Writing Micro-Novels and Novelettes

Micro-novels (also called "bite-sized fiction" or "serialized fiction") are becoming an emerging trend in the world of eBooks and digital publishing. These compact stories cater to modern readers who are often pressed for time but still enjoy engaging narratives. Here's why micro-novels are gaining popularity:

Key Features of Micro-Novels:

1. Shorter Length: Typically between 5,000 to 30,000 words, they’re much shorter than traditional novels, making them easy to read in one sitting or over a few commutes.
2. Engaging Plots: They focus on fast-paced, compelling storytelling, cutting unnecessary details while delivering impactful narratives.
3. Serialized Releases: Many micro-novels are published in episodes or chapters, allowing readers to follow a story over time, similar to how TV series unfold.
4. Digital-First Format: Optimized for mobile devices, they’re often available as eBooks or through platforms like Wattpad or Radish.

Why They Appeal to Readers:

• Time-Friendly: Perfect for busy readers who want to finish a story without a long-term commitment.
• Cost-Effective: Micro-novels are often priced lower than full-length novels, making them an affordable choice.
• Versatile Genres: They span a wide variety of genres, from romance and mystery to science fiction and thrillers.
• Interactive Platforms: Many serialized micro-novels encourage reader interaction, such as voting on plot directions or engaging with authors directly.

Why Authors Are Embracing Micro-Novels:

• Faster Production: Writing a micro-novel takes less time than a full-length book, allowing authors to publish more frequently.
• Experimentation: Authors can test ideas, styles, or niche genres without committing to a lengthy project.
• Audience Building: Serialized formats encourage ongoing reader engagement, helping authors grow a loyal following.

Platforms Supporting Micro-Novels:

• Wattpad: Known for short-form serialized stories.
• Radish: A platform focusing on bite-sized fiction for mobile readers.
• Tapas: Popular for short serialized fiction and graphic stories.

As attention spans grow shorter and lifestyles busier, micro-novels are carving out their niche by providing captivating stories in easily consumable formats. They’re not just a passing trend—they’re reshaping the way stories are told and consumed in the digital age.

Micro-novels and novelettes share similarities in that they are both shorter than traditional novels, but they are distinct in terms of length, purpose, and format. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:

1. Length:

• Novelette: Typically ranges from 7,500 to 17,500 words, as defined by organizations like the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). It's longer than a short story but shorter than a novella.
• Micro-Novel: Less rigidly defined but generally shorter than a novelette, often ranging between 5,000 to 15,000 words. Serialized micro-novels may have even smaller "episodes" released over time.

2. Purpose and Format:

• Novelette: Focuses on standalone storytelling, often fully self-contained, with room for moderate character and plot development. It is typically written with literary or genre fiction in mind and published as part of an anthology, magazine, or as an individual eBook.
• Micro-Novel: Designed for quick consumption, often for readers on mobile platforms. It may follow a serialized format (episodic chapters released over time), catering to modern, busy readers. The emphasis is often on immediate engagement and accessibility rather than literary depth.

3. Story Depth:

• Novelette: Offers a balance between the brevity of a short story and the depth of a novella. It provides enough space to explore characters, world-building, and a central conflict.
• Micro-Novel: Typically focuses on fast-paced, engaging storytelling, with leaner plots and simpler world-building. The goal is to hook readers quickly without requiring a major time commitment.

4. Publication Style:

• Novelette: More traditional in its publication, often appearing in genre anthologies or as standalone eBooks.
• Micro-Novel: Frequently distributed on digital-first platforms like Wattpad or Radish, and sometimes designed for episodic consumption. It thrives in app-based or online environments.

5. Audience and Use:

• Novelette: Appeals to readers who enjoy thoughtful, shorter works that are slightly more complex than short stories but don't require the time investment of a novel.
• Micro-Novel: Targets busy, on-the-go readers who want entertainment in small, digestible chunks, often with an emphasis on immediacy, escapism, and interaction.

