Yeah we do.

Most so-called writers keep writing with the hope to, some day, find something to say.

–Nassim Taleb, The Bed Of Procrustes

Or:

Writers do have something to say.

But how interesting it is will be subjective.

For some, only their children and grandchildren will care.

Is it hard to write something long, or something short?

There seems to be controversy over this.

But I guess the answer is that – it depends.

And don’t get me wrong, I see both sides.

Short form is easier – because it takes less time to write 10 words than 50. This is the quantitative view.

Long form is easier – because it takes clarity and precision to say what you mean in 10 words, rather than 50 words. This is the qualitative view.

If you follow me at all, you know which direction I lean.

Understand: People are drawn to clarity in writing. (And everything else.)

Most American creative writing programs in that time proceeded from an obviously mistaken theory, the theory being that it is easier to write something short than to write something long. The exact opposite is true: the lyric poem remains the most difficult form, with the short story next; the novel is, for most writers, the least difficult form. I’m sure Jim Brown knew this, but the class only ran one semester and very few novels are likely to be written between January and May—although I have written four in less time than that.

-Larry McMurtry, Literary Life