Short is sweet in publishing

Although the novel has not been completely shut out of the picture, there has been a growing number of short story collections published in the past few years.

Aside from noted short story author Seno Gumira Ajidarma, new names including Linda Christanty, Djenar Maesa Ayu and Oka Rusmini have published their works.

Some, like Djenar, whose works are known for their shocking themes, have even been able to parlay their short story writing into careers as celebrities.

Is the rise of the short story because it is easier and faster to complete than a novel?

Or is it publishers' way of cashing in fast?

Linda Christanty, who shared the recent 2004 Khatulistiwa Award literary prize for short stories, said that while it was technically less complicated than producing a full-length novel, creating a short story, which often relies more on evoking a sense of mood than a conventional plotline, was not necessarily easier.

"It's arguable, because some people find writing a novel is easier, or that poetry is the most difficult (literary form) of all," she said.

According to Manneke Budiman, lecturer and the jury coordinator of the Khatulistiwa Award, the recent success of short stories is due to the emergence of a new type of modern reader with little time on their hands.

"Living in the fast lane, many readers can't find time to read a long, thick novel. Only committed readers, the longtime literary fans (will read novels)," he said.

There is a new breed of readers who previously were not familiar with the conventional literary scene, but prefer to read short stories for their practicality, he said.

They have become an interesting and potentially lucrative market for publishers.

"This type of reader is being targeted by writers and publishers. The short story is the most practical tool to approach the readers," Manneke said.

"Besides, a quality short story is better than a long novel full of trash." -- JP