10 Alternative Types of Short Fiction

By Rachelle Shaw

Part of the Focus on Short Fiction Series

JH: Not all short fiction is a "short story" as we know it. Rachelle Shaw shares a round-up of different short fiction options and structures.

As outlined in the introductory post for this series, a typical short story follows the kind of structure we’ve all come to know and love when we think of fiction: a tale with a beginning, middle and end. And while they only capture a single event in time, traditional short stories still include an overall plot while fostering growth or change for the characters within them. However, it’s worth noting there are other options in the world of short fiction, particularly if that setup isn’t your cup of tea.

Building POV and Stakes in Short Stories

By Rachelle Shaw

Part of the Focus on Short Fiction Series

JH: Short stories have little time to make readers care about the protagonist and their problem. Rachelle Shaw shares tips on how point of view and stakes can pull readers into your story.

Individually, POV and stakes both play an important role in developing a story that compels readers to keep going. For short works of fiction, the biggest challenge usually comes with choosing which POV is right and what kind of stakes works best for the chosen narrative.

In a previous post on this site, I mentioned how short stories should cover a single event that shapes the main character’s journey in their overall arc. Even though only a snippet of that larger arc is covered, the backstory leading up to that point serves as motivation for the choices your character will make during the event.

5 Tips on Writing a Short Story

By Rachelle Shaw

Part of the Focus on Short Fiction Series

JH: Short stories give us opportunities to explore new ideas without committing to months and month of work. Rachelle Shaw shares answers a few short story questions, and shares five tips on how to write them.

Whether you’re new to writing or already have several books under your belt, short stories are a fabulous go-to, especially for the time-crunched writer. They allow you to get your words in while providing additional insight into your writing style, the minds of your characters, and underlying themes. They can be tricky to get right—requiring practice and polishing—but with patience and the right tools, shorts can become a cornerstone to upping your writing game.