[mesquite]

Do you agree with authors releasing short stories? I'm sort of indifferent with the idea of them. It's good because in some cases they introduce upcoming characters with their back story so you don't water down the full length book with it. Other times it's bad because it might be just a bit of nonsense with them just writing to see themselves put something on paper.

Sometimes I don't want to invest a lot of time, so short stories are are handy fill ins.

[zackddog]

It's good because in some cases they introduce upcoming characters with their back story so you don't water down the full length book with it. Other times it's bad because it might be just a bit of nonsense with them just writing to see themselves put something on paper.

And that's my answer. I may be persuaded to not stick with it.

[traceliner]

I can see a short story used to introduce new characters or background for a current character to support an on going series. On the other hand, I have read some where the publication of a short story for a book series is just a filler, either to fill for extended time between releases, or to try to keep the reader interested in the book series. (or just for a couple extra $$). When Stephen King did it with The Green Mile, I am not sure if he was just goofing with us and it was a different way to release a book or if he testing the waters for another short story ( chapter releases), like The Plant. whatever happened with that anyway??? By the way, I am not includng the release of a complitation of short stories, ie; The Skeleton Crew, The Bachman Books ( again with Stephen King, I know). I just finished Deep Down: A Jack Reacher Story. I give Lee Child credit because he is a good writer, but I am not sure where this fits in to his series. The Second Son was good for background, it made sense, but with this one, enjoyed it, but not sure about the timing. Guess when his next book is released will see if there was a point for this release.

[mesquite]

I think some "filler" stories (stories that may not seem to fit a series or aren't intended to be part of a series) can be pretty good. But then there are some.... "No Time Left" by David Baldacci, which leave you scratching your head wondering why he wrote it. I've only started taken up the reading of shorts, and that one left me wondering why he wrote it? It seemed jumbled up like the first draft of an essay for entry level College English.

[FarrahDog]

Does anyone else ever get to the end of a 'short story' and wonder where the rest of the story is?

I like the occasional quick read but leaving unresolved issues and only having half a story are a waste of the authors time writing it and my time reading it.

[mesquite]

Does anyone else ever get to the end of a 'short story' and wonder where the rest of the story is?

I like the occasional quick read but leaving unresolved issues and only having half a story are a waste of the authors time writing it and my time reading it.

I would think it's more a waste of our time if you think about it if its unresolved.

[FarrahDog]

Does anyone else ever get to the end of a 'short story' and wonder where the rest of the story is?

I like the occasional quick read but leaving unresolved issues and only having half a story are a waste of the authors time writing it and my time reading it.

I would think it's more a waste of our time if you think about it if its unresolved.

And aggravating!

I just read a "series" of five "short stories" and while I enjoyed them I kept waiting for the rest of the story. The series picked up new main characters in each book but never resolved ANY of the previous 'issues'. Left me wanting to know the ending or all five plots.

[mesquite]

And aggravating!

I just read a "series" of five "short stories" and while I enjoyed them I kept waiting for the rest of the story. The series picked up new main characters in each book but never resolved ANY of the previous 'issues'. Left me wanting to know the ending or all five plots.

Romance does that to you . I'm not sure I could read a "series" but one or two that seem to fill in the cracks between books over time would be good as long as they fit in somewhere along the way.

[FarrahDog]

Romance does that to you

Blowing ya' kisses!!!!

[mesquite]

haha. you naughty girl.

I think a short story is good sometimes because I can read about a character again. But is also bad because some authors leave me wanting to know what is going to happen now with the story. I just don't like to wait that much. I think they leave me very anxious.

But short stories aren't only little stories in the canon of a series (although I do apologize if the thread is only meant for these kind of short stories ), most of them are actually standalone STORIES in SHORT form. Like a movie compared to a TV series.

And like movies, and any other kind of storytelling media, there are good stories and there are bad ones. Having read a few bad ones isn't really a reason to give up on the art form. Just search for the good ones

I read a lot of "literary fiction" and sometimes I've found an author I like a lot by reading a short story or two in a journal and then going to find their books. For me, the short story's a way to get some sense of the author's style and interests/worldview in a short span.

[mesquite]

But short stories aren't only little stories in the canon of a series

The Green Mile is an exception. This really isn't a discussion of "serials" just as you pointed out just in general to fill in the space of a series.

Sure, just generalized short stories with nothing in general to contribute but to offer in short what an author is capable of in a quick easy 20 page "essay" of sorts. Kind of make you salivate for more or tease you and appreciate that author a bit more.