Short stories have been around for a long time. They’re an important part of literature and creative writing. It has been present in different forms, such as:
- Fables
- Folklore
- Myths
Short stories these days are different than they were back then. But they’re still compelling. The word count for a short story is much less than for novels and books, so it can be tough. This is because you have to have strong writing skills to complete your story in limited words.
The length of a short story can scare the author, but it’s a good way to start your career in the industry. Our experts have prepared an extensive guide to help you learn more about short stories.
What Is A Short Story?
Short stories are used to stir a specific mood, focusing on just a few events and involving a limited number of characters. Sometimes, they might even forgo a traditional plot. Many emerging writers have explored this genre, publishing their work in literary magazines and collections.
If you also want to get a taste of this action without spending too much time learning how to write short stories, you can utilize the services of a book writing agency or skilled ghostwriter. These professionals can help you create a reputation as a talented author while you work on a full-length novel for the future.
How Many Words Is A Short Story?
Here are some broad guidelines for word counts in literary works:
- Short story word count: Ranges from 1,500 to 30,000 words
- Novella word count: Set between 30,000 to 50,000 words
- Novel word count: Generally, ranges from 55,000 to 300,000 words
Writing extremely long novels can be a mistake because it can get challenging to market. In many cases, marketing agencies refuse to market novels when they’re too lengthy. Publishing also becomes pricey for a manuscript with a word count of over 100,000 words.
For authors who are writing their first novel, focus on the average short story length. The word count can be from 80,000 to 100,000 words. But don’t force yourself to a word count. Let your ideas flow.
Some Helpful Tips For Writing A Short Story
We’ve come up with some tips that can help you in writing your first short story:
- Start As Close To The End As Possible
- Maintain A Swift Pace
- Limit The Number Of Characters
- Create A Relatable Protagonist
- Introduce Conflict
- Imply A Backstory Without Elaborating
- Engage The Five Senses
- Use Lively Dialogue
- Edit Vigorously
- Write Incomplete Stories
Let’s explain these in depth.
1. Start As Close To The End As Possible
Since the length of a short story is restricted, it’s best to start with the climax so you can end it quickly. News articles often present the complete story right at the beginning to immediately inform the reader. This method determines whether the reader will continue. Successful short story writers adopt this technique, creating gripping openings that ensure the reader is hooked from the start.
So, jump right into your story, skipping preliminary details and minor background information that could detract from the main narrative.
2. Maintain A Swift Pace
Usually, the pace accelerates as the protagonist nears the climactic battle. Since short stories commence near this climax, they must begin energetically, thrusting the reader directly into the action from the outset. Here’s an example of how you could incorporate this in your writing:
- “I was shocked to hear about Jenny Heathrow’s murder last night.”
- Harry nearly let go of his rake. “I hadn’t heard,” he replied.
3. Limit The Number Of Characters
As the average length of a short story is limited, developing many characters can be challenging, and readers may struggle to remember them. A short story effectively needs just three types of characters:
- A protagonist
- An antagonist
- A secondary character who influences the plot or character development
Sometimes, stories just focus on one character. For example:
- Cast Away, Tom Hanks’s character
4. Create a Relatable Protagonist
Every narrative requires a protagonist, and the key to creating a good one is making the reader care about this character. Some strategies include giving your character a relatable passion, pushing them out of their comfort zone, or sharing a personal weakness only with the reader. Revealing insights into your character’s inner thoughts can make them seem more real and relatable.
5. Introduce Conflict
A central conflict is essential in every short story, often encapsulated by a dilemma, a significant revelation, or a vital decision. Surround this conflict with ample tension to keep readers invested in the storyline. As Kurt Vonnegut advised, don’t shy away from putting your characters in difficult situations to test their spirit.
6. Imply A Backstory Without Elaborating
As the average short story word count is less than a full novel, you can’t explore a character’s background thoroughly. So, it’s best to omit detailed backstories. Every line should be necessary, without superfluous words. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a clear understanding of your character’s history in your mind to ensure their motivations are believable.
7. Engage The Five Senses
Don’t limit your story. Use all senses, including visual descriptions, to keep readers involved in your story. Let them see, feel, smell, hear, etc., the story. Here’s how you can do this:
- The aroma of bacon draws him out of sleep.
- The sound of fan blades disrupts her attempt to sleep.
8. Use Lively Dialogue
In short stories, extensive scene setting can hinder a swift conclusion. Instead, you can include dynamic dialogue to flesh out characters and propel the plot. Place characters in active scenarios but focus on their conversations to escalate the conflict, like:
- “Hurry! He’s stuck in the mineshaft.”
- “I can’t go down there—I’m claustrophobic.”
- “That shaft floods when it rains. If this storm hits, he’ll drown.”
