Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Have You Read a Short Story Lately?

As a reader, I love delving into the world of a novel. It's even better when the story is part of a series as I can get to spend more time with the characters. That's one reason why I prefer TV shows over movies, but sometimes I want something shorter to read (or watch). In our fast-paced world, the short story definitely has a place.

Pros to Reading Short Stories

  • They're short. Waiting for an appointment? Need something to entertain you during lunch? A short story is the perfect place to start. There are even short story vending machines in some places!
  • Explore new authors. Reading the short stories in anthologies is a fantastic way to sample new-to-you authors.
  • Explore new genres. We all have our favorite types of genres to read, but short stories are a great way to delve into a new genre.
  • Satisfaction in reading a story. I'm not the fastest of readers, so I do feel a great deal of satisfaction when I finish reading a story and that occurs even faster with short stories.
  • Instant gratification. Need to quench your thirst for reading. Short stories can do just that.

Con to Reading Short Stories

  • They're short. You get excited about the characters and world, and then the story is over. But, hopefully, the author has more work for you to delve into. *crosses fingers*
So have you read a short story lately?

14 comments:

Tara Tyler said...

great post! sometimes shorter is better!

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Tara!

Yolanda Renée said...

I love short stories, reading and writing them! And I especially love that fact that they allow me to venture into other genres. So cool!

The Cynical Sailor said...

I love reading short stories as a way to discover new authors. Great way to get a taste of their writing style.

Cherie Reich said...

That's what I love about writing short stories. I can try out different genres and find which one(s) I like best.

Cherie Reich said...

Reading short stories really is a great way to discover new authors. :)

Nilanjana Bose said...

I read short stories regularly, just love the form. Last read an antho by Adichie titled The Thing Around Your Neck.

Jemi Fraser said...

I've only recently started reading shorts - and tried my hand at writing one. They're a fascinating genre and I look forward to one day trying them again. As others have said reading anthologies is a great way to find new authors to enjoy!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I love reading short stories, too, for all of those reasons!

Heather R. Holden said...

Love reading short stories. Am always in awe of authors who can pull those off. They're definitely a great choice when short on time. I've especially become obsessed with short story podcasts over the past couple years...

DMS said...

Great post! Short stories are a lot of fun. Perfect for when you only have a little bit of time for reading. :)
~Jess

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

It takes me forever to finish a book so I like short stories.

cleemckenzie said...

I love to read and write these. They're always gratifying.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I love short stories. They're a great way to keep reading when life is busy.