Tips on writing: short story
Writing short story-type things are at the same time simpler and more difficult than writing full-size novels. Apparently, writing a short story is easier, because it is short – up to 20 pages maximum – so there are less room for making mistakes and those made are much easier to correct.
Then, writing a short story requires less time and you can see the effects of your work much sooner than in case of a novel – and that is an important thing if you're a beginner – there are hundreds of great, but unfinished novels in the drawers that were left only because there were no visible results of weeks spent on writing. Short story is something that you can write in a week or two, then publish and see the feedback – that makes them an excellent tool for improving your skills.
However, writing a short story is also a little more difficult than creating a novel. The fact that there's only little room for mistakes means that there is only a little room for good things too. You have only 5-10 pages to tell a complete story – with juicy characters, intriguing plot and a point. That's not much – so you have to hurry up and do your best to eliminate all spare elements. Here are some tips that you might find useful when writing a short story.
Tip 1: a simple plot with a strong point
In most short stories it is enough to make a simple plot (there's no room for anything complex). It usually should look like this: troubles – trying to overcome them – point (success, failure or paradox ending). During the writing process it is good to keep in mind that your short story has to be simple. Do not worry about it being too simple – the plot is the least important thing there.
Tip 2: few characters, but as special as hell!
Concentrate on the characters – they're the most important part of your writing. Short story characters are also simple, but they need to be very characteristic. Don't be afraid of making them too special – all you can get is an interesting person.
Tip 3: Paradox and humor
When you're writing a short story, the most important part of it - one that the readers will remember – is a point. While a novel can be still considered interesting even if readers don't like the ending, a short story will be considered a crap in such case. Humor, paradox and deep thoughts (but those really deep) are to be used there. Writing a short story is all about the interesting ending.
