Short stories

[sarillia]

Anyone have any tips for writing short stories that may be different from tips for writing longer forms? I'm much more familiar with novels but I'd like to try to submit some short stories for open calls that look interesting.

Comments

[lunabee34]

My main issue is sustaining plot. Most of what I write in any genre falls between the 2500-7000 word range. This works great for the personal essay, the academic article, and fanfic--not so much for that novel it would be awesome I could write. LOL I just don't think I have a novel in me. Maybe a collection of short stories or personal essays but not a novel. Which deeply saddens me.

[sarillia]

If you ever want to try to flesh out an idea into a novel I could try to help. I'm good at following through the implications of previous events and coming up with ways that various characters can react and intersect and complicate things further.

[lunabee34]

You are so sweet. Thank you. :)

I can barely find time to breathe right now LOL so that's far away on the agenda for me if ever, but I will hit you up should that change.

[inkdust]

That could be. But you never know - the right idea might come along. The length is definitely daunting. I do okay with long-range plot points, but building the in-between parts is always tough. Pacing, arc. I don't think I'll ever get rid of the fear of it being too much to handle.

[lunabee34]

I struggle with all that stuff too. Maybe we'll surprise ourselves one day. :)