Key Takeaway:

While both forms focus on shorter storytelling, the novelette leans more toward literary tradition and depth, while the micro-novel emphasizes accessibility, fast pacing, and mobile-friendly consumption. The rise of digital platforms has popularized micro-novels as a modern adaptation of shorter fiction for today’s fast-paced world.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Learn Photography in 24 Quick Micro-lessons on YouTube

Just starting out in photography or want a fast refresher? Search each 1 - 24 on YouTube and you'll be learning and improving your skills in no time! Look for videos that are 2-10 minutes long.

These micro-learning sessions can be discovered and enjoyed on YouTube. They’re perfect for photographers of all skill levels who want to learn on the go!

Micro-learning is perfect for photography, as it allows you to master specific skills or concepts in small, actionable steps. 

Here are some ideas for micro-learning modules or sessions tailored to photography:

Basics of Photography

1. Understanding the Exposure Triangle
   • Quick explainer on aperture, shutter speed, and ISO with visual examples.
2. How to Hold a Camera Steady
   • Demonstration of proper grip and stance for sharper photos.
3. Rule of Thirds in Composition
   • Short visual guide with examples of balanced and dynamic shots.

Camera Settings

4. How to Use Manual Mode
   • A step-by-step guide to adjusting key settings.
5. White Balance Essentials
   • Tutorial on choosing the right white balance for natural colors.
6. Understanding Focus Modes
   • Overview of autofocus types (single, continuous, manual).

Creative Techniques

7. How to Achieve Bokeh
   • Tips for creating beautiful background blur with lens settings.
8. Long Exposure Photography
   • Quick guide to capturing light trails or smooth water effects.
9. Using Leading Lines
   • Techniques to guide the viewer’s eye through a photograph.

Lighting

10. Golden Hour Photography Tips
    • How to make the most of soft, warm light.
11. Understanding Natural vs. Artificial Light
    • Key differences and tips for each type.
12. How to Use Reflectors
    • A demo on bouncing light to eliminate shadows.

Editing and Post-Processing

13. Basic Photo Editing with Lightroom or Photoshop
    • Quick walkthrough on cropping, exposure, and color correction.
14. How to Remove Unwanted Objects
    • Simple cloning techniques for cleaner images.
15. Enhancing Portraits
    • Adjustments for skin tones and sharpening features.

Genre-Specific Tips

16. Portrait Posing Basics
    • Quick guide to flattering angles and natural poses.
17. Landscape Photography Essentials
    • Tips for framing vast scenes and enhancing depth.
18. Macro Photography on a Budget
    • Using affordable equipment for close-up shots.

Equipment Know-How

19. Lens Basics: Prime vs. Zoom
    • Pros and cons of each type of lens.
20. How to Clean Your Camera Lens
    • Proper techniques for avoiding scratches or damage.
21. Using Tripods Effectively
    • Tips for stable, level shots.

Practice and Challenges

22. 5-Minute Photo Challenge
    • Find and shoot creative compositions in your immediate surroundings.
23. One Light Setup
    • Master a simple one-light setup for portraits.
24. Shoot in Black and White
    • Focus on shapes, textures, and contrast by eliminating color.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Micro-learning: Characteristics, Benefits and Applications

Micro-learning is an educational approach that delivers small, focused, and easily digestible chunks of information to learners, typically designed to meet specific objectives. Instead of long, in-depth training sessions or courses, micro-learning breaks down content into bite-sized pieces that are quick to consume—often taking just a few minutes.

Key Characteristics:

• Short Duration: Lessons are concise, typically lasting between 2–10 minutes.
• Single Objective: Each session focuses on a single concept, skill, or idea.
• Easily Accessible: Delivered through digital platforms like mobile apps, videos, infographics, or quizzes.
• Interactive and Engaging: Often incorporates gamification, visuals, and interactive elements to enhance retention.
• Just-in-Time Learning: Designed for on-the-go learning, enabling users to access content when and where they need it.

Benefits:

• Increased Retention: Learners absorb and remember information better when it’s presented in smaller chunks.
• Flexibility: Can be accessed anytime, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for lengthy in-person training.
• Customizable: Content can be tailored to individual needs, roles, or objectives.

