In fact, I never sign up for anything unless I'm already 100% sure from the outset that I can do it well. It's one of those perfectionist things that sounds like a positive personal quality, and I suppose mostly it is, but it can also be incredibly life debilitating.
I completely appreciate that this must be so frustrating for you. The retreat in November sounds so great though - I hope you have a wonderful time and simply enjoy your writing.
And I will forever wave the flag for flash fiction/microfiction ^__^ ...read the introduction to N.K. Jemisin's new book of short stories, where she talks about how she didn't want to write short stories, but realized that was what she needed to make herself learn in order to become a better novelist... I always slightly resent the implication that shorter forms of prose are maybe just a stepping stone to the ‘real thing,’ novels. But I absolutely agree that short stories and flash fiction are a great way to learn how to ‘use words efficiently and powerfully’. I think flash fiction is rather like poetry. Not in terms of the language used, but in terms of structure. You constantly have to make decisions about what is most important and necessary for the piece.
I hope you sort something out re Holmestice and Yuletide that works for you. And all good wishes for your thesis!
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2019-09-30 09:22 pm (UTC)I completely appreciate that this must be so frustrating for you. The retreat in November sounds so great though - I hope you have a wonderful time and simply enjoy your writing.
And I will forever wave the flag for flash fiction/microfiction ^__^ ...read the introduction to N.K. Jemisin's new book of short stories, where she talks about how she didn't want to write short stories, but realized that was what she needed to make herself learn in order to become a better novelist... I always slightly resent the implication that shorter forms of prose are maybe just a stepping stone to the ‘real thing,’ novels. But I absolutely agree that short stories and flash fiction are a great way to learn how to ‘use words efficiently and powerfully’. I think flash fiction is rather like poetry. Not in terms of the language used, but in terms of structure. You constantly have to make decisions about what is most important and necessary for the piece.
I hope you sort something out re Holmestice and Yuletide that works for you. And all good wishes for your thesis!