Writing Short Stories

For aspiring authors writing fiction, whether it be short stories, novellas or novels, try this idea for an interesting group activity and creative writing exercise.

Dec 16, 2009 - Michelle Pannecoucke

For creative fiction writers looking for a good writing exercise, writing a story based on a snapshot is a great way to inspire ideas to write good short stories.

Nov 28, 2009 - Michelle Pannecoucke

To write a good short story that gives readers an enjoyable reading experience, aspiring writers may consider a few ideas for characterization and plot development.

Nov 28, 2009 - Michelle Pannecoucke

Opening paragraphs with writing hooks - what better writing prompts could an aspiring writer want? Short story ideas will flow from these top creative writing prompts.

Oct 8, 2009 - James Parsons

Want to write a novel or short story but can't find a story plot or starting point? These great writing prompts are based on interesting story titles.

Oct 6, 2009 - James Parsons

There are many reasons for the rejection letters writers get from editors. Some of these are lack of credibility, mixed tenses and weak endings.

Sep 29, 2009 - Anita Saran

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.

Sep 28, 2009 - Derek Putz

Sometimes, creative writing ideas just won't come. These writing prompts will generate ideas for short story writing enthusiasts and help cure writers block.

Sep 17, 2009 - James Parsons

The technique of foreshadowing is critical to the success of a short story. Discover ten ways to create it.

Aug 28, 2009 - Anita Saran

How to write an alluring first sentence or paragraph that keeps the reader reading until the end of the story, and how to end a story

Aug 15, 2009 - Anita Saran

Entering a short story competition means competing with thousands of other entries. With this in mind, the writer must give their entry the best chance possible.

Apr 21, 2009 - Rachel Wills

These tips will show writers how to have the perfect beginning to a story by intriging, inviting, and interesting their readers in the first sentences.

Feb 23, 2009 - Bonnie Way

Assembling, manipulating, and working with lists can be a useful and effective tool for fleshing out story ideas.

Feb 14, 2009 - Cynthia Riede

A writer needs to understand the structure of a short story to write one that will sell. Short stories are not just short books, they are their own literary forms.

Jan 18, 2009 - Janie Sullivan

Many writers, when they begin, may think they are writing a short story when they are actually writing a novel, or vice versa.

Nov 27, 2008 - Nina Munteanu

When an author makes a sale of a short story, he or she will receive a contract which should clearly state what kind of rights the publisher is being allowed to use.

Aug 9, 2008 - Vickie Britton

To complete a successful short story, check all the essential parts and make sure they work seamlessly together to offer an enjoyable read.

Jun 18, 2008 - Elaine Walker

Point of view is a key feature in any story - trying several different approaches can help in deciding on the voice that will serve the story most effectively.

Jun 18, 2008 - Elaine Walker

A short story has to catch readers in the first paragraph - try these ideas for an opening that will hook them at once and then reel them in.

Jun 18, 2008 - Elaine Walker

The compact form of the short story requires different writing techniques to the novel. Reading and planning can form a foundation for success.

Jun 18, 2008 - Elaine Walker

A decision by The Willesden Herald not to award the prize in this year's competition leads to greater understanding of just what makes a short story succeed.

Mar 22, 2008 - Adair Jones

The key to success in publishing your short story is to find the right magazine for it.

Jan 12, 2008 - Jennifer Jensen

Although the characters in your short stories are not real, you have to make those characters seem real, if you want readers to care for or despise them.

Nov 27, 2007 - Sharon Hunt

Accurately explaining what your fiction is about can be difficult for a writer, but it is an important tool if you want people to remember your work.

Nov 26, 2007 - Sharon Hunt

Ceil Cleveland unravels visual images so readers see the art of storytelling in short stories.

Oct 20, 2007 - Mona Lisa Safai