Short stories are a powerful and compact form of writing that distills storytelling into just a few thousand words. They give readers a journey that can often be consumed in just one sitting. Writing a short story can seem daunting, but with a clear step-by-step guide, you can create a piece that resonates with readers. This guide will walk you through the most important stages of writing a short story, from ideation to polishing it for publication. 

Understanding What a Short Story Is

Before you dive into writing, it is important to understand the defining characteristics of a short story. These include:

  • Length: Short stories are typically between 1,000 and 7,500 words long.
  • Focused Plot: There is usually only one main storyline, without subplots.
  • Few Characters: Short stories are often limited to only a handful of important characters.
  • Single Conflict: There is a main problem or tension that drives short stories.
  • Resolution: There is a clear or implied conclusion at the end of every short story. 

A great way to get an understanding of short story structure is to familiarize yourself with short stories from renowned authors like Edgar Allen Poe, Alice Munro, or Ray Bradbury.

Start with an Idea

An interesting short story begins with inspiration and something that will hook your readers in. Here are some examples of short story prompts:

  • A single moment: An argument, a chance meeting, or a realization. 
  • A question: What if a person could hear people’s thoughts for a day?
  • A character: Someone with an intriguing habit or secret.
  • A setting: A haunted library, a post-apocalyptic desert, or a bustling marketplace. 

Write down ideas as they come to you. Once you have a few, pick the one that excites you the most, or combine a couple and get ready to start writing.

Develop Your Characters

Characters are the heart of any short story. Even if you have only one protagonist, they need to feel real and relatable. Think about the following when developing your characters:

  • Name: Choose a name that fits your character’s personality or background.
  • Motivation: What does your character want, and why?
  • Conflict: What obstacle stands in their way?
  • Background: What experiences have shaped your character?

Remember, you do not need to spell out every detail, especially since you have a limited word count. Show your character’s traits through their actions and dialogue. 

Craft a Strong Opening

The first few sentences of your short story are extremely important. They should grab the attention of the reader and set the tone. Here are some strategies for crafting a strong opening:

  • Start with action: “The car’s tires screeched as Jacob swerved into the icy road.”
  • Pose a question: “Why had he left the letter unopened for ten years?”
  • Set the scene: “The town square was eerily silent, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun.”

Avoid a lengthy opening at the start. Instead, drop the reader into the middle of the story. 

Outline Your Plot

Even though short stories are brief, they still need structure. The classic three-action structure works well and here is how to adapt it for a short story:

  • Beginning: Introduce the characters, setting, and main conflict.
  • Middle: Develop the conflict through rising action and obstacles in your character’s way.
  • End: Resolve the conflict, giving the reader a sense of closure or mystery. 

A great example of a well-structured short story to check out for inspiration is The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. 

Write the First Draft

Do not aim for perfection in your first draft. Focus on getting your ideas written down. Keep the following tips in mind:

  • Stay concise: Every sentence should push the story forward in a short story.
  • Show, do not tell: Instead of saying, “She was angry,” show her slamming the door or clenching her fists.
  • Maintain your pacing: Avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details. 

Let your creativity flow and silence your inner critic for now, until the editing stage.

Create Impactful Dialogue

Dialogue in a short story must be purposeful. It should reveal character, advance the plot, or build tension in the story. Consider the following when writing dialogue:

  • Keep it natural: Avoid writing dialogue that is overly formal or cliché.
  • Avoid info-dumping: Do not use dialogue as a tool to explain things that characters already know.
  • Use subtext: Characters, and people in real life, do not always say what they mean or want to say. Let their words hint at their deeper emotions or motivations. 

Revise and Edit

Once you have completed the first draft of your short story, it is time to refine it. Here is how to best edit:

  • Take a break: Step away for a day or two to get a fresh perspective on your writing and story.
  • Read out loud: Reading out loud can help you catch any awkward phrasing or unnatural dialogue that might sound alright internally. 
  • Trim the excess: Cut unnecessary words, sentences, scenes, or even characters from your short story. 
  • Check pacing: Make sure the story flows smoothly without rushing or dragging. 
  • Look for feedback: Share your story with trusted friends, writers, or beta readers. 

Perfect Your Ending 

The ending of a good short story will leave a lasting impression. Some great options for leaving a lasting impression are:

  • A twist: Reveal something unexpected. 
  • A resolution: Tie up any loose ends, giving the readers closure.
  • An open ending: Leave room for the reader’s interpretation. 
  • A callback: Refer to an earlier detail or theme in the story.

Aim to write an ending that will make the reader emotional or think hard about the story.

Polish Your Story

Before submitting or sharing your short story, give it a final polish and round of editing to make sure it is as perfect as it can be.

  • Proofread: Check for any missed grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors that slipped through. 
  • Format correctly: Use a standard font, like Times New Roman, 12-point size, and double spacing so that editors and publishers can easily access your work.
  • Write a title: Choose a title that will capture the essence and tone of your story, while attracting readers at the same time. 

Share Your Work

Now that your short story is complete, it is time to share it with an audience if that is your goal. Some options for sharing and publishing your work include:

  • Literary magazines: Research different publications that accept short story submissions or the genre that you chose to write your short story in. 
  • Contests: Many writing competitions welcome short stories.
  • Online platforms: Share your work on writing websites or social media. Consider creating your own blog and sharing your work there as well. 

Be prepared for comments and constructive criticism from both the publishers and readers if you choose to share your work online. But remember that every piece you write is a step forward in your growth as a writer. 

Writing a short story is a rewarding challenge. By following these steps, you can create a piece that captures readers’ imaginations and leaves a lasting impression. Remember, the more you write and revise, the better your stories will become. So, grab your pen or keyboard and start crafting your next short story masterpiece.