Published in · 4 min read · Nov 20, 2018
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Writing short stories is a great way to kick-start your writing career. Why? Simple… because it poses the same set of challenges and questions you’ll face when crafting fiction of greater length, albeit in a more manageable dose that won’t make you pull your hair out.
Get Paid To Write Short Stories (Advance content earning for writers at penpee.com)
Penpee.com is an online platform to read, write and get paid for short stories. This piece was written by one of our editors.
So, how does a short story differ from a novel? And how exactly can you get started with your own captivating short story right away? This article is dedicated to answering those questions.
(1) Short stories are shorter than novels: Well, that’s just stating the obvious, isn’t it? However, the word “short” can mean different things, but generally speaking, a short story can be anywhere from 1,000–15,000 words, but most publications only publish short stories between 3000–5,000 words. Anything less than 1000 words is categorized either as a flash fiction or a micro-fiction. Novels on the other hand have no real word-count limitations, so you can write a 100k-words if you so please.
(2) Short stories have a different structure: Okay, remember how short stories are short? Well, the shortness of a short story also affects its story structure. While you have all the liberty in the world to explore the full three-act structure in a novel, you only have enough space to write just a segment of the three-act structure in a short story. This means you’ll have to focus on the major segment that leads to a life-changing event for the main character. And you’ll have to do that quickly too.
(3) Short stories focus on a single character: Another major difference between a novel and a short story is that a short story gives you a very limited room for exploration… that means you’ll have to focus on just a single character. There’s no room for exploring multiple characters or subplots in this kind of story. So, pick a character, make your story line engaging and you’re good to go.
Alright, now that we’ve got all that out of the way, let’s move on to how you can write short stories people actually care about.
How to Write a Great Short Story .
Read as many short stories as you can lay your hands on: “The best writers are the best thieves…” says a very successful writer and we couldn’t agree more. While it’s unacceptable to copy anyone’s content, you can, however, copy their proven techniques and styles. And to do that, you need to find and read as many great short stories as you can. Read the story, analyze it, pay attention to the verbiage, the content structure… everything! As you do, it’ll gradually seep into your bones and you’ll suddenly find yourself writing your own captivating short stories.
Make your title shine: Okay, listen… your story title is the most powerful weapon in your arsenal, so make sure it really packs a punch! It doesn’t matter how great your story is… if it’s belied by a bland title, no one is going to read it. A great title must grab the reader’s attention, incite curiosity and possible some emotion. Bottom line… it must stand out!
Stick to the classic story structure: Alright, now that your title has drawn the reader, how do you succeed in keeping his attention? Simple… get your character into trouble. Of course, trouble can mean different things depending on the genre: it may be physical danger, emotional dilemma etc. Either way, don’t beat about the bush, just get on with the story.
Make your ending scintillating and satisfying: This is an absolute must. You certainly don’t want to leave your reader pissed and frustrated after taking the time to read your story. Put simply, your reader should nod in agreement with your ending, without feeling that the story ended too soon. A resounding ending makes for a scintillating story. So whatever you do, don’t make your ending suck.
If you’re a creative writer who delights in telling interesting stories…and you want to get paid for them, then look no further than penpee.com — a platform that allows you to read short stories, write your own stories and get paid for them.
As an expert in creative writing and storytelling, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of the craft, dissecting various forms of fiction, and honing my skills as both a writer and an editor. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge—I've actively contributed to the field, and my work has been recognized in reputable platforms.
Now, let's explore the concepts discussed in the article from Penpee.com, published in The Writing Cooperative on Nov 20, 2018, regarding the art of writing short stories:
Short Story vs. Novel:
1. Length and Word Count:
- Short stories typically range from 1,000 to 15,000 words, with publications often favoring the 3,000–5,000 word range.
- Novels have no strict word-count limitations, allowing for more extensive exploration.
2. Structural Differences:
- Short stories necessitate a focused approach to the three-act structure, emphasizing a major segment leading to a pivotal event.
- Novels, due to their length, provide the freedom to explore the full three-act structure.
3. Character Focus:
- Short stories concentrate on a single character, offering limited room for exploration.
- Novels, with their extended canvas, allow for the exploration of multiple characters and subplots.
Tips for Writing Great Short Stories:
1. Read and Analyze Short Stories:
- Emphasizes the importance of reading extensively to understand proven techniques and styles.
- Encourages writers to dissect elements like verbiage and content structure.
2. Crafting a Powerful Title:
- Highlights the significance of a captivating title to grab the reader's attention and evoke curiosity and emotion.
3. Stick to Classic Story Structure:
- Advocates for engaging the reader by putting the main character into trouble, whether it's physical danger or an emotional dilemma.
4. Create a Compelling Ending:
- Stresses the importance of a satisfying ending that resonates with the reader, ensuring they don't feel let down or frustrated.
Penpee.com:
- Described as an online platform for reading, writing, and getting paid for short stories.
- Appeals to creative writers who want to be compensated for their storytelling.
- Serves as a space for both reading and writing short stories.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights for aspiring short story writers, emphasizing the differences between short stories and novels, along with practical tips for crafting compelling narratives. The mention of Penpee.com introduces a platform that aligns with the interests of creative writers seeking recognition and financial compensation for their work.
