Short Stories as Mini-Trilogies: Can it Work?

By Sarah Dahl, @sarahdahl13

Part of the Focus on Short Fiction Series

JH: Just because they're short, doesn't mean they can't tell a long story. Today in our series “Focus on Short Fiction” Sarah Dahl returns to talk about writing trilogies - in the short form.

Technically, short stories have less time and space for everything: fewer characters, less world building, simpler arcs and subplots. Most times, there are no subplots, of course, and world building has to be spot-on: You need to create a sense of the people and place with just a few strokes of your pen. The drama is usually focused on one plotline and has one climax, very late in the story. Mastering this craft is mastering setup, timing and arcs, characters and resolution within as little space as possible. Writing short means writing without all the fluff and concluding absolutely on point.

How Saleable Are Short Stories? The Benefits of Writing Shorter

By Sarah Dahl, @sarahdahl13

Part of the Focus on Short Fiction Series

JH: With the "publish or perish" vibe of today's hectic publishing world, authors can feel pressured to release multiple novels a year. But writing short stories or novellas can be a viable alternative that lessens that pressure and still keeps readers happy. 

Novellas and even shorter works are on their way to becoming a strong literary form. They can stand alone or be extras/appetizers for bigger works of fiction. Many writers do them, and more and more readers read them. Attention spans shorten, and time to read, too. So today in our series Focus on Short Fiction we’re looking at the benefits of writing shorter, and especially saleability.

Many authors say they can’t write in the short form, and don’t see the point of mastering the craft for their business. Writing short doesn’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea. But there is a lot to gain from writing and publishing short works. Many big-name authors also do short stories in between their longer works. So there surely must be a benefit beyond mere exercise of a creative muscle.

New Market – New Game: Defining Short Fiction

By Sarah Dahl, @sarahdahl13

Part of the Focus on Short Fiction Series

JH: A few months ago, I was chatting with Sarah Dahl about short fiction, discussing how little is “out there” about this side of the craft: writing shorter, and publishing it, and I asked her to do a series to focus on this growing market. In this (roughly) monthly series she'll discuss why writers might want to consider writing shorter – and how they can make the most of it. 

Sarah Dahl lives on the edge of the rural German Eifel and writes historical fiction (novels and short stories) primarily set in the Viking age. She was an editor in several German publishing houses and managed a translation agency. The magic of writing re-entered her life at UCD Dublin, where she sat in J.R.R. Tolkien’s office every day, while working on the ‘Dictionary of Hiberno-English’. Tolkien’s spirit must have done something to her creative muscles – it sure wasn’t the bland view from his office. She became a full-time writer soon after and still works as an editor, translates, and coaches new authors. She is interested in everyday life in bygone centuries and the human stories that may have occurred behind the hard, historical facts. Sarah just released her collection Tales of Freya, seven sensual short stories set in the Viking age.

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Take it away Sarah...