Applications:

Micro-learning is widely used in corporate training, education, and professional development. For example, an employee might watch a quick tutorial on using a new software tool, or a student might review flashcards before an exam.

It’s a modern, efficient way to learn that aligns with today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside Song from Outlander, Claire, Fanny and Faith

I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside

Everyone delights to spend their summer's holiday
down beside the side of the silvery sea.
I'm no exception to the rule, in fact, if I'd my way,
I'd reside by the side of the silvery sea.

But when you're just the common garden Smith or Jones or Brown,
At business up in town, you've got to settle down.
You save up all the money you can till summer comes around
Then away you go to a spot you know where the cockleshells are found

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside!
I do like to be beside the sea!
Oh I do like to stroll along the Prom, Prom, Prom!
Where the brass bands play, "Tiddely-om-pom-pom!"

So just let me be beside the seaside!
I'll be beside myself with glee
and there's lots of girls beside,
I should like to be beside, beside the seaside,
beside the sea!

Timothy went to Blackpool for the day last Eastertide
To see what he could see by the side of the sea.
As soon as he reached the station there the first thing he espied
Was the wine lodge door stood open invitingly
To quench his thirst, he toddled inside and called out for a wine
Which grew to eight or nine, till his nose began to shine.
Said he 'What people see in the sea, I'm sure I fail to see'
Then he caught the train back home again and to his wife said he

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside!
I do like to be beside the sea!
Oh I do like to stroll along the Prom, Prom, Prom!
Where the brass bands play, "Tiddely-om-pom-pom!"

So just let me be beside the seaside!
I'll be beside myself with glee
and there's lots of girls beside,
I should like to be beside, beside the seaside,
beside the sea!

William Sykes the burglar he'd been out to work one night
filled his bags with jewels, cash and plate.
Constable Brown felt quite surprised when William hove in sight.
Said he, "The hours you're keeping are far too late."
So he grabbed him by the collar and lodged him safe and sound in jail.
Next morning looking pale, Bill told a tearful tale.
The judge said, "For a couple of months I'm sending you away!"
Said Bill, "How kind! Well if you don't mind, Where I spend my holiday!"

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside!
I do like to be beside the sea!
For the sun's always shining as I make my way,
And the brass bands play, "Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay"

So just let me be beside the seaside!
I'll be beside myself with glee
and there's lots of girls beside,
I should like to be beside, beside the seaside,
beside the sea!

In Outlander, Claire Fraser sings a few lines from the song to her stillborn child, Faith, in episode 207, "Faith" (2016). In Episode 716, "A Hundred Thousand Angels", Fanny sings part of the song to herself, and a recording of the song is heard during the closing credits of that episode.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Canadian Naïve Art (Primitivism)

Naïve Art, also known as Primitive Art or Primitivism, refers to a style of art characterized by simplicity, childlike perspective, and a lack of formal artistic training or techniques. It often emphasizes bold colors, strong outlines, and a direct approach to subject matter. This style typically includes elements like exaggerated perspectives, intuitive compositions, and a focus on everyday scenes or folklore themes. Here is a comprehensive list of Naive Art Artists.

Historically, Naïve Art emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a reaction against the complexity and formalism of academic art. Artists sought to return to more spontaneous and genuine forms of expression, often inspired by folk art, children's art, or non-Western artistic traditions.

Prominent Naïve artists include Henri Rousseau, known for his lush jungle scenes, Alfred Wallis's nautical works of St. Ives and Grandma Moses, famous for her nostalgic depictions of rural life in America. Naïve Art continues to influence contemporary artists who value its authenticity, directness, and emotional resonance.

Canadian Naïve Art is a unique and vibrant expression of the broader Naïve art movement, characterized by its portrayal of Canadian landscapes, rural life, and cultural heritage. These artists often share the defining traits of Naïve art, such as simplified forms, bright colors, and a sense of untrained creativity, but their work is deeply rooted in the Canadian environment and traditions.

