How to Keep Short Stories Short

Short stories are a unique and powerful form of literature, offering readers a concentrated dose of narrative in a compact package. The art of crafting short stories lies in their brevity, which demands precision, focus, and skillful storytelling. This article explores various techniques and strategies to help writers master the art of keeping short stories concise yet impactful.

How do you set and stick to a word count goal?

Setting and adhering to a word count goal is a fundamental aspect of writing short stories. This practice not only helps maintain the story’s brevity but also sharpens your writing skills by forcing you to convey your ideas more efficiently.

To set an effective word count goal, consider the following factors:

Story complexity: Assess the complexity of your plot and characters. A simple, straightforward story might require fewer words than one with intricate plot twists or character development.

Publication requirements: If you’re writing for a specific publication or contest, adhere to their word count guidelines. Many literary magazines have strict word limits for short stories.

Reader attention span: Consider your target audience and their typical reading habits. Shorter stories may be more appealing to readers with limited time or shorter attention spans.

Once you’ve determined your word count goal, use these strategies to stick to it:

Outline your story: Create a detailed outline before writing. This helps you organize your thoughts and ensures you include only essential elements.

Use a word count tracker: Employ writing software or apps that display your current word count as you write. This visual reminder helps you stay on track.

Set milestones: Break your word count goal into smaller, manageable chunks. For example, if your goal is 3,000 words, aim for 1,000 words per day over three days.

Edit ruthlessly: After completing your first draft, revise with a focus on eliminating unnecessary words, sentences, or even paragraphs.

Practice self-discipline: Resist the urge to expand your story beyond the set word count. Remember that constraints often foster creativity.

By setting and sticking to a word count goal, you train yourself to write more concisely and effectively, a skill that is invaluable in crafting compelling short stories.

Why is focusing on a single plot thread crucial?

Focusing on a single plot thread is essential in short story writing because it allows for a concentrated and impactful narrative within the limited word count. This approach helps maintain the story’s coherence and prevents it from becoming overly complex or diluted.

Narrative focus: A single plot thread enables writers to delve deeply into one specific conflict or theme, exploring it thoroughly without the distractions of multiple storylines.

Character development: With only one main plot to follow, writers can dedicate more attention to developing the protagonist and other essential characters, making them more relatable and memorable.

Pacing: A focused plot allows for better control over the story’s pacing, ensuring that tension builds appropriately and resolves satisfactorily within the limited space.

Reader engagement: Readers can more easily follow and connect with a single, well-developed plot thread, especially in the condensed format of a short story.

Thematic clarity: A singular plot thread often leads to a clearer exploration of the story’s central theme or message, enhancing its impact on the reader.

To effectively focus on a single plot thread:

Identify the core conflict: Determine the main problem or challenge your protagonist faces. This should be the driving force of your story.

Eliminate subplots: Resist the temptation to introduce secondary storylines. If a subplot doesn’t directly contribute to the main conflict, consider removing it.

Streamline character motivations: Ensure that character actions and decisions are directly related to the central plot, avoiding tangential developments.

Maintain a clear narrative arc: Structure your story with a distinct beginning, middle, and end that all revolve around the main plot thread.

Use supporting elements wisely: Any additional characters, settings, or events should serve to enhance or complicate the primary plot, not distract from it.

By focusing on a single plot thread, writers can create short stories that are tight, compelling, and leave a lasting impression on readers, maximizing the impact of every word within the limited space available.

How can you effectively limit your cast of characters?

Limiting the cast of characters in a short story is crucial for maintaining focus, depth, and clarity within the constraints of the format. A smaller cast allows for more detailed character development and prevents the narrative from becoming cluttered or confusing.

To effectively limit your cast of characters, consider the following strategies:

Identify essential roles: Determine which characters are absolutely necessary to tell your story. Focus on those who directly impact the main plot or theme.

Combine character functions: If possible, merge the roles of multiple characters into a single, more complex character. This can add depth while reducing the overall cast size.

Eliminate background characters: Remove or minimize the presence of characters who don’t significantly contribute to the plot or character development.

Use implication: Instead of introducing additional characters, imply their existence or influence through dialogue or the actions of your main characters.

Focus on the protagonist: In many short stories, a strong focus on the protagonist is sufficient, with only one or two supporting characters to drive the plot forward.

Here’s a table comparing the typical number of characters in different story formats:

Story Format	Typical Number of Main Characters	Typical Number of Supporting Characters
Flash Fiction	1-2	0-1
Short Story	1-3	1-3
Novella	2-5	3-7
Novel	3-8	5-15+

When deciding which characters to include, ask yourself these questions:

Does this character drive the plot?: If a character doesn’t actively influence the story’s events, they may be unnecessary.

