What I Have Learned About Writing Short Stories

I have been writing and submitting short stories in earnest now for about ten months and have learned a few things along the way. No matter if you’re writing a drabble, a flash or something a little more substantial, there are ways to make sure you keep the word count tight and the reader interested.

Below are a few things I have picked up along the way, though I am sure there is much more to consider:

1. Let’s get the easiest one out of the way. Contractions. Contractions aren’t often given much thought. But when you only have 25 words left on your story’s word count, it can make a difference to squash together as many words as you can. Related to this- just cut out the fluff. If you don’t need it, get rid of it. It will only eat up the word count and weigh down your piece.

2. Cut out adverbs. Most adverbs sound flashier than they are; really all they do is suggest that the writer doesn’t know how to use their verbs effectively. Instead, spend more time looking at your choice of verbs, and what they show us about the characters. Place that verb into a sentence loaded with other information about narrative or emotion, and you’re on your way to a sharper piece of writing.

3. Now let’s talk about beginnings. Where you choose to start your narrative arc is important. Not only do you want to grab the reader, but you want to convey that this moment is important. Just because the story is short, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a plot. In fact, I would argue that the opening to a short story is even more important than in a longer form of writing, as you have less time to convey what is vital. Make sure you begin at a poignant moment, in a significant place, or even amid action. Whatever you decide, make sure it makes sense for your characters and won’t confuse the reader.

4. Naturally, endings are next. In a short story, it's tricky to tie up all loose ends. The ending of a short story might seem quite different from that of a novel. In a short story, you can use enigma far more heavily than in the ending of a novel, as long as it suits the piece and still gives the reader something to consider. Don’t let your reader feel abandoned but try to leave the writing on a thought-provoking note. Equally, you will want to satisfy any ideas from your opening that contribute to the dominant theme. If you leave these unanswered, it could cause the reader to feel frustrated and dissatisfied.

5. Choose your characters carefully. Unlike in a novel, you don’t have pages to convey the true motivations of a host of characters, nor can you build up relationships organically. Therefore, slimming down your cast of characters to only those who are vital is important. Some writers choose only to focus upon one main character in their short stories, so as not to detract from their narrative arc or characterisation. Many slim the cast down to two or three key players. You may wish to take into consideration which perspective you are writing your short story from before you decide how many characters you want to have. First-person writing helps readers experience a character's thoughts and feelings directly, creating more well-rounded characters. It might mean that you feel a greater sense of freedom in developing the other characters and feel that you could broaden your main cast. Equally, you might feel that first person is there for a reason- you don’t want to add too many additional characters as it could detract from your protagonist. It really is up to your preferences, though I’d caution against an overcrowded flash fiction.

6. The mood of the piece is often more important than the action. Since you don’t have the time to flesh out a complete series of events, it is often best to choose one key moment and linger on it. While that cuts out much of the action, it leaves time for emotion. Readers can forgive a little less action if the story resonates with them thematically and tonally. On this note, plan your title carefully. It should get across the tone while giving you the opportunity to add something to your story. Avoid short titles that are unclear. Instead, choose longer ones that convey more information and the right mood.

7. Finally, don’t be afraid to play with conventions. Writing should be enjoyable, so try experimenting with the unconventional. Novels can also do this, but short stories are so fleeting that the form and structure themselves can convey a narrative just as much as the language and plot can. Make up your own words. Create a line break in the middle of something huge. Change the point of view at the end of the story to second person. Surprise the reader. Naturally, these strategies won’t work for you every time, but they really hit home when they do.

Writing short stories can take a lot of practise, and this is by no means an exhaustive list. Try out what works for you.