Writing short stories might appear to be a simple task. After all, you will only be writing a short one instead of a novel which entails a lot of time since you have to create different chapters, weave sub-plots, and supply more story details and a whole lot more. But even short story writing is never an easy thing to do. You can always create your own short story whichever way you want it. Yet, how do you create a story that can attract readers, a kind of story that is created to last and can impact your readers?
Do not be afraid to write a story worth sharing.
One of the biggest mistakes that most writers make is to always go for the popular types of stories. And although this will work to your advantage, it is still better to offer something new and unique to your readers. Do not write the same kind of story over and over again. Readers might appreciate what you have written but if it is the same banal and hackneyed stories that they have been reading for years. Dare to be different. If you find a story that you think has value and is worth sharing then by all means, it is worth all your time.
Set the tone of your story.
The opening line, phrase or sentence of your short story is the most essential part of your work. No audience will read the whole work if at the very beginning they find the story too dull and boring to read. So, it is crucial for you to set the tone of your story. At the onset, capture the interest of your target readers. You should let your readers know that you are a good writer and you have an interesting story to share.
Never fail to entertain your readers.
Even if it is just a short story, you have to keep in mind that you write not just for the sole purpose of writing. You write to capture the minds of your readers and to entertain them. They read stories because they like to be entertained. And this does not simply mean that your short story should be entertaining in a sense that it is not dull and predictable. At the end of the day, your writers should be able to relate to the story. Make them feel for something. As a writer, you have the power to teach them something.
Take time to write your work.
When drafting your story, there are times when creative juices just wouldn’t come out and there is nothing wrong to have those moments where you end up staring blankly on the screen. The best stories take time to write. Do not stress yourself out if you feel like you are not in the mood for writing. It is definitely much better to write your short story when you are overflowing with creativity.
Be concise and brief.
Since you will be writing a short story, you have to make every sentence interesting. It is essential that your sentences are brief and concise yet powerful. This is one of the techniques suggested by Ernest Hemingway’s first editor. According to him, it is better to use short sentences and first paragraphs. When writing, it is important to be positive and not to be negative. After all, as a writer you do not just set the tone, you also set the mood of the story and the readers.
Polish your work.
The quality of your content is not solely based on what kind of story you offer to your readers but as well as its syntax, structure, delivery, etc. Even the greatest writers would continue revising their own work until they have finally achieved perfection. Once you are finally done with your first draft, check and read your story all over again. Do the necessary revisions. It helps if you can also ask other people’s opinion and feedback regarding your work. From their feedback, you can make the necessary revisions and other changes.
Know that there are no universal rules for great short story writing
You can learn from the techniques and methods used by famous writers and editors. But in reality, there is really no universal set of rules that you can use to create compelling and timeless short stories. There are no specific rules that you have to follow. In fact, there are even those who break the rules and would end up being the successful writers. What is essential is that you learn the basic rules of short story writing and from there learn and practice your craft in such a way that you find a set of rules that will set you apart from other artists.
Amy Cowen is content editor and writer at AussieWriter. She provides writing advice for students, young writers and those who need writing and editing help.
