The Power of the novella
First off, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and welcome to my blog! Today I would like to discuss the power of the novella. The novella is a text of written fiction, normally longer than a short story but shorter than a novel, somewhere between 17,500 and 40,000 words. They can be in any genre including horror, science fiction, and romance to name a few.
Interesting facts
Did you know many novellas are adapted into film or movies?
Did you know many famous authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, and Agathe Christie wrote novellas?
I write romance in all different lengths, but find myself returning time and again to the novella. Red Snowflakes is my recent Christmas paranormal release. When I started the book, I planned to write a standard novel, but as I delved deeper into the plot, I quickly realized the manuscript would be a novella. One thing that always tips me off is a time constraint within the story. In Red Snowflakes, a vampire has five days to win his mate’s heart. I could have drummed on and on with mundane details, but would that truly benefit the story or the reader? One thing editor’s always say is, “If it doesn’t add to the story, then it’s not needed.”
I am busy with marketing and releases, but I also love to read. I was a die-hard romance reader before I ever wrote my first manuscript. Time seems to be a growing problem in my life, so the novella fits perfect. I’m all for doing as much as possible in as little time as possible, so an author who can deliver a well-written novella is my new favorite. The holiday season is upon us all and I find time to read even more of a problem. You can bet I’m favoring novellas during the busy holidays!
Some people don’t feel an actual well-thought-out story can be delivered in a novella, but I say they are wrong. There are several novellas which stick with me. If the author does his or her job right, you will finish the novella feeling as if you’ve read a masterpiece and the length won’t matter.
There is an audience for all types of books. There is a price set for different lengths of books. There are memorable stories being told in all sizes of books. In today’s world, the reader has an endless buffet of choices. It is smart on an author’s part to deliver multiple lengths for their readers. It is also wise, as a reader, to know you have a choice. Have you ever read a novella? If so, leave a comment below and tell me about it. I'm always on the lookout!
Here’s a list of a few romance authors churning out great novellas!
SWEET CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
Roni Denholtz Enchanted Vermont Nights
Carol Henry Ciara’s Homecoming Christmas
Peggy Jaeger Hope’s Dream
Three Wishes
Jennifer Wilck Waiting For A Miracle
D.K. Deters Christmas Once Again
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE WITH SPICE
Charlotte O’Shay Forever In A Moment (On sale for .99cents)
Jean Grant Soul of the Storm
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Kristal Dawn Harris Red Snowflakes (On sale for .99cents)
FANTASY ROMANCE
Margaret L. Carter Yokai Magic
EROTIC ROMANCE
Cadence Vonn Beautiful Will Do (Free to KU subscribers)
Michal Scott One Breath Away
Better to Marry Than To Burn
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Amber Daulton Lyrical Embrace
WOMENS FICTION
D.S. Lucas The Pencil Sharpener
MEDIEVIL ROMANCE
Barbara Bettis The Lady of the Rose
I hope you give a few of these authors a try! Thanks for stopping by. Keep on reading readers!
Comments