How to Write a Good Short Story

Keys and Tips to Writing a Story That Will Keep the Reader Engaged

Sep 28, 2009

Writing can be difficult at the best of times. Short stories can be the hardest things to write because the writer has to say a lot in a lot less words than a novel.

But the key to writing a good short story is keeping things smaller, shorter and punchier.

Elements of a Good Plot

The writer has the freedom to tell the story in any fashion he or she chooses. Chronological, frame narrative, retrospect and flashbacks can all be used in short stories. Although, the writer must be careful not to include too many flashbacks or jumping around in time.

A short story is just that, 'short.' Instead of telling the whole life story of a character, take one critical moment of his or her life and tell that story. But be aware of the main character's life. Even take the time to jot down his or her biography (where he was born, growing up, past relationships etc.) While this may not be used in the story, it is important for the writer to keep it in mind while writing.

Sometimes putting a few characters into one setting and never leaving that scene for the entire story works well. Otherwise, the writer will run the risk of telling and not showing.

Show and Tell

"Sweat trickles down Johnny's face and he can hear his heart thumping in his throat. He reaches out into the darkness but only his shadow slips through is fingers."

This is showing. Getting the senses involved sometimes helps differentiating between showing and telling. Allow the characters to smell, see, touch and hear things which are happening in the story.

The Importance of Conflict

Since the story is short, try and narrow down the conflicts the characters may face. The whole story can introduce the main conflict and resolve it by the conclusion. Experiment with internal (man vs. self) and external conflict (man vs. man/nature/society) at the same time. By having both internal and external conflict in one character, the short story is deeper and more fulfilling for the reader.

Themes and Motifs

Make every line count. Don't include throw away lines, or pointless scenes that do nothing to further the plot or make a thematic statement. Objects, memories, colours, or phrases when repeated in the story, can gain significance. These objects not only mean something on the surface, but they can also tell a thematic statment about the characters, their situation or the plot.

Think carefully about what to focus on, because in a short story, the reader will be looking for motifs to try and understand the story.

Most importantly just write. Most times things don't work out, but a writer will never be a writer unless he or she tries.

The copyright of the article How to Write a Good Short Story in Writing Short Stories is owned by Derek Putz. Permission to republish How to Write a Good Short Story in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.