Certainly can't argue with that. If you're ever interested in a quick read between your own writings...  Just kidding. Seriously though, thank you. You've given me a lot to consider as I continue to write.

I know I haven't responded to the posts here, and I apologize. Been a crazy couple of weeks. In any case, I truly appreciate all the good advice. Wordmaker: I thought I had a busy day to day schedule, but you definitely have me beat. Thank you for the advice. This is the first time I've ever tried to publicly show my writings, and really had no idea how to spread the word about it. And as you pointed out, the end result of my questions often seem like advertising. That's not really what I'm trying to do, but it happens anyway. I hadn't ever really thought of going by word count, but as I find the time to write more, it's something I'll definitely pay attention to now.

  To be honest, I wasn't even aware that there even was a time when self published books were huge.  I did, however, know that it was becoming nearly impossible for the average person to get a book published these days.  That was sort of the point of a short story.  While yes, most people aren't interested in them, they still have the potential to get your name out there, without relying on a publisher to decide if you are good enough.  Of course, that requires an actual purchase, which just goes back to how do you get people to buy?
  Unlike most people here, I don't write because I think I'll someday be a huge success.  I write because that's what I enjoy doing, more than anything else I've found.  And since I'm going on 31, I've tried most things.  (The Deposed King):  The 90 page short story is the first in a series of at least seven, though likely they will all be less than 200 pages.  That does not mean, however, that I don't have bigger books in the works.  Two of my older ones are around 250 pages and only halfway done. But when you work 40 hours a week, are doing home renovations on a 100 year old house, and still need to find time to spend with your wife, it becomes harder to get longer books done.  But I do see your point. lol.

Crystal Phoenix Hobbies