Okay, I just spent about five minutes watching that gif of Hemingway having a drink. It is, beyond a doubt, the coolest thing I've seen all year :)) I love Hemingway (I think it's a very good bar to set yourself, honestly), even though many say he's too simple, too direct. To me, that's exactly the point. If he can write things so directly and still come out with a great story, then you know he's a good fucking writer.
So, thank you for that :)) Interesting read, I'm glad you found your way towards writing again. I've never been on such a course, mainly because all the ones I've seen advertised around here sound like a pretentious money-grab.
I agree with everything you're written here, particularly the part about short stories giving more immediate satisfaction. I definitely know that feeling...and the feeling of getting lost in a seemingly endless novel and how depressing that ca be, though also rewarding if you do finish it. It's a complex job, huh?
I'm happy you're happy with that story and I really do wish you the best of luck with The New York Times <3 Thank you for sharing all this!
That gif is strangely mesmerizing isn't it? It kind of feels like you're there having a drink with him. Writing a novel is a true commitment, not to mention grueling but I would definitely encourage every writer to try it at least once. Psychological boot camp is the best way I know to describe it. The NANOWRIMO model is the best way I've found to getting to a first draft. I'll be happy if I can write anything even as remotely good as Hemingway. : ) Thank you, @honeydue, for your comment and ongoing support!