Should I Write Short Stories
Should You Write Short Stories?
When I began to take myself seriously as a writer I began with short stories. Those short stories felt much easier for me as I didn’t have the pace to write a huge novel. It felt quick, in, out and then the ending.
Tolstoy my No.1) has dozens of short stories. Eventually, he wrote the massive epic War and Peace which is the longest novel ever written.
Another great writer that specialises in short stories is Chekhov. I am a huge fan and his short stories always end with a surprise or something unexpected. Again these are short stories.
If you a a new writer I would strongly advise you to start writing short stories. But whether or not you should write short stories depends on your interests, goals, and preferences as a writer.
Here are a few tips to help you write short stories:
Creativity and Expression: If you enjoy expressing yourself through writing and exploring creative ideas, short stories can be a great medium. They allow you to experiment with different genres, themes, and characters in a more condensed format.
Time Commitment: Short stories typically require less writing time than longer forms of fiction like novels. Short stories might be a good fit if you have a busy schedule or prefer a quicker writing process. I have short stories at 800 words.
Skill Development: Short stories can help you sharpen your writing skills. They require careful attention to detail, concise language, and effective storytelling techniques. Practising these elements in shorter pieces can contribute to your growth as a great writer.
Exploration of Ideas: Short stories provide a platform for exploring new ideas without the long-term commitment of a novel. If you have various concepts you'd like to experiment with, short stories allow you to test them out and see what resonates with you and your audience.
Publishing Opportunities: Many literary magazines and online platforms accept short story submissions. If you're interested in getting your work published, short stories can be a good way to start building a publication history.
Reader Engagement: Short stories can be more accessible to readers with limited time. People may be more inclined to read a short story during a lunch break or a commute, making your work more accessible to a broader audience.
The Decision To Write Short Stories
Remember, the decision to write short stories ultimately depends on your personal goals and interests. If you enjoy the challenge of crafting a complete narrative in a condensed form, exploring various ideas, and potentially reaching a diverse audience, then writing short stories could be a fulfilling and rewarding endeavour.
Finally, my first short story is about time travel. It is a story I love to tell and love to read. However, it is badly written. I find it a read that I want to rip apart and write again.
But the point is - that short writing led me to my current novel which is around 120,000 words so far.
Writing a short story is the perfect way to begin your writing.
Ghostwriter | Videos | Mentor
Alan Forrest Smith
Ps leave a comment I’d love to know what you think
