Creating Magic in Small Packages

Hello Writers!

Let's talk about one of the most magical forms of fiction: the short story. These bite-sized pieces of fiction pack all the punch of a novel into a format you can devour in one sitting.

Why Short Stories Rock

Short stories are having a moment, and for good reason –

·         They fit perfectly into our busy lives.

·         They’re great for experimenting with new styles.

·         You can complete projects more quickly.

·         They’re easier to revise and polish.

·         They’re perfect for building a portfolio.

·         They’re accessible to write for everyone, including folks with different energy levels or time constraints.

Ready to write a short story? Well, first thing’s first – Start with a Bang.

Your first paragraph needs to do the heavy lifting. Unlike novels, you don't have chapters to build momentum. Hook readers immediately with –

·         An intriguing situation

·         A compelling voice

·         A question that begs to be answered

·         A moment of change or tension

Characters – Less is More

You probably only have room for 1-3 well-developed characters. Make them count!

·         Give them clear wants and needs.

·         Make every detail work double-duty.

·         Focus on the most important relationships.

·         Skip the backstory unless it's crucial.

Plot – Keep it Tight

Think of your story as a single, perfect arrow rather than a sprawling map.

·         Focus on one main conflict.

·         Cut any scenes that don’t drive the story forward.

·         Start as close to the action as possible.

·         End as soon as the story’s emotional purpose is fulfilled.

Find Your Story's Heart

The best short stories often center around –

·         A single meaningful moment

·         A key decision or change

·         A revelation or realization

·         A shift in perspective

·         A small but significant interaction

Photo by Robyn Budlender on Unsplash

Technical Tips

Different markets want different word counts and each publisher will have variations of their own. Read the submission guidelines carefully and follow them to the letter. No matter how good your story, it will not be accepted if it doesn’t fit the guidelines.

Microfiction –100 words or less

Flash fiction – under 1,000 words

Short short stories – 1,000-2,500 words

Traditional short stories – 2,500-7,500 words

Long short stories – 7,500-10,000 words

Make Every Word Count

In short fiction, economy is everything.

·         Cut redundant phrases.

·         Choose specific, powerful verbs.

·         Make your descriptions work for their space.

·         Let dialogue do multiple jobs.

·         Trust your readers to connect the dots.

Revise

Nobody enjoys it, but do it anyway. Short stories are perfect for improving your editing skills.

·         You can revise the whole piece in one sitting.

·         It's easier to track cause and effect.

·         You can experiment with different endings.

·         You can polish every sentence until it shines.

Get Your Stories Out There

Share your work with readers.

·         Literary magazines

·         Online fiction platforms

·         Writing contests

·         Themed anthologies

·         Your own blog or newsletter

Now is the Perfect Time

Short stories are ideal for our current moment.

·         Online platforms love shareable content.

·         Busy readers appreciate quick reads.

·         You can build an audience story by story.

·         They're perfect for digital formats.

·         You can write them anywhere, anytime.

Remember This

Every great writer started somewhere, and many began with short stories. They're the perfect training ground for so many aspects of writing.

·         Finding your voice

·         Learning story structure

·         Building confidence

·         Growing your craft

·         Connecting with readers

In Conclusion – Whether you’re writing your first story or your fiftieth, remember that every short story is a chance to create something complete and beautiful. It's your opportunity to capture a moment, a feeling, or an idea in its purest form.

Keep writing, keep reading, and keep sharing your stories with the world. We need them! Remember, some of the world's most beloved tales started as short stories.

QOD – What is the shortest story you’ve written?

Thanks for reading!

-Amos