Writing Short Stories

It used to be that if you wanted to become an author, you would publish three short stories first, and then write a novel and send it to a publisher.

Nowadays, it's harder to get published and short stories are often neglected unless in contests or magazines. But for some, it's just something you do in your spare time. Sites like FictionPress and Wattpad accept short stories so feel free submit your story online!

However, if you are looking to submit your short story to a writing magazine or to simply extend or improve your writing skills, then this article is for you.

The thing about short stories is that… well… it's a short story. You can't make it too long, and you can't make it too short. For some writers, it's easier to write short stories than it is for them to write novels, vice versa.

Since the purpose of a short story is to keep it short, your plot must be interesting and exciting, but not as detailed or complex as a novel. I have written a few short stories, and I find that field easier than long, detailed novels. But I do know some writers who are more comfortable with writing novels, mostly because they have certain broader ideas that need more complexity and writing steps.

Short stories can be fun and satisfying to write, and there's no rule to what genre you have to stick with. But some genres are just easier to write than others. In my opinion, I think it's harder to write sci-fi or dystopian short stories than it is to write fantasy short stories. Chick-lit is a popular favorite, as well as crime, mystery, paranormal, and realistic modern-day fiction.

Animal short stories are also a largely-appreciated area of fiction that is normally more acceptable for younger writers. I find that stories with a purpose or theme of some kind; a life lesson, are usually more interesting.

Well, how do you end a short story anyways?

There are many ways to end a short story. Traditionally, most short stories leave you deeply in thought about something, whether it be animal cruelty or the future. Other options are simple, sad endings, happy endings, romantic endings, you name it.

Characters for short stories should be unique and flawed, yet simple and overall, not as complex as characters like Katniss Everdeen or Harry Potter. It's always great to have character growth in the end of any story. If there was a little sort of adventure taking place in your short story, think about it. What experiences did your characters have? Was it something amazing, terrible, or joyful?

Short stories may not be as popular now as they used to, but hopefully, that will change in the future. For now, write, write, write! Never stop writing or believing. For writers that haven't been published yet, there will be a day you are successful. For already published authors, keep believing! Have confidence in yourself and perhaps one day, you'll be as famous as Suzanne Collins or Rick Riordan.

- Ashlyn, Aspiring Author of Today