Hi Fellow Writers, does anyone know of a short story being successfully expanded into a novel? I'm currently thinking I could do something with my short story posted on this site 'Dogs of War'.
I've always been lead to believe that short stories and novels are very different beasts (pun!) and never the twain should meet, however, does anyone know of an instance where this has been successfully achieved?
Many thanks
Mark
I agree with Helen that it can be done. But usually, as you need to include more plot twists and character development, the short story is often unrecognisable in the expanded version.
The example I would quote is Arthur C Clarke's short story The Sentinel, which was almost completely re-written but just retaining the initial premise, to become 2001. It was Stanley Kubrick's idea to turn the short story into a film, and Arthur C Clarke saw the artistic merit in the project, when Kubrick waved an enormous cheque in front of him.
That's called incentivising your workforce.
Good luck and keep on doing.
PabloJ.
If you feel there is more story to tell then why not? I did read your story and I think there's a fair bit of scope for expansion there.
The only example I can think of is the Shawshank Redemption, which I think is a great film and was based on a short story (I think).
At the very least you could end up with a novella, or perhaps even a series of short stories.
Hi Mark, I have to admit I'm a believer in short is short, I suppose it can be done but when short stories have been adapted for film you can see why the author wrote it as a short, loads of padding. However I should add I am often wrong!!!
Regards and best wishes with the story, Paul.