1 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

are not too bad by themselves, after a period of time, the use of the word "said" can really annoy readers. They'd much read:

"Julie's going to the party," Donna said.
"Yeah, earlier in the day, Mom told me she's also going to sleep over at Eva's for the night."
"Well, I bet she'll have fun," Donna replied with a smile.

8. Time frame
If a short story takes place over an hour or two, a day or even a week, it's acceptable. However, there is little point in having a short story taking place over a period of months and years because there is no space to establish the story.

9. Colloquial phrases
Phrases which are here today and gone tomorrow are phrases best left out of literary works because, over a period of decades, published works with such phrases will confuse readers, and they may not be able to decipher the meanings of such phrases.

10. Conflict
There must be some type of conflict within the confines of the story - preferably introduced at the beginning - which is resolved when the short story is finished. Without conflict to show what characters are made of, there is no story. It's only a number of events happening which serve no real purpose.

11. Title
Will the title engage readers to make them want to read the story, or will the title bore them, sending them to look at another person's story? The eye is the mirror to the soul and the title of a short story serves the same purpose. It should allow readers a glimpse of what's contained inside.

12. Revision
While writers may be able to quickly write a short story, it doesn't mean the story is good enough as it is, even if it's entertaining and engages a reader (though these are two very good factors to keep in the final manuscript.) Writers must continue to revise their writings. When they feel they have a short story worthy to be presented to a teacher/professor/publisher, they should still set it aside for a few days before reviewing it again. Often, writers will notice areas which can be improved - things they missed the first several times they went through their story.

13. Read short story out loud
When sentences are too long, writers will notice it better when they can hear the sound of their own voices. If they need to stumble over words or read a sentence two or three times for it to make sense, they will know their readers will suffer from the same issues. Thus, improvement is in order. When writers can read a short story which sounds good to their ears, there's a chance the story may be ready to be submitted, as long as it meets other criteria stated above.

Short stories are not easily mastered but, when they are, they are a joy to read. They engage readers as much as a novel without the time constraints involved.

Learn more about this author, Norma Budden.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Avoiding pitfalls and mistakes in writing short stories?
We want to hear your view. Write now!