That's going to make it really odd to talk about Clarion West being in Seattle.

I was rather surprised to find this particular topic on this particular board. Although, considering the depth of DA and the quality of the SF experience it provides, I suppose I shouldn't be.

Are any of you Clarion Grads? Of either Clarion? Simply interested in going? Just wondering.

Joe Murphy
Clarion East 2000
Clarion West 1995

I "think" you could submit the fantasy-esque piece and my feeling is that it would be well received on its own qualities. However, I found it advantageous to submit material in the genre. I found the experience well worth it. A lesson both in what constitutes speculative fiction, and the nuts and bolts of writing as a professional. I also have to say that I'm tremendously skeptical about writers who haven't demonstrated the ability to produce short fiction before going on to longer works. That may, or may not have anything to do with you, however.

So who do you read?

I like Thomas Ligotti, Jeff Vandermeer, and Sean Stewart.

And what might you mean by "irrealism?"

Okay then,

Sounds like (to me at least) that you would have an excellent chance. I hope, that if you're so inclined and motivated, that you apply as I think you'll appreciate the experience.

Good luck if you do!

joem

Well, I'll stick with my opinion. There's a bit more to the novel than there is to the short story. Success in either involves more than simple basic skills. A successful novel involves a high quality of prose, pacing, characterization, story arc, and a good deal of originality.

The most effective way to develop those things is through short stories. They allow for more immediate feedback for one thing, and allow for greater experimentation in all qualities. It's a tremendous waste of time, for instance, to spend a week critiquing someone's bad, poor, or even mediocre novel. And in my twelve years of writing I've been asked to do that many, many times. Too many new writers bang away at the novel when they can't write a basic scene, can't get a handle on good dialog, and can't imagine a story more imaginative than something they saw on TV the other night.

A born novelist, then might excel at that length, but only after mastering more than the basics. A born novelist then can also write a decent short story as so many of the same skills apply.

My two cents anyway.

Short shorts are indeed a very marketable and very effective way to develop their craft. I'll certainly agree that writing in several genres is certainly the way to go. I write about what interests me so I'm all over the irrealism (love that word) spectrum. I very seldom write mainstream as I just don't find the every day world all that intriguing.

Novelettes are generally a difficult, though not impossible sell. However, I've often found that the story will dictate its own length. The beginning after all, determines the end and where and how that will come about.

Ray's comment concerning the sub novel market being non existent isn't quite true. Check out Ralan.com if you're in need of markets. At Clarion though we were told that only about seven percent of writers in the speculative fields can make a living at it. So the odds aren't that good regardless of the length.

I don't write to make a living, however. I've pretty much proven that I don't have the talent to do that although I have reached the pro levels. I write because I have to, because that's how I make sense of things. As you mentioned, I believe, writing is exploration, certainly a most worthy motivator.