. 😀
But your books move quickly even though they’re longer. I agree that authors have certain word counts that they lean toward.
I’m glad you don’t have to skim my books. :). And if you think about them after you’ve read them, I’ve done my job. LOL