WriterDojo WriterDojo S5 Ep12: Short Story Nuts & Bolts
Sep 27, 2023
This discussion dives deep into the art of short story writing. The hosts debate the financial and artistic value of writing shorts. They uncover the complexities of pay structures and royalties in anthologies. Practical advice is shared on managing word counts and crafting compelling narratives. Listeners learn how to hook readers quickly and why short stories are a vital practice tool. The episode emphasizes balancing artistic integrity with business savvy in the publishing world, making it essential for aspiring writers.
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Episode notes
Save Novels For Novels
- Avoid writing a novel-sized story and forcing it into short story form; instead save big ideas for novels.
- Take a single scene or self-contained slice from a novel idea and write that as a short story.
Short Fiction Is A Career Tool
- Short fiction rarely pays enough to sustain a career; treat it as exposure or craft practice.
- Use short stories to bring readers to your novels, which are where most income comes from.
Practice For Fast Turnarounds
- If asked for a short story on short notice, rely on practiced skills and write quickly.
- Build speed by writing short stories regularly so you can meet tight anthology deadlines.
