Writing a novel is not an easy job. Not every writer has the passion and time to overcome this obstacle. You might be among those who write a novel but now want something different. If you are looking for a change, try writing short stories. Short stories are in demand by magazines, blogs, newspapers, and other sources. Authors are paid a handsome amount for publishing short stories. This is so, as they get a wage per word when writing short stories.
So, how can we write a story that is accepted by a publication or website? This blog will help you find answers. So, let’s get started.
5 ways to write a short story that leaves a lasting impression
- Understand the difference between a short story and a novel
Although novels and short stories share almost the same characteristics. They are coherent, grammatically correct, and have proper spellings. The length does not matter, they need to tell a story.
This shows that these elements are essential in both of them:
- An incident
- Rising and falling action, and
- A climax.
But still, both the forms are different. The novelist has no restriction on the length of the books. Short story writers are confined to the word limit they are assigned. To complete their narrative, they need to cut their stories short and eliminate the fatty details. And the problem in the story will be resolved soon.
This is one of the major differences between both genres. Short stories are based on an aspect of a character’s life, one problem that is the part of the main character. If you still have difficulty writing a short story, you can get help from services like English proofreading and editing services or others. Their expert team will better answer your questions.
- Open the story with a strong opening
One of the obstacles to writing short stories is that you need to get into the main part quickly. This means that a strong opening is essential to hook the readers. There are different ways for this. You can either begin the story from the middle of the action. The action doesn’t need to be big. Just a police car chasing the thief or you can make it simple by narrating that the main character of the story lost a document at the last spot of the event.
The most common one is when the writer opens the stories by raising questions in the minds of the readers. This technique hooks the readers to find the answers and leads them to read the complete material. Such opening lines will glue the readers to the story.
- Introduce a small number of the characters
The plot of a short story revolves around a minimum number of characters. A large number becomes a mess when handling them.
In a short story, there are only three characters, a protagonist, an antagonist, and a relationship character. The readers will have certain emotions set for each of them. They will cheer, hate, and have mixed emotions for each character of the story. Many stories around us are based on one character, and the writer builds a compelling story.
- Write natural dialogues
If you are writing a short story with the dialogue, then its quality will either break or make the story. If the narrations give a fake feel, it won’t work to keep the story flowing naturally. To bring a natural look to the story, try and get into the character’s mind and heart. Write with their voice according to the response in such a situation.
Creating believable dialogue is the intrinsic part that can make your audience relate to your character and plot. This is something difficult to achieve in short stories as writers try to include only those dialogues that can move the plot forward. This makes the conversation sound unnatural. The best idea is to read the dialogues aloud once they are jotted down, or you can look for a short story editor. They will try to improve your dialogues. If they don’t give a natural feel, try playing with the words to bring a natural feel. You can get help from social sites for more ideas.
- Build in some conflict
Every story has a conflict element rooted in it that makes the story appealing. In the same way, there is a single point of conflict in short stories. As a rule, no more than one is required.
There should be either a dilemma, a revelation, or a forceful decision in the character. A dose of tension should be surrounding that conflict. The tension and conflicts in the stories keep the readers engaged and hook to your story.
It is said that the writers are the saddest person of all. Many bad things happen to the main character of your story. However, one of the tricks of writing a short story is that it won’t have too much tension.
FAQs
Can a novelist write short stories?
Although both genres are the same, there is just a slight difference. Therefore, a novelist can write short stories. They need to keep in mind the limit of the words. Therefore, the story will not add extra details of the characters or the background information in such details.
What makes a short story engaging to the readers?
A short story that is based on the five elements, such as the character, story setting, conflicts, plot, and themes, makes the story engaging, and the readers enjoy reading such narrations.
How can we write a short story?
The first and foremost step to story writing is coming up with an idea or inspiration. Then, you need to brainstorm all your ideas, create an outline, and start with the first draft. Once you have completed the first draft, revise and edit it to correct any mistakes before you have the final version ready.
Are dialogues important in short stories?
If you are writing dialogues in your short stories, try to keep them natural. For this, you can think of the situation in which the character might respond or get help from social sites.
What are you waiting for? Start today!
All these tips can be applied to short story writing. You can begin it today and rule the world through your expertise.
Remember! The scope of short stories has increased over the years with a decrease in attention spans and the dominance of social media. Therefore, started to master the art of writing short stories. Limit the plot lines, the number of characters, and the background information, and start by engaging the audience from the first line. The passion of writing will make you perfect. Keep on practicing, and the day will not be away when you become a pro.
