At a recent meeting of our local writing group, we discussed short stories. It got quite heated there for a minute or two. A couple of members said that they dislike short fiction because “it doesn’t sell.” Other members maintained that short stories and novellas do indeed sell…
One member even said that she’s given up writing at novel-length entirely: “Why would I spend months on end writing a novel only to discover that the beta readers don’t like it?”
Do you write short stories?
I enjoy writing short fiction because it’s short. If I’m intrigued by an idea, I can create a finished story over a weekend. And I use these stories in various ways.
Let’s look at some ways writing short stories can help you to gain confidence in your writing: all writing, not just fiction.
1. Mighty effects from small efforts: develop fresh ideas and more
My favorite way stories help: you develop a creative habit. Creating becomes something you just do. Spending an hour or two on an off-the-cuff piece about one of your current novel’s characters can also help you to get to know your book and develop fresh insights and ideas.
Some of us suffer from procrastination; I do, more than I like. You may procrastinate because you’re uncertain about where something is going. Perhaps you write for a week or two, but then you get stuck. Sometimes you feel dull; you can’t see your way forward.
At a recent writers’ group meeting, one writer said: “I lost interest at around Chapter Three. It happens on every book. There must be something wrong with me…”
If this happens to you, try writing a story.
2. Create simple promotions: write a story a week
Once you get into the story habit, you can use your little tales as promotions. Promote something you published a year ago, or an upcoming novel. Several of our group members publish their stories in newsletters — one offers a story as a “bonus” to promote an upcoming work at the end of a novel.
How might you use your three-hour fiction?
Consider this; if you’re struggling with an aspect of fiction, why not practice with a story?
3. Practice: find the right voice and style for a novel
Practicing by creating short fiction is useful if you’re preparing to write a novel. One group member says that she creates “mini essays” to help her to develop her characters. Another writes letters in the voice of a character. She says: “It helps me to get into the book painlessly.”
These letters also help her find the viewpoint character of her novel and even the voice of the novel.
Do you worry about voice?
Little snippets and essays may help you find the right voice. Don’t aim for a literary style; accept the voice which seems right to you. As Jane Austen said in a letter:
“My style is too light and unpretending to suit the pen of a great author.”
She’s done rather well for someone with a “light” style. 😊
Short stories are useful tools
Practice with short pieces. They’re useful. Use them in any way which works for you.
How To Win A Regency Heart: The Follyjohn Gossip Story Collection
A collection of six Regency romance short stories
Love traditional Regency romance?
In this collection you'll find six of the "Follyjohn Gossip" short stories, with six enchanting heroines.
They're light-hearted Regency romances, perfect "you time" reading for relaxation.
Jane: she’s sensible, plump and plain, but stands up to a viscount…
Sylvie: she survives a disastrous marriage, and won’t be betrayed again…
Take a break with the latest gossip from Follyjohn
Gossip fuels Follyjohn, a small English village.
Follyjohn is a mere half-day’s ride from London, which is no distance at all, and many of the great and the good reside in the county around.
The villagers gossip about the noble folk living in the great houses. They also gossip about each other. Everyone knows everyone else. Strangers are rare and suspect… I hope you enjoy getting to know Follyjohn, and the people who live there.
How To Win A Regency Heart: The Follyjohn Gossip Story Collection
Love traditional Regency romance?
In this collection you’ll find six of the “Follyjohn Gossip” short stories, with six enchanting heroines.
They’re light-hearted Regency romances, perfect “you time” reading for relaxation.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
