I didn't read Lord Of The Rings until I was in my 40s or 50s. I enjoyed it. Although Tolkien can be a little long-winded in his descriptions. The Hobbit was worse. Endless forest descriptions. 🤣
I like this. I’m done writing novels for the sake of novels. I started a short story 7 months ago that has now turned into a 41k word novel/novella. I didn’t set out to write that many words but the story willed it haha
My natural writing range seems to be 700-1500 words. That is why my chapters are short, I suppose.
I actually have a copy of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in one paperback book. I got it at a book sale for a dollar (new.) It is very fat! The text is small and tight. 🤣 About 1200 pages total.
Your reasoning is sound, Mark (IMHO). If you get the attention of a publisher, you can make adjustments then (and they’ll want you to do something else anyway). Meanwhile, I look forward to buying Elise’s book on Amazon. 😊
So true, Jack. A publisher would probably want me to combine them into a fat novel (or two) or split them into shorter YA books. I appreciate you buying my "first editions." 😉🤣
I love this!!!! I ended my NFT novel at only 2,000 words because it was the perfect self contained short story. And I think it’s perfect that way! If I eventually add more to it, it will be like adding another episode. Similar to how a TV series is written!
Thanks, Elle. Once we realize we are not bound the old publishing "rules", there is great freedom. There is no need to pad things when you are the publisher. I think the "episodes" method is an ideal method for online serials.
Absolutely agree! I tried desparately to lengthen my first few books to make them meet the requirements of a novel. A minimum of 50K. They were all romantic suspense. So I did some research and discovered that a novella is considered to be between 10K and 40K words. Deep sigh of relief! I have found that with romance, I can tell a complete story in less than 40K words. And that is okay! Haven't we often read novels that seemed to have page after page of fillers that did not advance, or add to, the plot? Now I find I am wondering what exactly do you call a book that falls between a novella (up to 40K) and a novel (50K and above.) Where do those other 10K words go? Can they be a book all by themselves? What should we call this forgotten and overlooked genre? Help me Markkenobi ! You're our only hope! (Insert disc here)
So true. There is obviously padding going on in many novels to reach word counts. I understand why publisher require fat books, but if we are self-publishing there is no need to meet those word count requirements. As for the 40k-50k books, if we must have labels (and apparently writers MUST have labels for everything) how about a Novelimbo? 🤣
You are on the write path, uh, right path my friend. Let the story decide the length. Love the covers!
Thanks, K.C. It sure is easier (and better, in my mind) than forcing a story into a specific word count.
I am also combining the three books into one section on my Substack website instead of three sections. I am slowly learning this writing thing. 😉
I have always admired your positive attitude and determination, as well as your writing.
Thank you, K.C. I think you have to be fairly determined (a.k.a. stubborn) to be a writer. 🤣
Unfortunately, you must. May I be your first associate?
Of course!
Stories should be as long as they want to be.
Sometimes, I keep an eye out for short novels, so that I enjoy and get to the next adventure.
I agree. I prefer a short novel (or story) with no fluff to a fat novel with lots of boring parts.
That's great too. I would join "Not Quite a Novel" (NQN) writers and write Novelimbos! Who do I see to sign up? No. Really.
I feel a groundswell of support already! I am sure there are lots of "Not Quite Novelists" out there. I suppose I must create a Discord for it. 🤣
I like that phrase, Not Quite a Novel.
As a "Not Quite Novelist", I concur.
I think I bought the same edition. As highly revered it is, I find it impenetrable. My bad, I guess.
I didn't read Lord Of The Rings until I was in my 40s or 50s. I enjoyed it. Although Tolkien can be a little long-winded in his descriptions. The Hobbit was worse. Endless forest descriptions. 🤣
Love that!!! Novelimbo. Let's do it! Tell J.A. Taylor to start a new group!!
🤣 The "Not Quite A Novel Writers." 🤣
I like this. I’m done writing novels for the sake of novels. I started a short story 7 months ago that has now turned into a 41k word novel/novella. I didn’t set out to write that many words but the story willed it haha
Don't fight the story! It knows how long it wants to be. 🤓
My story word counts are all over the place. Why fight it?
J.R.R. Tolkein never intended to write a trilogy. The publishers broke the Ring trilogy up because of its length.
Everything I write seems to fit between 1500 and 2300 words. Anything more feels like padding.
I look forward to reading your character's continuing adventures.
Thanks, John.
My natural writing range seems to be 700-1500 words. That is why my chapters are short, I suppose.
I actually have a copy of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in one paperback book. I got it at a book sale for a dollar (new.) It is very fat! The text is small and tight. 🤣 About 1200 pages total.
Your reasoning is sound, Mark (IMHO). If you get the attention of a publisher, you can make adjustments then (and they’ll want you to do something else anyway). Meanwhile, I look forward to buying Elise’s book on Amazon. 😊
So true, Jack. A publisher would probably want me to combine them into a fat novel (or two) or split them into shorter YA books. I appreciate you buying my "first editions." 😉🤣
Sound reasoning, Mark - it truly is all about the story. Looking forward to "Captain Peanut Butter"!
Thanks, Tim. I will be starting it soon. Stay tuned. 😀
I love this!!!! I ended my NFT novel at only 2,000 words because it was the perfect self contained short story. And I think it’s perfect that way! If I eventually add more to it, it will be like adding another episode. Similar to how a TV series is written!
Thanks, Elle. Once we realize we are not bound the old publishing "rules", there is great freedom. There is no need to pad things when you are the publisher. I think the "episodes" method is an ideal method for online serials.
Absolutely agree! I tried desparately to lengthen my first few books to make them meet the requirements of a novel. A minimum of 50K. They were all romantic suspense. So I did some research and discovered that a novella is considered to be between 10K and 40K words. Deep sigh of relief! I have found that with romance, I can tell a complete story in less than 40K words. And that is okay! Haven't we often read novels that seemed to have page after page of fillers that did not advance, or add to, the plot? Now I find I am wondering what exactly do you call a book that falls between a novella (up to 40K) and a novel (50K and above.) Where do those other 10K words go? Can they be a book all by themselves? What should we call this forgotten and overlooked genre? Help me Markkenobi ! You're our only hope! (Insert disc here)
So true. There is obviously padding going on in many novels to reach word counts. I understand why publisher require fat books, but if we are self-publishing there is no need to meet those word count requirements. As for the 40k-50k books, if we must have labels (and apparently writers MUST have labels for everything) how about a Novelimbo? 🤣
Write one, you must. There is no try.