Writing a Shorty

Or, how I write a fictional short story …

By Framen Stewart

I have had a few inquiries about how I approach short fictions. Not many, but enough to
make me think about the process that I take in writing one. Therefore, today I thought
that I would jot down a brief outline of how I get involved with writing a short story.

Now, before we get into it, let me disclaim that this thought process does not always work
for me, and I do not always follow this pattern. Most stories beg for their own methods;
much like a child with special needs, some have their own way of communicating with
you.

Okay, to begin, short stories are from the oral traditions of old. Something told in a short
amount of time for the entertainment of others. I used to think that the short story was a
forgotten (and possibly lost) art form. However, the resurgence of short fiction has
progressed in the past ten years or so to become a very viable marketplace once again.

The one great thing that I have discovered about this type of entertainment is; there are
no rules apart from the brevity. This makes it challenging for most writers, due to our
tendencies to be long-winded, overly melodramatic and all around whores to the written
word. For most of us, we love more words: more words equates to mo’ betta. However,
that does not hold true for short fictions. With that said, keep your allotted time and
space for the short story as brief as possible. The economy of words is the one thing that
you may find to be a hindrance to this form of artful fiction. However, being able to focus
your storytelling into a condensed length might actually improve your narrative skills (I
think that it has for me), as well as how you view the overall concept of the story that you
are attempting to tell.
Should you be looking to publish your shorts, know that every magazine, be-it print or
electronic (Ezine), has their own guidelines for publication. It is important for you to
research the stipulations for each before submitting a short. If a magazine is looking for a
5,000-word piece for open submissions, do not send the more typical 7,499-word piece
for review. Odds are greater than good that it will be in the slush pile, and then the
rejected/recycle pile quickly.

For future reference, below is what I have found to be the industry standards for word
counts in fiction writing. Not everyone agrees on the defining count, but it is a good
starting point for you to use. I think of it as a hub of orientation when I begin any writing
project. Again, make sure that you check any publications guidelines to be sure that you
are staying within their word counts in writing for them.

 Novels – 40,000 words or more

 Novellas – 17,500–39,999 words
 Novelettes – 7,500–17,499 words
 Short Stories – 7,499 words or fewer
 Flash Fictions – 1,000 words or fewer

______________________________

Short Fiction, a Process:

This is a way of looking at a writing project for short fiction. This is painted with a broad
stroke, and I do not claim that it works for all who try it. In addition, I am sure that it is
nothing new for anyone who has been writing fiction for any length of time. However,
this is merely the way I approach short fiction projects, and I find it a helpful tool from
time-to-time. Feel free to try it, if you like it, shoot me an e-mail, I would be glad to hear
that I am not the only insane storyteller who writes in this manner.

I personally approach short story fictions as if they were a three-act play. See, what did I
tell you? There is nothing unique about it. These types of plays have been around for a
very long time, and are very affective dramas. However, if you have ever seen one, you
will understand just how similar they can be to writing a short fiction. You have the
characters, the dilemma, the outcome, all in a wee-tight package for mass consumption.
It is nothing new or special (sorry, no silver bullet for story writing), but it can be used as
a tool in thinking about your own short stories.

Each section (or act) sets a different and distinct tone within the storytelling process.

Section 1: Introductions: Establish the characters, elements, place(s), etc. Here is where it
becomes challenging to keep things direct, and to the point. Exposition of the story
begins. The premise and situation introduced. The inciting incident (which should be the
key element to ignite the plot) occurs (typically midway through this first section).

Section 2: Mood: This is where you set the temperament, the ambiance, the vibe of the
story. The antagonist should bring the problem(s) and issue(s) for your protagonist(s) to
light. The antagonist will begin to have a greater role in the second section of your story.
The protagonist should encounter an obstruction that prevents their needs and/or desires
from happening. They should be at their lowest point at this stage of the storytelling. I
look at it as if they are the furthest away from those said needs and/or desires. This
should happen midway through the entire story. Make the events look as if the objectives
will not be met (and who knows, maybe it does not).

Section 3: Resolution: Your protagonist(s) act to bring about the resolve of the
problem(s) or issue(s) presented to them by the antagonist in Section 2. The climax of the
story occurs. It is your choice, but sometimes a brief period of calm, or possibly
retrospection, happens shortly after the climax. That is, if you choose to give your
character(s) a return to some sort of equilibrium. If not, that is all fine and well also.

Things I try to remember:

1. Make the short story less complex than longer fictions. This does not mean less
dramatic, but it does mean limit the narrative.
 2. Focus on a limited incident. If there is too much taking place, you lose sight of the
drama in a short period.
3. Have a singular plot. By this, I mean no subplots; stay focused on the limited
incident.
4. Have a limited amount of characters. I go with the idea of less than five. More than
that and it is very easy for the reader to get confused.
5. Make it take place in a short time span. I use, less than a day, and more than a
single moment as a rule of thumb. However, there are always exceptions to
everything that I have written here.

Follow your gut when you write, but have a guide, a tool that you can use like the one
here. Use it as a map if you like. You can always stop anywhere on the map as you travel,
so long as you stay focused on where it is your destination will be on it at the end of your
journey.

Good luck and good journey.

http://framenstewart.com/