Can this character’s role be fulfilled by another existing character?: Look for opportunities to consolidate character functions.

Does this character provide a unique perspective or conflict?: Ensure each character brings something valuable and distinct to the story.

Is this character memorable and well-developed within the limited space?: With fewer characters, you can devote more attention to making each one compelling.

By effectively limiting your cast of characters, you create a more focused and impactful short story. This approach allows readers to form stronger connections with the characters and helps maintain the story’s brevity and coherence.

What techniques help narrow the time frame and setting?

Narrowing the time frame and setting in a short story is essential for maintaining focus and intensity. This constraint forces writers to concentrate on the most critical moments and locations, enhancing the story’s impact within its limited word count.

To effectively narrow the time frame and setting, consider these techniques:

Choose a pivotal moment: Select a crucial point in your character’s life or a significant event as the story’s focal point. This allows you to explore depth without requiring an extensive timeline.

Utilize flashbacks sparingly: If background information is necessary, use brief, targeted flashbacks rather than extending the story’s overall time frame.

Employ real-time narration: Tell the story as it unfolds, moment by moment, to create a sense of immediacy and limit the time span.

Restrict the number of scenes: Limit your story to one or two key scenes, focusing on the most impactful moments in your narrative.

Create a contained setting: Choose a single location or a small area to contain your story, such as a room, a house, or a small town.

Use time constraints: Incorporate natural time limits within the story, such as a deadline, a specific event, or a limited window of opportunity.

Here’s a table illustrating how different time frames can affect a short story:

Time Frame	Advantages	Challenges
Single moment	Intense focus, deep exploration of emotions	Limited context, requires skillful exposition
One day	Natural progression, clear structure	Balancing detail and pacing
One week	Room for character development, multiple scenes	Maintaining focus, avoiding unnecessary details
One month	Broader scope for change and growth	Risk of losing short story feel, pacing issues

When narrowing the setting, consider these approaches:

Choose a symbolic location: Select a setting that reflects the story’s themes or the character’s internal state.

Limit scene changes: Minimize the number of different locations in your story to maintain focus and conserve words.

Use sensory details: Make the limited setting vivid and engaging through rich, sensory descriptions that immerse the reader.

Explore confined spaces: Consider settings that naturally limit movement and interaction, such as an elevator, a car, or a small apartment.

By effectively narrowing the time frame and setting, you create a more concentrated and powerful short story. This approach allows you to delve deeply into specific moments and locations, maximizing the impact of your narrative within the constraints of the format.

Why should you start close to the climax?

Starting a short story close to the climax is a powerful technique that immediately engages readers and maximizes the impact of the limited word count. This approach, often referred to as in medias res (Latin for “in the middle of things”), plunges the reader directly into the heart of the action or conflict.

The benefits of starting close to the climax include:

Immediate engagement: Capturing the reader’s attention from the first sentence by presenting a compelling situation or conflict.

Efficient storytelling: Eliminating the need for lengthy exposition or background information, allowing more focus on the core narrative.

Increased tension: Creating a sense of urgency or anticipation that propels the reader through the story.

Character revelation: Showcasing characters in high-stakes situations, revealing their true nature more quickly and effectively.

Narrative momentum: Establishing a fast pace that maintains reader interest throughout the short format.

To effectively start close to the climax:

Identify the pivotal moment: Determine the key turning point or most intense moment in your story. This should be a point of high tension or significant change.

Begin just before or during this moment: Open your story at a point where the main conflict is already in motion or about to unfold.

Provide context through action: Instead of explaining background information, reveal it through characters’ actions, dialogue, and thoughts as the story progresses.

Use flashbacks judiciously: If necessary, incorporate brief flashbacks to fill in crucial details, but keep them minimal and relevant.

Create intrigue: Start with a compelling question, statement, or situation that makes readers want to know more.

Here’s an example of how starting close to the climax can transform a story opening:

Traditional opening:
“Sarah had always been afraid of heights. As a child, she avoided climbing trees and never went on roller coasters. Now, at 35, she found herself facing her greatest fear as she prepared to skydive for the first time.”

Opening close to the climax:
“The plane door slid open, and Sarah’s heart leaped into her throat. The instructor’s voice was barely audible over the roaring wind. ‘Remember, count to three and pull!’ Sarah nodded, her hands trembling as she gripped the doorframe. It was now or never.”

The second opening immediately places the reader in a high-tension moment, creating instant engagement and leaving them eager to discover what happens next and why Sarah is in this situation.

By starting close to the climax, you create a short story that grabs readers from the first sentence and maintains their interest throughout. This technique allows you to make the most of the limited word count, delivering a powerful and memorable narrative experience.

