If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting a garden. The two processes complement each other, creating a complete landscape that I treasure. The green foliage of the trees casts a pleasant shade over the earth, and the wind rustles the leaves, which are sometimes dyed a brilliant gold. Meanwhile, in the garden, buds appear on the flowers, and colorful petals attract bees and butterflies, reminding us of the subtle transition from one season to the next.
In the analogy presented by Haruki Murakami, writing novels and short stories is compared to planting a forest and a garden, respectively. Novels, like forests, create a vast and complex landscape, while short stories bring vibrancy and detail similar to a blooming garden. Each form of writing enriches the other, contributing to a diverse literary experience that the author values deeply.
This imagery highlights how novels provide depth and shade, akin to trees, while short stories add color and dynamism, reminiscent of flowers swaying in the wind. Together, they create a harmonious ecosystem that reflects the beauty of literary creation and the changing seasons, embodying a transition that readers can appreciate in both forms.
