How to Write a Good Short Story

Hey friends! Hope you’re doing well this evening. It’s chilly where I’m at and the roads are all iced over so I did college remotely today. It went well and I think I’m starting strong though it’s hard to say since I’ve only been able to attend one full day in person. The classes I’m in this semester are all writing classes since I’ve finished up all the science ones for my biology degree.

One class I’m taking this semester is known as Fiction and short stories. I’m taking this class for my creative writing minor (and for fun!) and because I’ve always struggled a bit with writing short stories. I have this awful habit of rabbit trailing and expanding where it is incredibly unnecessary. You can’t afford to do this in short stories especially. They kind of need to be…yaknow, short. It’s always been a struggle of mine. It’s actually rather intimidating to me to develop so much of a story in such a short amount of time.

This got me sort of thinking about all the elements that go into a strong short story. So, in the spirit of helping me figure out how I can write an effective short story myself, I decided to identify what exactly makes a GOOD short story.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊStart with a Strong Idea˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Begin with a clear and intriguing concept. A short story doesn’t have the luxury of extensive development as previously mentioned, so choose a focused and powerful idea.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊDevelop Memorable Characters˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Even in a short story, your characters should be distinct and memorable. Readers should connect with them or be intrigued by their qualities. Focus on their motivations and how they contribute to the plot.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊEstablish a Strong Setting˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Set the scene effectively. While you may not have room for extensive world-building, provide enough details to immerse readers in the story. Use sensory details to evoke a sense of place.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊCreate a Compelling Opening˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Grab your reader’s attention from the beginning. Open with a strong line, an intriguing situation, or a question that piques curiosity. The opening sets the tone for the entire story.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊMaintain a Clear Plot Structure˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Short stories typically have a simpler structure than novels, but they still require a clear beginning, middle, and end. Develop a plot with a distinct conflict and resolution. Also consider carefully the motivations at play in your tale and how such motivations conflict with each other.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊFocus on a Single Theme or Message˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Short stories are most effective when they have a central theme or message. Identify the core idea you want to convey and weave it into the narrative. Avoid trying to tackle too many themes in a short space. This can make your story seem scattered and unconnected.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊShow, Don’t Tell˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

You’ve heard it a million times but I think it’s always worth reiterating. Don’t trick yourself into believing that you don’t have any time at ALL in a short story to provide clear imagery. Use vivid descriptions and action to show what’s happening rather than telling the reader. Engage the senses and create a visual and emotional experience.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊBuild Tension˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Since you have limited space, build tension efficiently. Create conflict early on and escalate it steadily, leading to a satisfying resolution. Tension keeps readers engaged. Ask yourself “what is pulling my reader forward to finish my piece?”

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊCraft Dialogue Carefully˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Dialogue is a powerful tool in a short story. Make each line count, revealing character traits, advancing the plot, or adding atmosphere. Ensure that it feels natural and serves a purpose. You don’t have time to indulge in empty chatter between characters. Unless, of course, it’s in character (see Treebeard from The Lord of the Rings here. Though that reference may not be super accurate as The Lord of the Rings was hardly a short story.”

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊConsider the Ending˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

A short story’s ending should be impactful. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a twist, but it should leave a lasting impression. Consider the emotional resonance you want to achieve. What do you want to leave your readers with. What do you want them to think about upon your story’s end?

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊEdit Ruthlessly˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Or kill your darlings or whatever. Given the limited space, every word should contribute to the story. During the editing process, be ruthless in cutting unnecessary elements. Ensure that each sentence serves a purpose. If you’re anything like me, this may feel a little painful. I make the mistake of feeling each line is precious to me. Unfortunately, this is not the case and some decisions must be made to further the conciseness of the story.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊSeek Feedback˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ

Share your short story with others and gather feedback. Other perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas that may need improvement.

Remember that brevity is key in a short story. Every element, from characters to plot points, should serve the overall narrative purpose. Experiment with different styles, voices, and themes to discover what works best for your story.

Phew. That was a lot. But I think making a concise list helped me work through what to focus on when writing for my class. Perhaps this list will help you too? Either way, thanks for taking the time to read! Thanks for stopping by!