Tips and Hints

Tips for Short Story Writing

In writing a short story, you can't afford to waste words. Establish plot, character, setting, theme, tone and atmosphere using a line or at most a paragraph and avoid laboured exposition.

To do this, throw the reader straight into the thick of the action.

Focus on one idea or problem.

Use only necessary details for understanding the situation.

And... write authentic dialogue - as it would really be spoken. Each of your characters will have a unique voice. Remember your dialogue should drive the plot, reflect the theme and underscore conflict.