Loved this Tom. For me the act of completing something is so important for my confidence as a writer, and short stories are a great way to achieve that initial bit of confidence
This is exactly it. You can get far into your own head and become discouraged and confused if you are working on a long project (say a novel) without having the grounding of creating, releasing and getting feedback from shorter works first. Amateur and newly pro boxers have bout that are 3 or 4 rounds long, not 12. Same principle.
"The ability to concentrate on a narrative, to utilise your imaginative capabilities and visualise the scenes the writer is laying out become deconditioned much like how muscles atrophy as a result of prolonged sedentary lifestyles." Boy, do I know this! Though damage to my concentration was from a source other than the internet, it was nearly impossible to retrain that ability, by reading randomly ON the internet. It wasn't until I came across one of your Substack essays and then later became a paid subscriber, which gave access to the the STSC, that I found a source that linked me to quality, shorter essays and stories. In just a few months my concentration has returned and after struggling for several years, I think you are indeed on to something. I just want to say, and say it sincerely, Thank you Thomas, this is the way.
This means a great deal to hear this Betsy. When I was deep into the ‘build your audience on social media’ game I noticed my once impressive attention span significantly dwindle. Frighteningly so. I resolved to both reverse this worrying trend in myself and to try and use my influence (such as it is) and understanding to enable others to do the same. The STSC was born of this desire. So hearing it has helped bring your concentration back makes me hugely happy. It has made my day in fact.
Thanks for the lovely comment and for being a lynchpin over at our Discord.
I agree on all points. I tend to view an essay of mine as being good when it creates multiple directions for different pieces or versions upon completion. It all ripples outwards.
Loved this Tom. For me the act of completing something is so important for my confidence as a writer, and short stories are a great way to achieve that initial bit of confidence
This is exactly it. You can get far into your own head and become discouraged and confused if you are working on a long project (say a novel) without having the grounding of creating, releasing and getting feedback from shorter works first. Amateur and newly pro boxers have bout that are 3 or 4 rounds long, not 12. Same principle.
"The ability to concentrate on a narrative, to utilise your imaginative capabilities and visualise the scenes the writer is laying out become deconditioned much like how muscles atrophy as a result of prolonged sedentary lifestyles." Boy, do I know this! Though damage to my concentration was from a source other than the internet, it was nearly impossible to retrain that ability, by reading randomly ON the internet. It wasn't until I came across one of your Substack essays and then later became a paid subscriber, which gave access to the the STSC, that I found a source that linked me to quality, shorter essays and stories. In just a few months my concentration has returned and after struggling for several years, I think you are indeed on to something. I just want to say, and say it sincerely, Thank you Thomas, this is the way.
This means a great deal to hear this Betsy. When I was deep into the ‘build your audience on social media’ game I noticed my once impressive attention span significantly dwindle. Frighteningly so. I resolved to both reverse this worrying trend in myself and to try and use my influence (such as it is) and understanding to enable others to do the same. The STSC was born of this desire. So hearing it has helped bring your concentration back makes me hugely happy. It has made my day in fact.
Thanks for the lovely comment and for being a lynchpin over at our Discord.
Cheers.
Excellent essay, Tom. This is something I need to remind myself with writing. Start small and build over time.
Thanks Frank. Your own earlier piece on short stories was definitely an inspiration for this one. Cheers.
I agree on all points. I tend to view an essay of mine as being good when it creates multiple directions for different pieces or versions upon completion. It all ripples outwards.