Chatelaine - I agree that fictional short stories can be disappointing, as can any sort of fiction. But, I think they can also be very creative and lovely - stories condensed into cleverly written gems. I think I appreciate the art behind telling a story, getting across character, etc. when there is a limit to the number of words that can be used. It is said that the best things come in small packages - perhaps this might apply to fiction as well!

I enjoy reading good short stories as well as full length novels - enjoying each type of writing for what it is.

Ashbee - please don't apologise for being on a mission - we need to get some 'back and forth' going with our posts and this is a good way to do it.

What is stopping me from writing that short story? A good question! Perhaps what you said about the pleasure of imagining it rather than the reality of the finished story.

My head is full of ideas and characters for this story and others. I find that wherever I am, I am taking mental notes to put down on paper when I am able. The problem is, the ideas I think of at the time (say, when driving and can't actually write anything down) can never be recalled quite as they initially were when the time comes to write them down. I think this is because they are not just ideas, but reactions and it is quite difficult to recall later the exact way I felt at the time.

OK - so I'll respond to your dare! I'll begin by putting those notes into some order and take it from there - how's that??!!