How to write the Best Short Story
Writing a short story can be as challenging as writing a novel, sometimes more. Like poetry, short stories are all about what you leave out as what you put in.
Having written a few short stories last year, here is what my mantras have become for my future work. I will keep them short, succinct, because that is the way of the short story.
1. The subject
When writing a short story, always figure out exactly what the story should say, and figure out a way of saying exactly that and nothing more.
2. Make use of every word
Every word you write should actually further the plot or the characterization. If a word does not do either, toss it out.
3. Have a small cast
The story should have a maximum of three people/ characters. More, and you are in for a novel, or at least a novella.
4. Choose the time span
A short story works best when the time span is short, because you can then focus on the details.
5. Set your story carefully
Your story can have maximum two to three settings, so choose them carefully, and evoke them in the fewest words possible.
6. The first and the last line
The first line of any composition is important, but it means life or death to a short story. If you hook the writer in the beginning, you have a shot at getting it right. Equally, your last line must have impact. Give the reader a sense of closure, or further anticipation, or even a shock.
7. The untold: creating tension
A little hidden menace, a subtle twist, a clever characterization are all part of what the short story conveys without spelling it out. This gives a certain tension to the story, and keeps the reader going.
8. Plotting the story
Plotting is more a step towards novels, but a short story usually has a plot as well. Check your story against these tips on structure if you feel a lack of pace and events in your story.
Any other short story writing tips, please post them in the comments, and they will be added on to the post.
Very informative and upto the point…..Thanks di.
You are welcome, Raymond. If you have any suggestions to add, they’re welcome!
Jonsquared, I am planning a series of articles on writing, and I think they’ll help me as much as anyone else:)
Wow! Thank you for the tips Ms. Damyanti! They’re very informative. Keep ’em coming! 🙂
Thanks for this post. I’m a wannabe writer of short stories and pointers and tips as these only help. Cheers!