For those looking to break into the world of freelance writing, short stories may be the perfect stepping stone.
What is a short story, you ask?
Well, it’s quite simple. A short story is commonly described as being between 1,000 and 10,000 words. (Although some prefer to say it’s between 1,500 and 12,500 words.)
It is quite common for shorter pieces to be published on websites or in anthologies as “short stories” or “flash fiction” because it takes less time to read and review. (And let’s face it, we all have a lot of free time on our hands.)
Short stories are perfect for those wanting to try out writing for a living because they’re easy to write, quick to finish, and you’ll likely be able to get them published quickly if you work with an independent publisher.
Why Should I Write a Short Story?
Well, here’s a good question. Why should you write a short story?
Well, it’s a great question, and the answer is quite simple. Because you can. (There’s really no reason why you shouldn’t write a short story.)
What’s more, you can write one in a day, as the saying goes. (Although some prefer to say it takes two or three hours. I say, “what’s two hours more or less?”)
Short stories afford you the opportunity to show the world your creative side and give it a good story that’ll leave everyone thinking and talking about your work. Or, at the very least, the subject matter of your story. (Although strictly speaking, the writing itself is also important.)
Writing a short story also allows you to sharpen your skills and see how a story is put together thanks to the feedback you’ll receive from your reader.
Writing a short story is a great way to practice your craft and see how you interact with an audience. So, as you can see, there are many reasons why you should write a short story.
How Do I Write a Short Story?
So now that you know why you should write a short story, let’s get to the nitty-gritty and see how you go about doing so. (No distractions, no coffee breaks, just you and the keyboard.)
To begin with, you’ll need a notebook or a digital recorder to keep track of your ideas as they come to you. (Although most people now-a-days prefer to write digitally, with a WIRED writer’s notebook, you’ll have the flexibility of writing by hand if you feel more comfortable doing so.)
You’ll also need an internet connection, preferably through a WiFi connection on your laptop because it’s too easy to lose signal or have the connection drop out when you’re in the middle of a wordcount.
Then, you’ll need to find a quiet, comfortable place in your home to write. Maybe in a corner by a window so that you have the feeling of outdoors but without all the noise and distractions of the real world. (A corner is a great place to write. I mean, everyone knows what a corner is. It’s the place where you put your feet up and get down to work. So it’s not like you’re going to be in the middle of a meeting or anything.)
Next, you’ll need to decide on a title and then, of course, the plot.
Plotting a Short Story
Having a plot for your story is essential. Even for those looking to write a non-fiction piece, a good story inevitably has a plot. (Although in non-fiction, it may be more difficult to keep the plot a secret. But that’s another matter.)
Some people like to come up with a plot first and then work on the story around it. (This is called “outlining” your story.) However, in my experience, having a plot helps you work out the story much more efficiently. So, first things first: make sure you’ve got a solid plot to work with.
Title Selection
Once you’ve got a plot in place, you can move on to selecting a title for your story. (Although, as I mentioned above, it is essential to have a plot in place before choosing a title, it is also essential to select a good one. So, while you’re working on your plot, you should select the title that best fits the overall story you’ve planned. That is, the title should fit the story you’re telling and the characters involved in that story. (Think about choosing your favorite book and why you like it so much. That is what you should strive for as a title selection.)
For example, let’s say you’ve chosen to write about a feud between two families. The families are the Southerners vs. the North Carolinians. Naturally, the North Carolinians are the “bad” guys and the Southerners are the “good” guys. So, if you decide to call your story “The Summer of Love in the South,” your readers will know exactly what you mean even if they’re not familiar with the specifics of the feud.
Once you’ve chosen your title, you can move on to selecting a character to play the role of the “main” character in your story. This person will be the focal point or the protagonist of your story. Naturally, you are writing from the perspective of this character, so you’ll need to find a way to identify with him or her. (The best way to do this is by putting yourself in the character’s shoes. Imagine you’re the main character. What would you do? How would you act? What would you say? (This is called “immersing yourself” in your story.)
For example, if you are writing about an adolescent struggling with his identity, perhaps you want to write from the perspective of the father. Or, if you’ve decided to write about a female private investigator, perhaps you want to try out writing from the perspective of a male PI. (Just make sure that the parts that apply to your own gender are the parts you write. Some female PIs prefer to be called “sheriffs” instead of “investigators,” so you may need to make a few adjustments here and there. But nothing too major. Nothing that won’t make sense to a seasoned reader.)
The Writing Process
Once you’ve chosen your character and have started writing, you’ll need to figure out how to bring him or her to life. (Although it is essential to have a plot in place before you start writing, it is also essential to have a character. You can’t just pull names out of a hat in the name of your plot. (Even if you do.) So, while you’re working on your plot, you should try and flesh out your character. (The best way to do this is by thinking about what makes him or her tick. What motivates him or her? What are their goals? What are their interests? (This is called “establishing the world of your story” and it’s essential in creating an immersive experience for your reader.)
Now is the time to start experimenting with different voices or styles. If you’ve decided to write in first person, you’ll need to find a way to make it work for you. (Some people prefer to use “I” statements, others “you” statements, and yet others a combination of the two. So, you need to find the one that works best for you. (This can also depend on the type of story you’re writing. A tragic love story may require you to write in “I” statements, while a crime story might require you to write in the third person. So, style and voice are important considerations. Experiment with different combinations and find the one that works best for you. (Don’t be afraid to change your mind along the way and experiment with different styles and voices as you go. The best writers are constantly evolving and changing as they write. So, take this as a sign you’re on the right track. (Some people prefer to call this “finding your writing voice” but it’s the same process: just finding the one that works best for you. (And, remember: the best way to learn is by doing. So, go for it! Weigth lifting is good for your health. So, why not write?))