HOW DOES A NEW WRITER WRITE A SHORT STORY, START TO FINISH?
BROKEN DOWN.
Photo by Thom Milkovic on Unsplash
HOW DOES A NEW WRITER WRITE A SHORT STORY, START TO FINISH?
Writing a short story from start to finish can be broken down into several manageable steps. Here's a comprehensive guide to help a new writer craft a short story.
1. Brainstorm & Generate Ideas
Inspiration- Look for inspiration in everyday life, news headlines, personal experiences, or prompts from writing websites.
Choose a Theme or Concept-Decide on the core idea of your story, the conflict, or theme you want to explore (e.g., loss, hope, transformation).
Elevator Pitch-Sum up your idea in one or two sentences. This helps keep your story focused. I like to have this at the top of my working pages as guardrails.
2. Outline Your Story
Plot Structure- Even a short story benefits from a basic structure. Consider using a simplified narrative arc even if you, like me hate outlining.
Beginning (Setup) Introduce the setting, characters, and the initial situation.
Middle (Conflict) Present a challenge or conflict that disrupts the normal lifeof the main character.
End (Resolution) Conclude with a resolution or a twist that leaves a lasting impression.
Character Basics- Sketch out your main character(s). Who are they? What do they want? What stands in their way?
Key Scenes or Beats-List a few key scenes or moments that must happen in your story. This can be as simple as bullet points outlining the progression of events. (Remember, this is not technically outlining.)
3. Write the First Draft
Set a Goal- Decide on a word count (short stories typically range from 1,000 to 7,500 words) and set aside dedicated time to write.
Just Write- Don’t worry too much about perfection in your first draft. Focus on getting the story down on paper.
Follow Your “Outline”-Use your outline as a roadmap, but allow room for spontaneity—sometimes great ideas emerge as you write.
Dialogue & Description-Balance dialogue and narrative, action description. Show the characters’ emotions and the setting through vivid details.
4. Revise Your Story
Take a Break- Once your first draft is complete, step away for a day or two. This distance will help you see the story with fresh eyes.
Read Through- Reread your story, noting areas that feel slow, confusing, or underdeveloped.
Focus on Structure- Be sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Does the conflict build logically? Is the resolution satisfying, even if open-ended?
5. Edit for Clarity and Style
Surface Editing- Go through your story and tighten your sentences. Remove unnecessary words, clichés, or repetitive phrases.
Voice & Tone- Be sure your narrative voice remains consistent. Adjust any parts that feel out of character with the tone you want to set.
Proofreading- Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Reading aloud or using a tool like Grammarly can help catch mistakes.
6. Seek Feedback
Beta Readers- Share your draft with trusted friends, fellow writers, or writing groups. Ask for constructive feedback on pacing, character development, and overall impact.
Revise Again- Incorporatete feedback wherever it resonates with your vision, but stay true to your idea of your story’s core.
7. Final Touches and Polishing
Formatting- Make sure your manuscript is neat and cleanly formatted. If you plan to submit it to contests or publications, follow their individual guidelines.
Title and Summary- Craft an engaging title and a brief summary or blurb that captures the essence of your story. I cannot stress this enough. In an arena or market where there is much competition, often the blurb will make or break a sale or a read.
Final Read-Through-Do one last read-through to ensure everything flows smoothly and the story resonates as you had intended.
Pro Tips for New Writers
Set a Routine- Dedicate a specific time each day or week for writing. Consistency builds momentum.
"Constantia mercedem solvit."
Stay Open to Learning- Read short stories from authors you admire. Analyze their techniques and see what you can adapt to your own style.
Experiment- Don’t be afraid to try different narrative structures or voices. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what works best for you.
By following these steps, you’ll have a structured approach to writing a short story from start to finish. Remember that every writer’s process is unique—feel free to adapt these steps to suit your style and creative flow. Happy writing!