Search results
A novella is a narrative prose fiction whose length is shorter than most novels, but longer than most novelettes and short stories. The English word novella derives from the Italian novella meaning a short story related to true (or apparently so) facts.
- Novellas Often Focus on One Central Conflict
- They Aren’T Overcrowded with Characters
- Novellas Can Sustain A Faster Pace
- They Often Feature A Wendepunkt
- Novellas Often Express Their Themes Through Symbolism
- They Encourage Experimental and Conceptual Writing
Most narratives are driven by a central conflict, experienced by characters the reader can root for. Of course, this is true when writing a story of any kind. However, in the novella, the main conflict is rarely accompanied by the many side plots one might find in novels. In the novella, the central conflict is often concise and sharp. The author i...
The novella also offers an excellent format to explore a main character's mind and emotional universe. Unless the central conflict is the family unit or somehow involves many characters' points of view, a novella is often focused on a single protagonist. There may be a handful of side characters, but any major character development is reserved for ...
Despite the propensity for introspection and single-issue focus in novellas, they can also be quite fast-paced. It goes without saying, but it’s difficult to meander with a more narrow word count, so don’t expect the author to beat around the bush. No words are wasted, lending a sense of urgency to the writing. Though it moves quickly, the reader i...
Following the German tradition of the novelle, the fast pace of the novella may eventually lead to a wendepunkt — an unexpected turning point in the narrative. More so than with novels, plot twists are one of the trademarks of novellas. As authors don’t have all the space in the world to pull at their reader’s heartstrings, they often go for high-i...
Symbolism is a popular literary device in most genres and forms of writing and is advantageously used in novellas. Don’t mistake the distinct central conflict and fast pace for directness — novellas usually play with what is left unsaid. Since the author can’t afford to waste precious words on clarifying things, the reader is urged to read between ...
Traditionally, novellas have been focused on more realistic motifs. These days, however, they cover everything between heaven and earth, often through innovative and experimental writing. With fewer words at their disposal, novellas urge authors to be creative and to approach Big Questions and abstract concepts in new ways. Not only does the format...
Contents [show] A Question of Length: Novella vs. Novel. A novel is longer than a novella. It usually contains more characters, themes, events, and conflicts than a novella. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy is an example of a lengthy novel that’s hundreds of thousands of words long.
Dec 1, 2023 · A novella is shorter than a novel, but longer than a short story. We explore the characteristics of this unique form of storytelling.
A novella is the middle ground between a novel and a short story. Learn more about the history and evolution of novellas with examples, publishing tips, and more.
Jan 7, 2023 · A novella is a specific form of written fiction that sits between a short story and a full-length novel in terms of length and complexity. Typically ranging from about 20,000 to 50,000 words, a novella provides more room for character development and plot progression than a short story, yet maintains a tighter, more focused narrative than a novel.
Apr 18, 2024 · A novella is a story that falls between a short story and a novel. It typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 words, although it can vary depending on genre, publishing standards, and the specific criteria set by awarding bodies such as the Nebula or Hugo Awards.
