Oh, anthologies…I LOVE anthologies. (And I am not just saying this because I have a paranormal romance anthology that will be re-releasing in mass market book form within 2 weeks. No, truly, the release of BELONG TO THE NIGHT is extra anthology fun!)
I love to write and read anthologies for a variety of reasons. I thought I’d share a few of those reasons with you today–and then you can give me your thoughts on the anthologies.
So, here we go…
1. I love to read anthologies because they give me the perfect chance to try new authors. The stories are generally about 100 pages, so I can get a great “taste” of a writer’s style.
2. I love to read anthologies because they are often centered around a central theme. Like all paranormal heroes (BELONG TO THE NIGHT alert!), or a holiday. I can’t help it–I’m a theme fan.
3. I love to write anthologies because writing a manuscript of 400+ pages, a novella gives me the chance to practice tight and fast pacing. With a novella, you have to get your story told, quickly, but you still have to balance your characters and show the emotional journey to your reader. A challenge, but a fun one.
4. I love anthologies because they often give me the chance to explore other characters that I have created in my books. Secondary characters can get developed, and they can get their happy endings.
5. I love anthologies because I can experiment when I write them. In EVERLASTING BAD BOYS, I was able to write about a hero who was, for all intents and purposes, the Boogeyman. Writing the story was pure fun for me.
Oh, I do love anthologies.
What about you? Love ‘em? Like ‘em? Hate ‘em? Why or why not?
Cynthia Eden
www.cynthiaeden.com
I’LL BE SLAYING YOU–Available now from Kensington Brava
DEADLY FEAR–Available now from Grand Central Publishing (Forever)
I love anthologies, too, Cynthia–writing them & reading them! They’re so short & quick (both writing & reading *g*) & can also be a great way to discover a new author you might not have tried otherwise.
Oh, Heidi, I’m so glad you enjoy them as much as I do!
I like reading anthologies – it gives me a chance to read new to me authors as well as sometimes they’re the perfect book to read when you don’t have a lot of time.
Anna, I think anthologies are great when you’re time pressed…like tonight, I have about 30 free minutes, and I’d love to read an anthology!
I love anthologies–three stories in one book. What’s not to love?
LOL, so true, Rebecca!
I’m with you, Cynthia. Anthologies are great and congrats on the re-release in MM.
Of course, I might be feeling friendlier to short formats because now I’m working on my novella for the IMPROPER GENTLEMEN anthology with Diane Whiteside and Maggie Robinson that’s coming out next summer. But even though the story is short, the research is still the same. I’m dressing my heroine today over at my blog. Every time I see a corset, it makes me so grateful for my sweats and jogging bra!
Thank you, Mia! And congratulations on your upcoming anthology! Can’t wait to read it!
I used to dislike them but anymore I love to read anthologies because it is true that you can get a feel for a new to you writer and I really like that. Also they are a lot of fun when you get a holiday themed one and it gives you a chance to read but since the stories are short you can still get things done that you need to do to get ready for the holiday. So anymore I defintely love to pick them up and read.
And Larena, I think of the Fall as “anthology season”–because you can get your Halloween anthologies (paranormals–lots of them!). I can’t wait to stock up.
Then, of course, Christmas comes…and so do the great Christmas anthologies! (I’m excited b/c I’ll be in my first Christmas anthology this year, THE NAUGHTY LIST.)
Hi, everyone! So sorry for the delay in responding–I’ve been away from my computer (and house) for most of the day. But now…on to anthologies!