How do you streamline your prose for maximum impact?

Streamlining prose is essential in short story writing, as it allows you to convey more information and emotion with fewer words. This technique not only helps maintain the story’s brevity but also enhances its impact and readability.

To streamline your prose effectively, consider the following strategies:

Eliminate unnecessary words: Remove filler words, redundant phrases, and overly descriptive language. Every word should serve a purpose.

Use strong verbs: Replace weak verb-adverb combinations with single, powerful verbs. For example, “walked quickly” becomes “strode” or “rushed.”

Avoid passive voice: Use active voice to make your sentences more direct and engaging. Instead of “The ball was thrown by John,” write “John threw the ball.”

Trim dialogue tags: Use action beats instead of dialogue tags where possible, and eliminate tags when the speaker is clear from context.

Employ concise descriptions: Focus on key details that evoke a strong image or emotion rather than exhaustive descriptions.

Utilize sentence variety: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones to create rhythm and maintain reader interest.

Choose specific nouns: Use precise, evocative nouns instead of general terms. “Dog” becomes “Labrador” or “mutt,” depending on the context.

Here’s a table comparing streamlined prose with its more verbose counterpart:

Verbose	Streamlined
She walked very quickly down the long, winding path that led to the old, abandoned house.	She hurried along the winding path to the abandoned house.
The man, who was tall and had dark hair, entered the room with a sense of purpose and determination.	The tall, dark-haired man strode into the room.
Sarah felt a deep sense of fear and trepidation as she approached the edge of the cliff.	Sarah trembled as she neared the cliff’s edge.

To further streamline your prose:

Cut unnecessary scenes: If a scene doesn’t advance the plot or reveal character, consider removing it entirely.

Imply information: Allow readers to infer details rather than explicitly stating everything. This engages their imagination and saves words.

Use punctuation effectively: Employ dashes, semicolons, and colons to combine related ideas without using conjunctions or starting new sentences.

Avoid repetition: Unless used for deliberate effect, eliminate repeated information or ideas.

Embrace simplicity: Choose straightforward language over complex vocabulary when it doesn’t sacrifice meaning or tone.

Remember, streamlining doesn’t mean sacrificing your unique voice or style. The goal is to make every word count, creating prose that is lean, powerful, and engaging. By mastering these techniques, you’ll craft short stories that pack a punch and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

What role does implication and subtext play in short stories?

Implication and subtext play crucial roles in short stories, allowing writers to convey complex ideas, emotions, and themes without explicitly stating them. This technique is particularly valuable in the limited space of a short story, as it enables deeper storytelling without increasing word count.

The importance of implication and subtext in short stories includes:

Depth without length: Conveying complex ideas and emotions without explicitly stating them, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.

Reader engagement: Encouraging readers to actively interpret the story, making the reading experience more interactive and memorable.

Character complexity: Revealing character motivations and emotions through actions and dialogue rather than direct exposition.

Thematic richness: Exploring deeper themes and messages without resorting to heavy-handed moralizing or explanation.

Emotional resonance: Creating a more profound emotional impact by allowing readers to discover and connect with underlying meanings.

To effectively use implication and subtext in your short stories:

Show, don’t tell: Instead of directly stating a character’s emotions or motivations, reveal them through actions, dialogue, and subtle cues.

Use symbolic elements: Incorporate objects, settings, or events that carry deeper meanings related to the story’s themes.

Craft meaningful dialogue: Write conversations that have layers of meaning beyond the surface level, revealing character relationships and hidden emotions.

Employ silence and omission: Sometimes what’s left unsaid can be more powerful than what’s explicitly stated. Use strategic omissions to create tension or imply information.

Create atmosphere: Use descriptive language to establish a mood that reflects the underlying themes or emotions of the story.

Here’s an example of how implication and subtext can enhance a scene:

Without implication:
“John was angry at his wife for forgetting their anniversary. He shouted at her and stormed out of the house.”

With implication and subtext:
“John’s fingers tightened around the wilting bouquet as his wife chatted about her day. The calendar on the fridge caught his eye – today’s date circled in red. He set the flowers on the counter and walked out, letting the door slam behind him.”

The second version implies John’s anger and disappointment without explicitly stating it, creating a more engaging and nuanced scene.

To further leverage implication and subtext:

Use metaphors and similes: These literary devices can convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise, evocative manner.

Employ juxtaposition: Contrast elements within the story to highlight underlying themes or character traits.

Develop patterns and motifs: Recurring elements can build meaning throughout the story without explicit explanation.

