I'll Have a Short One

I read this and thought what a "novel" idea. *groan* Sorry. Bad jokes are my specialty.

Actually, I was a bit surprised to read this. This idea influenced me to get back into writing for magazines. While not exactly short stories, it works well for me as a nonfiction writer. I agree with Niven. Having to keep the story (or article) short and to the point. For me, having to tell the story in 2,000 words instead of 75,000 is a challenge and an excellent exercise in beginning well and choosing precise words that lead the reader to the heart of the story. It teaches us to avoid "going down rabbit trails when we should be hunting bear" as my brother-in-law likes to say.