The Top 10 Tips for Writing Outstanding Short Stories

It’s true that writers do not have enough time and motivation for a novel. Writing a book is indeed taxing as it consumes more energy. This is one of the setbacks that encourages most writers to publish short stories.

If you are a writer and want to try something different and gain more visibility, a short story is an ideal option. By writing short stories for magazines, blogs, newspapers, and anthologies, you can raise the demand for content and gain more popularity. 

Other than this, publishing short stories is a great way to earn good money. If you’re excited to write a short story but wondering how it can be outstanding, worry not; this blog has covered your concerns. Here are 10 simple yet effective tips for writing an excellent short story. 

Keep reading to explore more!

Understand the True Meaning of the Short Story 

No doubt novels and short stories have common characteristics such as being coherent, grammatically correct, and having proper spelling according to regional language. No matter how short or lengthy the details are – the story must be told and presented well, considering all the components. 

However, for a short story, there is always a limit to the number of words and characters needed to complete the story. For this, you have to cut the details to the bones without impacting the true essence. It can be interesting yet a little challenging for the writers to put all focus on one aspect of life.

Once you have a deep understanding of the short story, you will write it with passion. 

Start as Close to the End as Possible

The next factor you should embrace when creating a short story is knowing how to start the story. To gain a basic understanding, you can explore online guides and read newspaper articles. This will help in giving a general idea of how to give the reader information upfront. 

This way, readers can make up their minds whether to read further or not. While you are starting your short story, be creative with opening lines and paragraphs. This will help you get the reader to dive into your unfolding story. 

Keep Up the Speed 

Writing a short story requires you to keep a fast pace.  As the details are précised or only a small part of the conflict is explained, the pace matters to add life to the text and amuse the readers. 

The main purpose of reading a short story is to get the details almost in one setting. That’s why the pace needs to be increased when the hero of the story approaches the final conflict. 

Pick Fewer Characters

It can be impossible for a writer to develop a large number of characters in a short story. Along with this trouble, it isn’t easy for the reader to keep track of them. Generally, a short story revolves around three characters. 

You can introduce some other characters as well, but there is a protagonist, antagonist, and a wrench. To bring interest to your story, make sure your reader finds someone to love, someone to hate, and someone who acts as an arch to the protagonist or antagonist. You can also create a story on the basis of one true character.

Give Reader Character to Root For

Now, as every story needs a protagonist, you need to work on the character to make it enjoyable. The more you connect the protagonist to the reader, the more appreciation you can receive.

There are several proven techniques that you can use to strengthen the connection between the reader and the protagonist. For example, you can give your main character a passion that will be shared by the reader.

You can also give your character determination and weakness to make it feel real and relatable. 

Create Some Conflict 

It’s a rule for every story to have a conflict. However, when writing short stories, adding one conflict is required as a compulsion. It is essential for you to have at least one dilemma, a revelation, or be forced with any decision. 

 The conflict in the story will add a dose of tension for the reader and keep it connected with your story. Ensure that the conflict doesn’t impact the true essence and traits of your main character. A good short story doesn’t have too much tension for the readers.

Suggest a Backstory 

It’s important for you to add a backstory of the character that supports the traits. If you are in doubt, leave it out. The reason is that, in the short story, every sentence must count. If there is too much complexity in vocabulary or the context, leave it. 

Many writers don’t explain many details of the backstory, which actually helps build curiosity in the readers. With little detail, you can plan the next part of the story or plan a sequel. 

Offer Appeal to Five Senses

Many writers restrict their readers to only the visual experience of their story. You can transport the reader into the world by letting them touch, smell, taste, or even feel hearing a sentence. 

This will help the readers to experience or live the words and situation. For example, adding the text related to bacon cooking in the kitchen or the sound of a ceiling fan keeping her from drifting. 

Add Dialogues 

To make your story interesting, ensure you are not all focused on the details of the background or surroundings. It is important for you to add exciting and natural dialogue between the characters to make the scene come alive. 

This will advance your story and bring opportunities for you to create a conflict. Adding dialogues is always the best way to bring drama to the story. 

Edit Until You Hurt

Lastly, no matter how much thought you have put into the story or how good you are as a writer, ensure the story is compelling and precise. Editing is a must.

Once the final draft is completed, you need to become the ruthless and more conscious editor for your story. You can edit it on your own or ask someone else to do it.