My short story of Short Story Writing
My friends are very concerned. They are suggesting various ways I can keep myself busy when I hang up my boots. They are asking me to write a book. A few have taken it a little further; they have asked me to write autobiography! [Come out clean my friends, what is it that you want to know? I am not a celebrity whose life holds curiosity to the reader, and I have done nothing that they tell people only in their biographies!]
These suggestions are ‘very interesting’ which means I enjoy brooding them over but do not consider them actionable. Writing is my passion but writing a book is another thing! A blog is convenient way to write; you express what comes to your mind without appreciable time gap. When you want to write a book, you have to plan it, carefully construct arguments; it is too laborious to allow me to enjoy the spontaneity of expression.
But I must confess to a burning desire to write short stories. I have always considered writing one, and, having attempted, I have not been able to pen one well. This perhaps [this is a convenient word, why speak with certainty?] points to the conclusion that there are some things in life you just can not do well, and in my case, perhaps [let me not lose hope!] this is it!
Not having the talent to write short stories was a bitter pill to swallow. So I did for help what I knew best – search the internet.
My research took me to van Vogt [can somebody tell me how to pronounce his name?], a prolific short story writer. And from there another step – I got the lead to a book called ‘The Only Two Ways to Write a Story’. It is written by John Gallishaw. He has also written two more books ‘Twenty Problems of the Fiction Writer’ and ‘Advanced Problems of Fiction Writer’. That discovery made me very happy – after all I was going to get the technique. So what if I did not have the talent? Any person perform any job to average level, I have always said that often.
So I logged in at Amazon.com to pick up ‘The Only Two ways…..’, having decided that the remaining two books could be read if something productive happened with it. An old book is available with binding coming out in front and back covers. Not a very attractive prospect!
So all I can write is the story of my ‘journey’ so far.
Well, a beginning is made! Not too bad, what do you say friends?
Vivek
Interesting1 You could become a good story-teller! But as you claim, we set out do do something, & become the other. I, am, somewhat like that myself, so can identify…
Well, I’m sure the spark is there:) Of course! An interesting proposition altogether… I’m sure u’ve plenty of stories to tell and now that you’ve the book that defines the craft, all the best… and we’d be waiting to be the first readers:)
I’ve heard of many Bloggers turning into short story authors. I think it’s a fantastic idea.
I look forward to reading more about your short story endeavors!
Greg wants me to co-author a short story with me, but our writing techniques are very different, so I doubt that will come to fruition.
The short story knack is definitely there. The urge seems to be there. The stories are aplenty. The readers are eager. The colleagues are eager…
Sir, i think things are falling in place !
You are a good story teller and I can vouch for that. The short stories you tell and those you have experienced if put to papper, will make a good short stories book.’Gothams’ (go to the net) will help you in your endeavour.
go ahead….sounds interesting….and as much as i’ve read you, you shall make a good author
Now that the techniques and tools are within reach, I’m sure you’ll do wonders….. 🙂
Waiting eagerly for the short stories!!!
Like other commenters I’m sure Vivek that you would enjoy the venture so why not ?? It has been said many times that there is a book in all of us and apart from anything else I do believe that it is very therapeutic … So ! I look forward to having a good read.. Cheers, Kate .
PLEASE GO AHEAD, WE ARE WAITING AND HOPE WE SHALL HAVE TO WAIT NO MORE. I suggest you may start with the happening around you, the characters around you. You have a very good potential only you need to go ahead.
I think you should write a column in a newspaper . With your rich experience at work, and observations of human behaviour, it should be interesting. You can always make it into a book later……
(Call Kumar Ketkar for the publishing inauguration, we’ll all come, applaud, and have a nice bloggers lunch 🙂