Writing short stories keeps me sane ... submitting a book manuscript to agents and/or publishers is a long slog. Rejections (or no answers at all) are the rule. When I kept getting "no", "this is not for us", "can't sell this" and started doubting I could even write (that happens to all of us after being repeatedly beaten down), I turned to shorts - they are the first things I ever wrote, many years ago, so I went back to that side of the craft. Getting these acceptances was a booster in confidence. And I'm convinced I would not have gotten a publishing contract without getting recognition for the short fiction. Now, I mix both: dive into a book manuscript, and write shorts when I take breaks from the long stuff.
Absolutely fabulous to hear this! I’m not alone then! I definitely had that feeling after querying a novel and short story writing saved me - and continues to in many ways! Well done on keeping at it :)
I write short-form fiction (anything from 50 words to 2,500 words seems to be my niche), with no aspirations to write anything bigger. To date, all my little stories have incorporated one or more of the following elements: comedy, crime, romance. My favourite stories are those that made me laugh out loud as I wrote them. I'm published online, but have yet to crack a commercial market.
Three things that you mentioned today particularly resonated with me:
Letting go - I see rejections as an opportunity to redraft my stories or even cannibalise bits of them for a new story.
Variety - short stories are a great vehicle for experimenting with ideas, genres and markets.
Brevity - telling a coherent story with only limited words hones both writing skills and editorial practice.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Jackie - I look forward to listening to part 2!
Thank you for sharing your insight and little nuggets of gold. This a wonderful snapshot of writing short stories. I have never written a short story, however, hearing this I now feel inspired to.
I shall ponder over ideas, whilst I sip my tea, sample a hot cross bun (or two) whilst the birds trill, the daffodils sway in the gentle breeze and the sun peeks from behind the cumbersome clouds. (a bit of scene setting practice !) Thank you
Really enjoyed this, had to subscribe! I’ve been writing short stories over the past two or three years and I’m learning so much about craft, structure, economy of language, how to reveal only what is necessary and adds to the experience of the story. I have longer works in progress but cannot seem to get past 20,000-25,000 words, so I’m also hoping the momentum of finishing stories will help me with the drive to bring my longer works to completion.
Thanks, Stephanie! Finishing short stories has certainly helped my confidence, but you are right that a novel is a different challenge. I have my ideas for why we got stuck at 20/25,000 words! Maybe it’s something to cover in another Post. Thanks for your subscription and be sure to read Part One which is more about how short stories help my novel writing in creative ways! 👍
Thanks for your comment Angelique! Watch out for this week’s Post/Newsletter coming on Wednesday. There’s Part 2 of what people asked for in the chat and a Free Bonus Breakdown of the story I wrote that went from good to amazing with a 24 hour acceptance! I have another post to follow that will do the same. So, my Substack should become a mixture of craft articles alongside creative fiction/essay/memoir posts. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for being here x
I’ve never really thought about writing short stories before, but this has definitely got me inspired to give it a try.
I love how you’ve highlighted their value, especially as a way to hone writing skills. The bit about submitting and letting go really struck a chord too, it’s such a tough but important thing to learn.
Can’t wait for Part 2 and to see how you make it all work.
I totally agree with being paid for writing. Over the years I have been paid for none fiction. And still recieve royalties for those books many years later. It helps me remember I can do it! But payment for fiction, long or short, has not happened yet. Guess I just have to keep om writing!
Writing short stories keeps me sane ... submitting a book manuscript to agents and/or publishers is a long slog. Rejections (or no answers at all) are the rule. When I kept getting "no", "this is not for us", "can't sell this" and started doubting I could even write (that happens to all of us after being repeatedly beaten down), I turned to shorts - they are the first things I ever wrote, many years ago, so I went back to that side of the craft. Getting these acceptances was a booster in confidence. And I'm convinced I would not have gotten a publishing contract without getting recognition for the short fiction. Now, I mix both: dive into a book manuscript, and write shorts when I take breaks from the long stuff.
Absolutely fabulous to hear this! I’m not alone then! I definitely had that feeling after querying a novel and short story writing saved me - and continues to in many ways! Well done on keeping at it :)
I write short-form fiction (anything from 50 words to 2,500 words seems to be my niche), with no aspirations to write anything bigger. To date, all my little stories have incorporated one or more of the following elements: comedy, crime, romance. My favourite stories are those that made me laugh out loud as I wrote them. I'm published online, but have yet to crack a commercial market.
Three things that you mentioned today particularly resonated with me:
Letting go - I see rejections as an opportunity to redraft my stories or even cannibalise bits of them for a new story.
Variety - short stories are a great vehicle for experimenting with ideas, genres and markets.
Brevity - telling a coherent story with only limited words hones both writing skills and editorial practice.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Jackie - I look forward to listening to part 2!
Thanks Vicky. You are doing great! Thanks for listening and for sharing - I appreciate it. x
Thank you for sharing your insight and little nuggets of gold. This a wonderful snapshot of writing short stories. I have never written a short story, however, hearing this I now feel inspired to.
Nicola! That is wonderful to hear. Let me know how you get on. I feel full of smiles now :) x
I shall ponder over ideas, whilst I sip my tea, sample a hot cross bun (or two) whilst the birds trill, the daffodils sway in the gentle breeze and the sun peeks from behind the cumbersome clouds. (a bit of scene setting practice !) Thank you
Wonderful!
Really enjoyed this, had to subscribe! I’ve been writing short stories over the past two or three years and I’m learning so much about craft, structure, economy of language, how to reveal only what is necessary and adds to the experience of the story. I have longer works in progress but cannot seem to get past 20,000-25,000 words, so I’m also hoping the momentum of finishing stories will help me with the drive to bring my longer works to completion.
Thanks, Stephanie! Finishing short stories has certainly helped my confidence, but you are right that a novel is a different challenge. I have my ideas for why we got stuck at 20/25,000 words! Maybe it’s something to cover in another Post. Thanks for your subscription and be sure to read Part One which is more about how short stories help my novel writing in creative ways! 👍
Will do!
The People’s Friend is a great market- and one I’ve never cracked. What was there about your short story that made it break through?
Thanks for your comment Angelique! Watch out for this week’s Post/Newsletter coming on Wednesday. There’s Part 2 of what people asked for in the chat and a Free Bonus Breakdown of the story I wrote that went from good to amazing with a 24 hour acceptance! I have another post to follow that will do the same. So, my Substack should become a mixture of craft articles alongside creative fiction/essay/memoir posts. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for being here x
I really enjoyed this, it’s such a great read!
I’ve never really thought about writing short stories before, but this has definitely got me inspired to give it a try.
I love how you’ve highlighted their value, especially as a way to hone writing skills. The bit about submitting and letting go really struck a chord too, it’s such a tough but important thing to learn.
Can’t wait for Part 2 and to see how you make it all work.
Cheers for sharing!
Thank you so much, Julie. Love what you’ve gleaned from this post! Give it a try! I’d be delighted to hear how you get on 👍
Yes, I will!
I totally agree with being paid for writing. Over the years I have been paid for none fiction. And still recieve royalties for those books many years later. It helps me remember I can do it! But payment for fiction, long or short, has not happened yet. Guess I just have to keep om writing!
That's amazing Jane! You are right - you can do it! x