Excellent advice, Matt. Thank you. I’ve written several short stories, none of which are published (though my debut novel has been) so I’m going to try out this technique.
Thank you for this excellent and timely piece, Matt. I have a story that really needs this treatment (before I send it to you!) so I’m looking forward to doing it now.
This is wonderful to hear, Amanda. Focus is something I'm always banging on about especially with short fiction - can't wait to read your story - sure it will be a gem.
Matt, thanks so much for this. I love that you used your story, Black Annis, as an example and shared your process. Like you, I'm. hesitant to share my own work, but it's what we know most intimately and writers have told me they learn so much from those kinds of deconstructions. This is full of great advice and I appreciate it your thoughts on finding focus! It's truly something I struggle with.
Yes, I love it when other writers dig into their own stories. I think I need to be less reticent about doing this. Anyway, glad you found this useful. It surprises me that narrative focus is something you struggle with because your stories always seem beautifully distilled - but I guess we don't see the process that leads up to the published piece, just the final brilliant end product!
Excellent advice, Matt. Thank you. I’ve written several short stories, none of which are published (though my debut novel has been) so I’m going to try out this technique.
Glad it's useful, Ali. Hope it helps with your short stories - good luck!
Thank you for this excellent and timely piece, Matt. I have a story that really needs this treatment (before I send it to you!) so I’m looking forward to doing it now.
This is wonderful to hear, Amanda. Focus is something I'm always banging on about especially with short fiction - can't wait to read your story - sure it will be a gem.
Matt, thanks so much for this. I love that you used your story, Black Annis, as an example and shared your process. Like you, I'm. hesitant to share my own work, but it's what we know most intimately and writers have told me they learn so much from those kinds of deconstructions. This is full of great advice and I appreciate it your thoughts on finding focus! It's truly something I struggle with.
Yes, I love it when other writers dig into their own stories. I think I need to be less reticent about doing this. Anyway, glad you found this useful. It surprises me that narrative focus is something you struggle with because your stories always seem beautifully distilled - but I guess we don't see the process that leads up to the published piece, just the final brilliant end product!