Writing a short story is like having a short intense affair, whereas writing a novel is like a long rich marriage.
Just write about what bites you and damn the rest.
If I don't feel like writing today or for a few days, I don't. And I don't think about it. It is not an obligation-it is the greatest privilege.
A short story is a sprint, a novel is a marathon. Sprinters have seconds to get from here to there and then they are finished. Marathoners have to carefully pace themselves so that they don't run out of energy (or in the case of the novelist-- ideas) because they have so far to run. To mix the metaphor, writing a short story is like having a short intense affair, whereas writing a novel is like a long rich marriage.
I read less of everything now. With only fond memories of others' work, it will be interesting to give my own journal writing a try now.
I find you write with one person in mind. Usually for me that one person is my wife, because she's my most severe critic and understands best what I'm trying to do.
I write about what interests me. It's very dangerous when you try to satisfy an audience.
