These are easily read and digested in a single sitting, and if done right, will pack a punch in a short period of time.īy definition, however, a short story can be up to 10,000 words. I like to keep short stories to around 3000 words or less. How to Write a Short Story: What is it?įor some, a short story needs to have a very short word count. Using novel writing prompts in conjunction with the following steps will give your short story the best chance at success. A short story template can help you create an effective outline and see the direction of your story before you even start.Įven though it’s not as long as a novel, a short story still needs lots of planning. Write a Good Short Story With a Templateīefore diving into your short story, it might be helpful to set yourself up with a template. An effective short story is one that leaves a reader in shock, in tears, in awe, or all of the above. It takes knowledge, practice, and skill to know how to write a short story well. Familiarize yourself with the definition of a short storyĪs with all types of writing, anyone can do it.There are a few steps you can take to make sure it’s as strong as possible: It’s not as straightforward as it sounds. You need to get your point across in a small window of both time and space. Therefore, there is not nearly as much room to let things grow, breathe, and evolve. Short stories are, of course, much shorter than a novel. It may not take as long, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Learning how to write a short story well, however, is no easy feat.Īn experienced writer will let you in on a little known fact: short stories are often more difficult to write successfully than a novel. Like a novel, but shorter, easier, and less complicated.

On the surface, a short story may sound easy.

Easiest short stories to write