Notable Canadian Naïve Artists

1. Maud Lewis (1903–1970)
   One of Canada’s most famous Naïve artists, Maud Lewis painted cheerful, colorful scenes of rural Nova Scotia, including fishing boats, animals, and landscapes. Despite severe arthritis and financial hardship, she created her works on small surfaces, even using house paint. Her iconic, whimsical art has become a symbol of resilience and joy.

2. Alcide Morin (1917–1996)
   A Quebec Naïve artist, Morin focused on the rural traditions and everyday life of French-speaking Canada. His works often depicted winter scenes, village festivals, and farming life, capturing a sense of nostalgia and community.

3. Horace Champagne (b. 1937)
   Though best known for his pastel works, Champagne has occasionally ventured into Naïve-style paintings. His works often feature pastoral landscapes of Quebec and the Maritimes, reflecting a love for Canada’s countryside.

4. Yvonne Bolduc (1915–2001)
   Bolduc is celebrated for her intricate depictions of Quebec's rural life, including family gatherings, festivals, and domestic activities. Her art is highly detailed and imbued with a sense of storytelling, echoing the region's folk traditions.

Characteristics of Canadian Naïve Art

• Focus on Nature and Landscapes: Many Canadian Naïve artists draw inspiration from the country's vast and varied landscapes, including forests, rivers, mountains, and rural scenes.
• Folk Traditions: The art often reflects local customs, stories, and cultural heritage, especially in Quebec, where folk art traditions are strong.
• Whimsical and Optimistic Themes: Like other Naïve art, Canadian Naïve works frequently exude a sense of joy, simplicity, and charm.
• Seasonal Imagery: Given Canada’s distinct seasons, artists often depict snowy winters, vibrant autumns, and lush summers.

Legacy and Appreciation

Canadian Naïve Art holds a special place in the country's artistic history, celebrated for its authenticity and connection to everyday life. Works by artists like Maud Lewis have gained international acclaim, inspiring exhibitions, films, and books. Naïve Art continues to resonate with collectors and art enthusiasts who appreciate its honest, unpretentious beauty.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Oleilu: Finnish, To Relax and To Just Be

In Finnish culture, oleilu roughly translates to "just being" or "hanging out." It comes from the verb "olla," which means "to be." This concept reflects the Finnish appreciation for simplicity, mindfulness, and the art of existing without constant productivity or busyness.

Key Aspects of Oleilu:

1. Slowing Down: Oleilu is about taking time to slow down and enjoy the present moment without a specific agenda or goal. It’s a practice of unhurried existence.

2. Connection with Nature: Finns often engage in oleilu outdoors, such as sitting by a lake, enjoying a forest walk, or simply observing nature. It aligns with the deep cultural value placed on nature as a source of peace and inspiration.

3. Mindfulness Without Pressure: Oleilu isn’t the same as structured mindfulness practices like meditation. It’s less formal and more about allowing oneself to relax and let go of stress, often in a serene or cozy environment.

4. Social and Solitary: While oleilu can be a shared experience (like spending quiet time with family or friends), it’s equally common to practice alone. Finns are known for valuing personal space and solitude, which oleilu embodies beautifully.

5. Tied to the Finnish Sauna Culture: A quintessential Finnish experience, the sauna often includes oleilu. After the heat of the sauna, sitting in silence, sipping water or beer, and just "being" is a cherished form of relaxation.

Oleilu in Modern Life

In a world where productivity and busyness are often glorified, oleilu serves as a reminder of the beauty of balance. It encourages taking moments to pause, reflect, and simply exist, which can have profound mental health benefits.

In summary, oleilu is a quiet but meaningful practice that captures Finland's ethos of simplicity, mindfulness, and harmony with nature. It’s a practice that people worldwide could adopt to bring more calm and presence into their lives!

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Best Coffee for Intermittent Fasting

 

There are many types of coffee, so it’s helpful to understand which ones are best suited for intermittent fasting. It’s equally important to recognize which types could interfere with a fast.

