I particularly liked the presentation by Helen Hunt on markets for short stories. She said that although many magazines such as The Lady had cut out their fiction slots, others like Woman's Weekly were increasing the output of their fiction specials. Writing short stories is an art, you have to encapsulate an idea, an episode, an emotion in as little as a thousand words. People have been doing it for centuries, check out Shakespeare's sonnets if you want to see how writers have always loved a challenge - only fourteen lines to convey life's big issues, love, jealousy, whatever. For the women's magazines, you get a few more lines and you don't have to be as accomplished as Shakespeare. But you do need to give the reader an emotional fix or make them think, 'I didn't see that coming'. If you're interested in having a go at short stories, take a look at http://womagwriter.blogspot.com/ where all the guidelines are regularly updated.
Loved the Festival Kate, and can't wait to book for the next one.
Cara Cooper
As a fellow pocket noveller thought I'd come and say hello here. the festival was fab, wasn't it? Can't wait for next year.
ReplyDeleteReally lovely to see you here Nell, thanks for the comment. The festival was really fun and very informative. I've come back with a couple of things to do as well as loads of useful info. I even asked Kate if I could book for next year and I know she's thinking about dates.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really fun busy day and lovely to see writing friends.
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