“But I want to write novels/screenplays/children's books,” you say. That's fine, but have you ever considered short stories? Here are some reasons to have a go at this lost art, and how it can support your main writing.
1. Exposure. Once
you've written a short story, you'll need to get it out into the wide
world. Fortunately there are several markets for this (see previous
post), and once you have had one accepted, or it has won a prize,
then congratulations! You have a credit! Stick this on a CV and tell
potential agents and publishers how clever you are. The mere sight of
a short story credit shows professionals that you are not so new to
the publishing game, that you've seen your work in print and have the
hunger for more. Depending on where you get published, this can also
start to earn you some fans!
2. Money. While
admittedly the pay for short story work isn't great, if it is an
extra income, it can be a welcome addition to your bank balance. Keep
the money separate and treat yourself, or reinvest it back into your
writing business – buy yourself that laser printer you've always
wanted, or a stack of books for research. This can support your
long-term goal of novel writing. I managed to pay for a week in sunny
Wales with the sale of a short story and a serialisation, while my
first ever pay cheque paid for a modest but tasty steak dinner.
3. Practice. If you're
going to commit yourself to a long-term project like a novel or a
screenplay, then shouldn't you get some practise in? You wouldn't
climb a mountain without going on a hike first would you? Or swim the
channel without a few laps of the pool? Short stories give you, as a
writer, the room to practise, improve, and make lots of mistakes
before you set off on your marathon.
4. Brevity. If the way
to good writing is to 'Omit needless words' (Strunk and White,
Elements of Style, Rule 17) then short story writing is an exercise
in this. Write a story, read it through, and take a red pen to each
needless word. Contract where possible, delete where appropriate and
KILL YOUR DARLINGS. You won't regret it, and this course in
self-editing will influence your style even more when you want to
write longer pieces.
5. Structure. Managing
the structure of a longer piece of work is a tricky old business, and
so use short story writing to ensure your way of crafting beginnings,
middle and ends is honed to perfection. Once you are confident in
telling a linear short story, you may want to weave in sub-plots and
secondary characters, twists and turns.
6. It's Fun! The
satisfaction gained from finishing a short story which you are proud
of should not be underestimated. Getting your idea down on paper/on
screen is a great thing, and will spur you on to great things, and
greater writing.
* * *
SHORT STORY is a series
of articles looking at the art, creation and business of the short
story.
image: Ivan Prole http://www.sxc.hu/profile/iprole
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