Writing Terrific Short Stories Can Prepare You for a Novel

Published on March 6, 2023 | Last Updated on November 18, 2024

Writing Short Stories vs. Writing a Novel

Many new writers forego writing short stories in the hope of accomplishing the lofty and admirable goal of publishing a novel instead. After all, it’s a chance to create a sprawling narrative with rich characters, intricate plots, and deeply immersive worlds. However, there are many challenges in doing so. Writing a novel takes a lot of time, organization, and creativity, not to mention motivation and energy. The process can feel overwhelming, especially for those just starting out, as crafting a cohesive story arc requires both patience and skill. Most novels range anywhere from 40,000 to 150,000 words or more. That’s a big commitment, even if a new writer focuses on the low end of that range.

Additionally, getting a novel published is difficult. Stories of rejections abound on social media. Authors often share tales of submitting to dozens—or even hundreds—of publishers and literary agents, only to be met with silence or form rejection letters. You will also find a lot of information online about how much it costs to self-publish a novel. (Hint: It will cost you thousands of dollars.) These expenses can include professional editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing, all of which add up quickly. There is also a lot of work involved, even if you’re hiring other people. Coordinating freelancers, managing deadlines, and promoting your book on social media or other platforms can feel like a full-time job in itself.

Consequently, it’s frustrating for writers to make a name for themselves and to build a readership when the first hurdle is so high. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Aspiring authors often overlook the tremendous value of short stories in honing their craft and showcasing their talent to an audience. Consider, if you will, writing and publishing short stories.

Writing Short Stories: Risk vs. Reward

1. Lower Stakes, Greater Flexibility

The risks involved in writing and publishing a short story are much lower than they are for a novel. Unlike novels, which can feel like monumental undertakings, short stories are more manageable and less intimidating, particularly for new writers. Since short stories range only between 1,500 and 30,000 words, the time and energy a writer spends on them is much less. the time and energy they require are much less. For writers juggling jobs, school, or other responsibilities, this makes short stories an ideal choice.

2. Easier to Abandon and Start Anew

Things can go wrong with a short story, just as they can with a novel. However, it’s much easier to discard a few thousand words than to give up on a novel you’ve invested months or years in. The emotional toll is smaller, allowing writers to move on to their next idea without as much regret or burnout.

3. Quick Satisfaction and Boosted Motivation

Writing short stories offers the reward of finishing a project in days or weeks rather than months or years. This quicker payoff provides an immediate sense of accomplishment and keeps the creative process dynamic. Frequent opportunities to share your work—through contests, magazines, or online platforms—can also build confidence and motivation for tackling larger projects like novels.

A neon sign on a dark window reads: What Is Your Story?

4. Experimentation Without Long-Term Commitment

Short stories are perfect for exploring different genres or themes. Whether you want to try science fiction, romance, or historical fiction, they give you the freedom to experiment without the pressure of a full-length commitment. This helps you identify your preferences, refine your writing style, and improve technical skills like pacing, dialogue, and character development.

5. A Creative Playground for Bigger Ideas

With fewer constraints on length and structure, short stories allow you to remain creative and flexible. This experimentation can lead to unexpected breakthroughs, sparking ideas that may evolve into larger projects down the line.

Writing Short Stories: Build Essential Skills Faster

1. Consistent Practice Builds Confidence and Skill

Writing short stories on a regular basis is a great way to develop your writing skills. Like any craft, consistent practice is essential for growth, and short stories provide manageable opportunities to refine your techniques. The more you write, the better you get.

2. Master the Art of Concise Storytelling

Short stories require writers to use every word carefully and convey meaning with limited space. This economy of language forces you to eliminate unnecessary fluff and focus on clarity and impact. Writing them regularly can improve your writing skills and help you develop a strong, concise writing style. Over time, this discipline can translate into greater confidence and efficiency in all your writing endeavours.

3. Focus on the Basics of Storytelling

Writing short stories allows you to hone the foundational elements of storytelling, including plot, character development, and setting. Crafting a compelling narrative on a smaller scale helps you experiment with intriguing openings, satisfying resolutions, and maintaining reader engagement.

4. Experiment with Styles and Themes

Short stories offer the perfect playground to test different styles, characters, and themes. Want to see how a morally ambiguous protagonist resonates with readers or try an unusual narrative voice? Short stories let you explore these ideas without the commitment of a full-length novel.

5. Share Your Work and Embrace Feedback

Be sure to share your short stories with others and ask for feedback. Constructive critiques from fellow writers or readers can highlight areas for improvement and help you fine-tune your storytelling approach.

6. Read Widely and Learn from Others

Reading short stories by diverse authors exposes you to new techniques and styles, inspiring fresh ideas. Analyzing successes and challenges in others’ work offers valuable insights to strengthen your own craft.

Publishing Short Stories: Build Your Name and a Readership

Many literary magazines and websites are looking for short stories to publish. These platforms are often hungry for fresh voices and unique perspectives, making them ideal opportunities for emerging writers. Submitting short stories and getting them published can lead to exposure for writers and opportunities to network with other writers and publishers. By seeing your work in print—or online—you begin building a track record that demonstrates your commitment to the craft and your ability to produce work that resonates with an audience.

It helps to have a publication history when approaching agents, editors, or publishers with a novel manuscript. A strong portfolio of published short stories signals that you are a skilled and marketable writer, increasing the likelihood that industry professionals will take your work seriously. If they see that you’ve published short stories, it will influence their decision on whether they can market your novel successfully. This is especially true if your stories have been featured in well-regarded magazines or have received accolades or awards. Even a small amount of critical recognition can add credibility to your name and help distinguish your novel submission from the crowd.

Alternatively, already having a readership will help your first self-published novel hit the ground running. Short stories can act as a springboard for building a loyal audience. Readers who enjoy your short fiction are more likely to follow your work and purchase longer projects. Posting your stories on platforms like blogs, social media, or specialized writing communities can also attract an engaged audience, creating a base of readers who are eager to support your novel when it debuts. This pre-established connection with readers can be a game-changer for marketing your self-published work, as it provides an initial group of fans ready to spread the word.

Blog