Choosing clean, organic coffee that is mold-free is ideal. Some coffee may contain mold that produces harmful mycotoxins, which can negatively impact health.

(I happily use Mountain Cabin organic, mold-free*, pesticide-free coffee. I order it online from The Wellness Store.)

Organic coffee tends to be healthier than conventional options because it involves less exposure to chemicals. While pesticide residues can be found in coffee beans, the risk is generally lower compared to many other foods, even if organic options are beyond your budget.

Research shows that organic farming methods can enhance antioxidant levels in crops like coffee. Since coffee is naturally rich in antioxidants, organic varieties, with their higher polyphenol content, can offer additional benefits.

Additionally, organic coffee is often sourced from higher-quality farms with superior drying and processing techniques. These practices help reduce the likelihood of mold* and mycotoxin* contamination. Even if organic isn’t an option, focusing on high-quality, well-sourced coffee is essential.

Caffeinated coffee is typically more beneficial than decaf for those fasting, as caffeine can boost metabolism, increase energy, and suppress appetite. However, if you prefer decaf, it can still provide some advantages during fasting.

*Mold in coffee, or more specifically, mold contamination in coffee beans, can potentially pose certain health risks if present in significant amounts. Mold spores thrive in damp environments, and coffee beans can become susceptible during harvesting, storage, or transport. The primary concern with mold in coffee is the production of toxins.

Learn how to get a wellness box for your family here.

Fast Like A Girl Book here

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

So You Want to Be A Culinary Writer

A culinary writer is someone who specializes in writing about food, cooking, and related topics. Here are some of the things they typically do:

1. Recipe Development: They create and test recipes, ensuring they are clear, accurate, and appealing to the intended audience.

2. Food Journalism: They write articles, reviews, and features about food trends, restaurants, chefs, and culinary events.

3. Cookbook Authorship: They conceive, research, and write cookbooks, often including recipes, cooking techniques, and personal stories.

4. Food Blogging: They maintain blogs focused on food, sharing recipes, cooking tips, and personal experiences related to food culture.

5. Recipe Writing: They write recipes for publications, websites, and culinary platforms, adhering to specific style guidelines and ensuring recipes are user-friendly.

6. Food Criticism: They assess and critique food, restaurants, and dining experiences for publications or online platforms.

7. Food Photography and Styling: Some culinary writers also photograph and style food for their own work or collaborate with photographers to visually enhance their content.

8. Research and Reporting: They conduct research on culinary history, ingredients, and cultural contexts to provide accurate and informative content.

9. Educational Content: They may create educational materials such as cooking tutorials, food guides, and instructional videos.

Culinary writers often combine their passion for food with strong writing skills to engage and inform readers about various aspects of the culinary world.

Graphic: The Bitter Southerner, Issue 8

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

All The Places Joan Didion Lived in Los Angeles

All the places Joan Didion lived in Los Angeles. 

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Writing Style: Poetic Vignette Snapshot

Writing Style—poetic, vignette, or snapshot style—shares similarities with all three, but each term emphasizes slightly different aspects of the writing. 

Here's a breakdown to clarify:

Poetic Style

• Focus: Emphasis on rhythm, imagery, and emotion.
• Features: Evocative language, metaphor, and a lyrical tone.
• Use: Aims to create a visceral or emotional response, often abstract and flowing.

Vignette Style

• Focus: A brief, descriptive scene or moment in time.
• Features: Rich detail, minimal plot, and a focus on atmosphere, character, or mood.
• Use: Captures a single slice of life, often without a broader narrative arc.

Snapshot Style

• Focus: A concise, clear depiction of a specific moment or image.
• Features: Crisp, minimalistic language, like a photo translated into words.
• Use: Highlights a single detail or scene, often with a sense of immediacy and simplicity.

Key Distinction

• If it leans on artistic and lyrical elements: Poetic.
• If it paints a vivid, standalone moment: Vignette.
• If it's concise and visual, like a mental photograph: Snapshot.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.