9. Edit Vigorously
Even if a writer is pleased with their story, there’s always room to refine and tighten the prose by:
- Merging characters
- Cutting transitional scenes to focus on key events
- Eliminating repetitive language
- Reducing unnecessary adverbs and adjectives
10. Unfinished Stories
It might sound unconventional, but leaving a story unfinished can spark ongoing curiosity, prompting the reader to imagine possible outcomes. This approach works effectively if the story is captivating; otherwise, it may not be as successful. You have the option to extend the story later, perhaps months or years after the first part, or you could choose not to continue it at all.
In many cases, readers ask for sequels if they’re impressed by the plot, the characters, etc. For example:
- Prisoner of Zenda
The character, Rupert of Hentzau, was so charming that the author wrote a sequel, “Rupert of Hentzau.”
How Long Does It Take To Read 10000 Words?
- Readers who can read at a speed of 300 words/ minute will read 10000 words in 33.3 minutes.
- If you’re slow, with a speed of 125 to 200 words/ minute, it will take an hour or so for 10000 words.
How Many Words Is A Short Novel?
The general word count for short stories is 40,000 words. But the word count goes higher most times. So, a short novel length is 40000 to 50000 words. If you’re working on your first novel, don’t go higher than 120,000 words.
How Many Pages Are In A Short Story?
Most times, short stories are between 1500 words and 7500 words. This is 3 to 30 pages long. Printed pages have 250 words to 450 words, but this depends on:
- The font
- Print formatting
- Dialogues
These factors can affect the word count and pages.
The Don’ts Of Writing Short Stories
Here are some things to avoid while working on your short story:
- Too Many Subplots
- Bland Characters
- Unrealistic Dialogue
- Bad Pacing
- Over-Explaining
- A Definitive Conclusion
Let’s elaborate on each of them.
1. Too Many Subplots
In a short story, pinpoint the main focus—whether it’s a key theme, event, action, or disruption. Secondary storylines should enhance or challenge this central element to deepen the narrative, so simplify the plot and limit the number of characters to avoid complications.
During the writing process, resist the urge to include intriguing yet unrelated details unless they contribute meaningfully to the overarching story.
2. Bland Characters
Many submissions fail to succeed because the characters lack depth. It’s not enough to depict their actions and environments; you need to expose their inner emotions and motivations. You have to think about things like:
- The character’s interests
- The dislikes
- Fears
If a character’s stakes are unclear, readers lose interest. You can get their attention by showing characters in moments of dilemma, reacting in human and relatable ways.
3. Unrealistic Dialogue
Dialogue should mimic real conversations where people speak in fragments and express emotions like frustration or sarcasm. Incorporate real-life peculiarities you hear daily, which can add authenticity to your characters’ interactions.
4. Bad Pacing
Poor pacing can doom a story. Usually, readers give a story about five pages to capture their interest, and if the narrative doesn’t progress by then, or if it rushes through important scenes, it’s likely to lose their attention.
5. Over-Explaining
New writers often over-explain, fearing the reader won’t understand the subtext, which can alienate the audience. Readers should be encouraged to trust the story and fill in the gaps themselves. So, avoid overt exposition; instead, immerse your readers directly in the action, allowing them to experience the events as they unfold.
6. A Definitive Conclusion
Most readers prefer stories that leave room for their imagination at the end. Perhaps the protagonist has a chance to reconcile, move on, or find someone new. Let readers draw their own conclusions rather than dictating every outcome. Open endings are much more appealing when they make readers wonder what’s next. Many readers like it better than conclusions.
Now, you might be thinking, “Wow, there are so many rules to keep in mind while writing!”
We agree, which is why we’ve stated that writing short stories is not an easy task. So, to avoid the added baggage of learning how to write a new form of literature, why don’t you hire specialists like us at Maven Ghostwriters?
We’re known for our expertise when it comes to book writing, so schedule a clarity call to understand how our services are exactly what you need!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a short story?
Short stories can be from 1000 words to 7500 words. This is the usual range, as it lets authors easily explore different themes and characters. It’s also good enough to maintain a good pace. This word count isn’t fixed, as some stories can be longer.
Who are famous short story authors?
There are many authors who are known for their short stories. The list is long, but here are some popular ones:
- Edgar Allan Poe
- Franz Kafka
- Alice Munro
- Anton Chekhov
- Ernest Hemingway
- George Saunders
- Katherine Mansfield
- Arthur Conan Doyle
- Jorge Luis Borges
- Mark Twain
Can a short story be 1,000 words?
The word count of a short story can be 1000 words. Short stories like this are called flash fiction as they give readers a quick, impactful reading experience. These are brief narratives. You can learn more about them with our professionals.
