There’s not much happening in the literazry world today, at least as far as I can tell. So no news to report. The good part of that is I didn’t have to read that another favorite writer has died. Always a good thing. I’m recognizing fewer of the names on the new releases these days.

So I thought I would talk about novellas for a bit. I’m taking an online workhsop on novellas, with an assignment of writing one before it’s over. But that’s down the road.

I’ve not read much science fiction or fantasy for the last couple of years. I’ve been focusing on mystery and thrillers. So one of the assignments in this workshop, which is on science fiction novellas, was to discuss three novellas you couldn’t put down. This week’s assignment is to look for techniques that made the novellas compelling.

I had to reach back a little ways to do this, since any science fiction I’ve read has tended to be either short stories or the occasional novel. So, I’m going to throw two questions out there for discussion.

First, what are some science fiction or fantasy novellas you’ve read over the last few years that really stuck with you in a positive way? If you hated it, the novella stuck with you, but that’s not the kind of sticking with you I’m talking about.

Second, what was it about the novella that made it so memorable?

I’m not going to steal your answers for my assignments. I’ve already got my own selections. I’m curious about what I’ve missed since, say the COVID lockdowns ended.  I’m a little out of touch with the cutting edge of the science fiction and fantasy fields. I want to get back up to speed.

Thanks.