How to Write a Short Story in Just One Day
If you want to knock one out on your day off…
Don Martin, Real-Life Writer, is an email newsletter & blog exploring down-to-earth writing. Most installments are free, some for paid subscribers only.
Can a person write a short story in one day? Whatever your reason is, maybe you’re a new writer, thinking about starting to write fiction, and maybe you want to see if this can even be done. Well, it can.
It can open a new world of writing do you without spending too much time wondering how it would work out.
Don’t even try for perfection. Seriously. Especially at first. Here are some steps for you to consider.
Yes, writing a short story in one day is an exceptionally ambitious goal, but it is a possible one with focused effort and efficient time management.
I always like and need structure with my projects. Here’s a structured plan to help you write a short story within such a tight timeframe.
Morning - Planning and Preparation
Brainstorm. Spend the first hour brainstorming ideas for your short story. Consider themes, settings, characters, and conflicts that interest you. Choose one idea to develop further.
Outline. Use the next hour to outline your story, focusing on the beginning, middle, and end scenes. Identify key plot points, character arcs, and the central conflict.
Characters. Spend the next hour fleshing out your main characters. Consider their backgrounds, motivations, and personalities. Develop secondary characters if needed.
Afternoon- Write the First Draft
Start writing your short story after lunch. Set a timer for focused writing sessions, aiming to write continuously for 30–60 minutes at a time.
Follow your outline, but allow yourself to deviate from it if new ideas come to mind or new directions arise. Focus on getting the words down on paper without worrying too much about perfection.
Take short breaks between writing sessions to rest and recharge, but try to maintain momentum and stay immersed in your story.
Evening - Revision and Finalization
Revise. Once you’ve completed the first draft of your short story, take a short break to clear your mind. Then, spend the next hour reviewing and revising your draft. Focus on improving your clarity, continuity, and pace.
Polish. Use the next hour to polish your prose, refine your language, tighten your sentences, and enhance the overall readability of your story.
Proofread. Spend the final hour proofreading your story for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Make any final adjustments or revisions if needed.
Title it and Submit it. Choose a compelling title for your story, and format your story according to submission guidelines. If you plan to submit your story for publication, research potential markets and prepare for submission.
Tips Recap for Writing a Short Story in One Day
Minimize distractions and dedicate uninterrupted blocks of time to writing.
Prioritize essential elements of storytelling, such as character development, plot progression, and thematic resonance.
Allow yourself to write quickly and freely, knowing that you can revise and polish your story later.
Trust gut. Follow your intuition and let your creativity guide you as you write.
Celebrate. Completing a short story in one day is a significant achievement. Take a moment to celebrate your hard work and accomplishment.
Final Thoughts.
By following this structured plan and staying committed to your writing goals, you can successfully write a short story in one day. Remember to trust your instincts, stay focused, and enjoy the creative process along the way.
Thanks for reading!
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