We editors have started going through the slush for the next issue, and I must admit I've seen some odd things. This brought up the whole art versus entertainment dichotomy for me. Certainly short stories should be art, but ... they need to be entertaining as well, IMHO. (The other editors may weigh in if they disagree.) Perhaps it is a market thing? Perhaps our market is not the most experimental?
Anyway, if you want to publish a story in our 'zine, ignore short story conventions at your peril. For example, most short stories utilize simple past verb tense. Sure, you could use simple present, present perfect, past perfect, future, or future perfect, but will they convey the story to the reader in the most entertaining way? Generally, you don't want your "art" to interfere with your story. As another example, most short stories have a protagonist. Is it really a story if there's no protagonist? I'm a bit skeptical. For a final example, most short stories have a plot, i.e. something happens. Again, if nothing happens, is it really a story? Some things to ponder...
Can anyone think of any other good short story conventions?
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8 comments:
I'd say another short story convention is "conflict"--such as opposition to a goal.
Thanks for this post, btw. I think there is a place for experimental writing, and I have even written some vignettes for another zine (although they come together to form a story arc). But a lot of experimental "stories" are really just monologues or essays done in a character's voice.
Sentient antagonists.
I really like me some sentient antagonists.
And I too dislike present tense. Except I was recently forced to eat my words on that:
http://www.betsydornbusch.com/2011/05/review.html
Unfortunately the link isn't working, but he went on to say that he liked the story very much and barely noticed the present tense.
Good points. I constantly try to balance on the line between literary/experimental and genre. I think I do an okay job of it...usually.
As one old friend once said, 'If you want to experiment with your writing, go ahead. Just don't expect anyone to pay you for it.'
Conventions? One main character?
I totally agree, Kat!
Interesting convention, Martin;
I agree one main character is a good short story convention. But, I have read a couple with more than one protagonist that worked well. This is very tricky to do effectively in 5,000-words of less, however! :)
I agree with everything said. The principles of short fiction require a definitive focus, and this is what I think is often missing in more experimental pieces: a clear sense of what it is about. Nothing wrong with that, per se, but if no one is clear on what you as a writer are trying to say, chances are you probably aren't, either.
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