I love reading books of all lengths, but man do I really love novellas! Something about that 17,000-to-40,000-word length (roughly 70 to 160 pages) feels like the sweet spot – short enough to read in a single sitting, long enough to have more depth and twists than a standard short story.
Earlier this year, I posted on various social media accounts that I want to make Novella November a thing this year (and every year hereafter) and got some very enthusiastic responses.
And then, as is my wont, I sort of dropped the ball on the subject and lost momentum. I’m going to blame that on my gall bladder, which was removed three weeks ago and thus is in no position to contradict me or defend itself from libel.
So here’s a second, if somewhat last-minute call. I would love to see my fellow readers, book bloggers, and writers, as well as editors and publishers and bookstore owners, talking about why you all love the novella form. If you make Novella November posts on your own blogs or social media, please send me a link! And feel free to use the Novella November graphic above (designed by my good friend, who is also a wonderful artist and graphic designer, Keith Howell. A.K.A. Professor Challenger on Instagram….) Just please give Keith design credit if you use it.
OR! If you’re a writer, editor, publisher, etc. who would like to do a guest post or a short email interview for my website, please let me know. Happy to host anyone who has something to say about novellas, especially if you’ve released a novella recently or have one releasing in the near future.
I will be making as many posts as I can talking about my love of novellas as well as posting reviews throughout the month. I may repost some of the Novella November posts from 2023 (there weren’t many). And as I come across bookstores that are doing Novella November displays or small press publishers doing Novella November sales, I’ll be sharing whatever photos and website links I can.
I have also recently been made aware that in the wake of the implosion of National Novel Writing Month, there is a “Novella November” writing prompt/group on Tumblr. I have no intent to step on their toes; I’m not on Tumblr and have no idea if they have a logo, etc. If anyone who reads this is involved with that, please reach out and I will gladly advertise it. (I am considering digging out my trunked science fiction novella and giving it another go as well.)
Let’s make Novella November a thing!