Short is sweet in local publishing<\/p>\n
Although the novel has not been completely shut out of the
\npicture, there has been a growing number of short story
\ncollections published in the past few years.<\/p>\n
Aside from noted short story author Seno Gumira Ajidarma, new
\nnames including Linda Christanty, Djenar Maesa Ayu and Oka
\nRusmini have published their works.<\/p>\n
Some, like Djenar, whose works are known for their shocking
\nthemes, have even been able to parlay their short story writing
\ninto careers as celebrities.<\/p>\n
Is the rise of the short story because it is easier and faster
\nto complete than a novel?<\/p>\n
Or is it publishers' way of cashing in fast?<\/p>\n
Linda Christanty, who shared the recent 2004 Khatulistiwa
\nAward literary prize for short stories, said that while it was
\ntechnically less complicated than producing a full-length novel,
\ncreating a short story, which often relies more on evoking a
\nsense of mood than a conventional plotline, was not necessarily
\neasier.<\/p>\n
"It's arguable, because some people find writing a novel is
\neasier, or that poetry is the most difficult (literary form) of
\nall," she said.<\/p>\n
According to Manneke Budiman, lecturer and the jury
\ncoordinator of the Khatulistiwa Award, the recent success of
\nshort stories is due to the emergence of a new type of modern
\nreader with little time on their hands.<\/p>\n
"Living in the fast lane, many readers can't find time to read
\na long, thick novel. Only committed readers, the longtime
\nliterary fans (will read novels)," he said.<\/p>\n
There is a new breed of readers who previously were not
\nfamiliar with the conventional literary scene, but prefer to read
\nshort stories for their practicality, he said.<\/p>\n
They have become an interesting and potentially lucrative
\nmarket for publishers.<\/p>\n
"This type of reader is being targeted by writers and
\npublishers. The short story is the most practical tool to
\napproach the readers," Manneke said.<\/p>\n
"Besides, a quality short story is better than a long novel
\nfull of trash." -- JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/short-is-sweet-in-local-publishing-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}