I haven't been writing romance stories for a few years; took off time to write two nonfiction books. When I was ready to write romance books again, my muse disappeared. I had no motivation to write. Getting to 40,000 words or more no longer seemed an option.
When a group of authors decided to write a short story winter anthology, Naughty List, I joined. I had a short story that just needed some revisions. This I could do...and in a short time. Since we wanted this anthology to release 1 December...and we only formed the group in October...everyone had to work quickly.
I welcomed this challenge as a way to revitalize my romance writing career.
Our group, The Naughty Literati, plans of 4 or 5 anthologies a year...Naughty List will be our first! I can do this. I can write short stories, without wondering if I can create longer novels.
Longer novels are what some can only write, and I applaud their efforts. I've done this.
But my career is taking a different path. I'm busy with the Romance Books '4' Us website, this blog, and the Romance Books '4' Us Yahoo group. I enjoy all three ventures. So, writing short stories will give me time to write AND continue to be active in all three RB4U sites.
I plan to be in another anthology group that will start organizing soon for a Spring release...with a slightly longer novellas of 15,000 words. I can do this. I can see my way clear to create a romance story with this word count.
I'm thinking that writing anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 words, for any anthology/boxed set, will now be my goal.
Picking a good group to do an anthology/boxed set with is important. Everyone helps, in some way. The Naughty Literati group has 14 members, and we all pitch in. That's what is vital; no one just writes and let's the others do all the work to get the book out/do promo. Not everyone will be in each anthology...it's up to each author. 13 of us are in Naughty List.
The Naughty Literati are a group of authors who’ve come together to show off their epic talents in short stories filled with powerful eroticism and satisfying romance. Our tales range from heartwarming and sweet to scorching hot erotic, medieval to futuristic, humans to aliens and shape-shifters, vanilla committed couples to kinky menage fun. Our first boxed set anthology will be available for your reading pleasure on December 1st.
My story: Dear Santa...I Want a MAN for Christmas
Frustrated with untrustworthy men, Melissa orders a man doll. When delivery guy, Nick, shows up, she has second thoughts about how to satisfy her needs.
Pre-order information coming soon. Visit our sites for more information. Website has blurbs and excerpts for all 13 stories.
http://naughtyliterati.com/
http://naughtyliterati.blogspot.com/
http://naughtyliterati.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/NaughtyLiterati
What do you think? Readers, do you like anthologies/boxed sets? Authors, do you like being in an anthology/boxed set?
Marianne
18 comments:
Great idea! Short stories/novellas in a box set gives the muse a little face-lift! LOL!
Like so many people, my daughter spends time commuting to work via the train. She reads a lot and short stories fit her commute perfectly. With all those eReaders out there, I can see anthologies becoming popular.
Great post. The Naughty Literati sounds like a fun group and launching several collections a year does sound doable. Best luck with this new project! :)
Fran and Rose make very good points about the short story/novella being wonderful for those who enjoy stories they can fit into their busy schedules and giving the muse a little face lift! Writing this length will jump start my enthusiasm every time:)
So glad you've found your writing mojo Marianne! I personally love writing shorter stories - less chance of me having to deal with the dreaded *mushy middle.* ;)
Best of luck with your endeavors.
Box sets are the new way to go, whether you write longer works or not. People are looking for a deal.
Good luck!
I'm currently in two boxed sets and both are doing very well. I was in two earlier, but they were intended as temporary and have since been taken down. Both those were successful too. Readers seem to like them and also like the 99 cent price.
I write a lot of short stories and novellas. I'm a writer who writes short. I admire those who can write 100K word tomes, but that's not me.
Short stories allow you to have a sense of accomplishment in a short time, especially when your muse is silent.
I do worry that all these boxed sets selling for 99 cents will hurt authors' individual sales.
Best of luck with your set.
I love the idea of writing shorter too. Great luck to all of you in the set!
Wow - what a cover - awesome! Congrats on your release, Marianne. May you burn up the net with your sales. :)
I like the idea, Marianne. I'm going to be in the one for spring (late spring I thought), and I hope to get it done in time.
Hi, Marian: I began my published career by selling 14 short stories to the True magazines. I love writing short. And am in first anthology (which is doing great!). I'd love to do more anthologies too. Good luck and many sales for you.
One of the main benefits for me in participating in anthologies is the teamwork and cross-promotion. It's a win-win.
I've written a few short stories. I love them. I probably should write more.
Glad you found a way to write fiction again.
Janice~
I've been in 3 anthologies myself. I like writing shorter, although I love my longer books as well. The one thing I don't like when reading an anthology is when the "short" is merely the beginning of a longer story. I like to get the whole story, no matter how short it may be.
I did three anthologies this year. The last one is a Christmas short story that was just released. Writing a short story was trying for me, I like to spend time with my characters. :) But I enjoyed the challenge and will probably do more in the future.
This is a great way to do cross-promotion. I've gained many readers from the other authors.
Thanks Marianne, great post.
joanne jaytanie
I can't write long books. 40k is the longest I've written. Up to 25k is my happy place. I admire people who can write 100k books. Berengaria
I love shorter stories. I just don't have the time to read with the full time job, home, family, writing, promotion, my blog, and my publishing house. :)
I wish you all the best! It sounds like a perfect solution!
I'm loving my experience with the NL!!!
Wonderful blog post, Regina! I'm loving The Naughty Literati and short form writing, too. It's working out well for me at this time. Short reads are popular now, there's a whole industry cropping up around them, as opposed to the old thinking that, "Thou must write a long form, 12 book franchise."
- Belle Scarlett - HOW THE ALIEN STOLE CHRISTMAS
www.naughtyliterati.com
Post a Comment