Short Stories
A question I often hear asked is whether it is worthwhile for a fiction writer to write short stories.
Naturally, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Usually, there is an underlying assumption that a writer’s true goal is to write novels. Let’s assume for a moment this is true. Certainly it will be for many writers.
There was a time, but I think mainly long ago, when you might reasonably hope to progress to a novel publishing contract by first establishing yourself as a short story writer. Just because you could, didn’t mean you had to, even then. To be fair, I can see a few examples where this is happening right now. But I see no reason why you can’t go direct to publishing novels if you choose to. Assuming you have what it takes to write a great one. Or at least one that has commercial appeal.
So if you’re thinking you need to write short fiction to establish yourself, think again. In fact, publishers often seem enamoured with the writer who is brand new, who hasn’t done anything yet. At least they haven’t got poor sales for a previous book to hold them back. And look at this amazing shiny new writer we’ve found, isn’t this exciting!
As a matter of craft, it is worth studying how stories work at different lengths, and perhaps the best way to learn is by doing. But in the long run there isn’t much point in bending yourself out of shape trying to do something you don’t want to do. Some writers are comfortable writing at any length, but others have a definite preference for writing long or writing short. I think it is obvious that Ray Bradbury, as one example, preferred to write short fiction. Nevertheless, he also wrote very fine novels.
What about that assumption that all writers do really want to write novels? Certainly the desire to see one’s name on the cover of a book is undeniable. And novels generally sell better than anthologies or collections. But if the pull is to “make a living”, know that the chances of this are vanishing small, unless you happen to be a celebrity, get invited onto The One Show, and manage to snag a TV or film deal alongside publication of your debut masterpiece.
If your true love is the masterly short story, I believe crafting a good one is its own reward. It is just as much of a thrill to see your name written boldly at the top of your story within the pages of a well-regarded magazine or anthology. Payment can be enough to pay a bill or buy a round of drinks. And it is worth remembering that with the rise of the e-book, fiction is increasingly being published at any and all lengths.
Regardless of all of the above, there is one major reason why I think it is worthwhile writing short fiction, and it is a reason that eclipses all other arguments. And that is to get experience of being published. Although it is by no means easy to get a short story published, it is much easier for a talented and determined writer to do, than it is to get a novel published. And in doing so you start to learn about publishing, which is a whole other thing than writing.
Where can you send a short story? How long will you wait for a decision on your submission? How does one magazine or anthology compare with another in the way they respond? What reason will you be given for rejection, if any? If your story is accepted, to what extent will it be edited? What specific edits will be made to your story? To what extent will you be consulted, if at all? What will the contract terms be, if you even see a contract? These and a multitude of other questions only arise when you’re published. And this is invaluable knowledge that a writer needs to have. If the first time you encounter any of these questions is with your first novel, you might well be unprepared to deal with them.
So unless you absolutely cannot write a short story to save your life, I recommend that you do, assuming you have the desire to be a published writer. You don’t have to make a career out of it, and the worst that can happen is that you gain experience. You might get noticed, a bit. Reviewed, perhaps. I’ve heard it can even be a stepping stone to writing a novel.
If you’re looking for places to publish your short story, these two free resources provide invaluable information:
https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/
https://ralan.com/
Naturally, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Usually, there is an underlying assumption that a writer’s true goal is to write novels. Let’s assume for a moment this is true. Certainly it will be for many writers.
There was a time, but I think mainly long ago, when you might reasonably hope to progress to a novel publishing contract by first establishing yourself as a short story writer. Just because you could, didn’t mean you had to, even then. To be fair, I can see a few examples where this is happening right now. But I see no reason why you can’t go direct to publishing novels if you choose to. Assuming you have what it takes to write a great one. Or at least one that has commercial appeal.
So if you’re thinking you need to write short fiction to establish yourself, think again. In fact, publishers often seem enamoured with the writer who is brand new, who hasn’t done anything yet. At least they haven’t got poor sales for a previous book to hold them back. And look at this amazing shiny new writer we’ve found, isn’t this exciting!
As a matter of craft, it is worth studying how stories work at different lengths, and perhaps the best way to learn is by doing. But in the long run there isn’t much point in bending yourself out of shape trying to do something you don’t want to do. Some writers are comfortable writing at any length, but others have a definite preference for writing long or writing short. I think it is obvious that Ray Bradbury, as one example, preferred to write short fiction. Nevertheless, he also wrote very fine novels.
What about that assumption that all writers do really want to write novels? Certainly the desire to see one’s name on the cover of a book is undeniable. And novels generally sell better than anthologies or collections. But if the pull is to “make a living”, know that the chances of this are vanishing small, unless you happen to be a celebrity, get invited onto The One Show, and manage to snag a TV or film deal alongside publication of your debut masterpiece.
If your true love is the masterly short story, I believe crafting a good one is its own reward. It is just as much of a thrill to see your name written boldly at the top of your story within the pages of a well-regarded magazine or anthology. Payment can be enough to pay a bill or buy a round of drinks. And it is worth remembering that with the rise of the e-book, fiction is increasingly being published at any and all lengths.
Regardless of all of the above, there is one major reason why I think it is worthwhile writing short fiction, and it is a reason that eclipses all other arguments. And that is to get experience of being published. Although it is by no means easy to get a short story published, it is much easier for a talented and determined writer to do, than it is to get a novel published. And in doing so you start to learn about publishing, which is a whole other thing than writing.
Where can you send a short story? How long will you wait for a decision on your submission? How does one magazine or anthology compare with another in the way they respond? What reason will you be given for rejection, if any? If your story is accepted, to what extent will it be edited? What specific edits will be made to your story? To what extent will you be consulted, if at all? What will the contract terms be, if you even see a contract? These and a multitude of other questions only arise when you’re published. And this is invaluable knowledge that a writer needs to have. If the first time you encounter any of these questions is with your first novel, you might well be unprepared to deal with them.
So unless you absolutely cannot write a short story to save your life, I recommend that you do, assuming you have the desire to be a published writer. You don’t have to make a career out of it, and the worst that can happen is that you gain experience. You might get noticed, a bit. Reviewed, perhaps. I’ve heard it can even be a stepping stone to writing a novel.
If you’re looking for places to publish your short story, these two free resources provide invaluable information:
https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/
https://ralan.com/
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