Craft meaningful endings: An open or ambiguous ending can encourage readers to reflect on the story’s deeper meanings.

By mastering the use of implication and subtext, you create short stories that resonate deeply with readers, offering rich, layered narratives that linger in the mind long after the last word is read. This technique allows you to make the most of the limited word count, delivering stories that are both concise and profoundly meaningful.

How can ruthless revision improve your short story?

Ruthless revision is a critical step in crafting a powerful and concise short story. This process involves critically examining every element of your story and making tough decisions to eliminate anything that doesn’t serve thecore narrative. Ruthless revision not only helps maintain brevity but also enhances the overall quality and impact of your short story.

The benefits of ruthless revision include:

Improved focus: Eliminating unnecessary elements sharpens the story’s central theme and plot.

Enhanced pacing: Removing extraneous details and scenes keeps the narrative moving at an engaging pace.

Stronger characterization: Refining dialogue and actions ensures that every word contributes to character development.

Increased impact: Condensing the story to its essential elements often results in a more powerful and memorable narrative.

To practice ruthless revision effectively:

Take a break: Step away from your story for a few days before revising. This fresh perspective helps you identify weaknesses more easily.

Read aloud: Hearing your story can reveal awkward phrasing, pacing issues, and unnecessary sections.

Question every element: For each sentence, paragraph, and scene, ask yourself if it’s essential to the story. If not, consider cutting it.

Tighten dialogue: Ensure each line of dialogue serves a purpose, whether it’s advancing the plot, revealing character, or creating tension.

Eliminate redundancies: Look for instances where you’ve repeated information or ideas, and remove the less effective version.

Streamline descriptions: Keep only the most vivid and relevant descriptive details that contribute to the story’s atmosphere or characterization.

Cut adverbs and adjectives: Replace weak modifiers with stronger nouns and verbs.

Seek feedback: Ask trusted readers or fellow writers to identify areas that feel unnecessary or unclear.

Here’s a table illustrating the revision process:

Original	First Revision	Final Revision
The old, dilapidated house stood silently at the end of the long, winding street. Its windows, cracked and dirty, stared blankly at the overgrown lawn that hadn’t been mowed in years.	The dilapidated house stood at the street’s end, its cracked windows staring at the overgrown lawn.	The house loomed, its broken windows accusing the neglected lawn.

To further enhance your ruthless revision:

Create a revision checklist: Develop a personalized list of common issues in your writing to address during revision.

Use the “rule of three”: If information is repeated more than twice, consider cutting subsequent mentions.

Employ beta readers: Fresh eyes can spot issues you might have overlooked and provide valuable feedback on pacing and clarity.

Track your word count: Set a target word count and challenge yourself to meet it through revision.

Remember, ruthless revision is about refining your story to its essence. It may feel challenging to cut elements you’ve worked hard on, but the result is often a more powerful and impactful short story. By mastering this skill, you’ll create tighter, more engaging narratives that resonate with readers and showcase your storytelling abilities.

What exercises help hone your brevity skills?

Developing brevity skills is essential for crafting compelling short stories. These exercises can help you sharpen your ability to write concisely and effectively:

Six-word stories: Create complete narratives using only six words. This extreme constraint forces you to distill a story to its absolute essence.

Sentence reduction: Take a paragraph from your writing and challenge yourself to convey the same information in half the number of sentences.

Timed writing sprints: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write a complete story within that time frame. This pressure can help you focus on essential elements.

One-page challenge: Write a story that fits on a single page, then revise it to fit on half a page while maintaining the core narrative.

Headline writing: Practice crafting newspaper headlines that convey a complete story in just a few words.

Haiku writing: Create haikus (three-line poems with a 5-7-5 syllable structure) to practice conveying imagery and emotion concisely.

Dialogue-only scenes: Write a scene using only dialogue, forcing you to convey information and emotion without descriptive text.

Summarization practice: Read short stories or articles and challenge yourself to summarize them in one or two sentences.

Twitter stories: Craft complete narratives within Twitter’s character limit, focusing on maximum impact with minimal words.

Verb strengthening: Take a paragraph of your writing and replace all weak verb-adverb combinations with single, strong verbs.

By regularly engaging in these exercises, you’ll develop a keen sense for concise, impactful writing. This skill will prove invaluable in crafting short stories that captivate readers while maintaining brevity.

In conclusion, mastering the art of keeping short stories short requires a combination of techniques, from setting word count goals and focusing on single plot threads to streamlining prose and practicing ruthless revision. By honing these skills and regularly challenging yourself with brevity exercises, you’ll be well-equipped to create powerful, concise narratives that leave a lasting impression on your readers. Remember, in the world of short stories, every word counts – make them all matter.