(...) If I recall correctly, Blood Music was indeed a short story first, and then was lengthened to a novel after the short story's success. I've only read the short version, but I wouldn't doubt that the second half of the novel was bland. ~Kevoh (20 years ago, 22-Sep-04, to lugnet.off-topic.debate, FTX)
(...) I've only read a couple of full-length novels that were originally published as short stories or novellas. Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card) comes immediately to mind (and I've recently discovered a copy of the original novella at the local (...) (20 years ago, 22-Sep-04, to lugnet.off-topic.debate, FTX)