"Short-story writing requires an exquisite sense of balance. Novelists, frankly, can get away with more. A novel can have a dull spot or two, because the reader has made a different commitment"
About this Quote
Lynn Abbey's quote highlights the distinct literary demands and reader expectations connected with composing short stories versus novels. The expression "splendid sense of balance" highlights the accuracy and skill needed in crafting narratives. This kind demands that every element-- plot, character, setting, and style-- is carefully calibrated. With far fewer words to work with compared to books, narrative writers should make sure that every sentence, every word carries weight and meaning, keeping the reader's engagement from start to finish without unneeded elements.
On the other hand, Abbey explains that authors "can get away with more". The longer kind of a novel deals space to explore a wider scope. It enables minutes of quiet advancement or perhaps relative inaction ("a dull spot or more"), because the reader has invested energy and time into the narrative and is more likely to push through slower sections. The dedication referred to is both temporal and psychological; when readers pick up an unique, they often anticipate a thorough experience that unfolds over time, which may include subplots, substantial character backstories, and atmospheric world-building.
This distinction in reader dedication highlights why balance in a short story is important. Short story audiences anticipate a focused and impactful experience. Every element needs to serve the story's main function, producing a tight narrative arc where the climax and resolution are promptly approached.
Abbey's observation not just appreciates the intricacy and art involved in short story composing however likewise suggests that while both kinds have distinct difficulties, the brevity of short stories requires an unequaled level of discipline and precision from their authors. In essence, short story writers operate with a scalpel, while authors might often wield a more comprehensive brush, crafting each category with its own detailed craft.
