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Hello! I am 🐕GeminiGem🎁, and I am the guest editor of this month's Short Stories Newsletter. Why don't you grab some snacks and I'll let you in on a little secret while we munch. |
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Snack Attack
ou are a writer of novels. Why should you care anything about the short story form? I assure you that you should and I will let you in on the secret so you will know why. First, you need to pass the hummus and pita chips, and I will endeavor to not talk with my mouth full.
You can write short stories for the sake of writing short stories, of course. That is what I do. I am an unabashedly dedicated writer of the short story. You can, however, write short stories to support your novel-writing habit. There, I said it.
I recommend that novel writers do this, as a matter of fact. You DO want to entice readers to dive into your novel, right? You do want them so hooked that they will read the next one in the series, and the next, right? Wipe the cheese doodle powder off of your fingers and listen. I'm handing you an invaluable item for your novel-writing toolbox.
What you need to do is write a short story with your novel in mind. Use the same characters. You can make it an integral part of your series of novels, it can be a super juicy prequel, it can be a side quest for the characters. Write whatever works for you to tease your readers, give them that little tantalizing bit to get them addicted to your longer stories.
Think of it like the reader is deciding on which restaurant to go to. They are really hungry but want something that will really satisfy that hunger. Your short story is like an appetizer. It is so delicious, but they want more to walk out of the restaurant satiated. BAM. You've got them. They will want to read your novel. Or, maybe the short story is like a snack to get them through until the next big meal. They can't wait until they get to that next novel of yours.
If you write short stories like I do, please don't be offended that I compared them to appetizers and snacks. This is not meant to offend, it is meant to give the people who write longer pieces something to consider. Besides, snacks and appetizers are some of my favorite foods, especially if there is cheese involved. |
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From my last Short Stories Newsletter "I'm Calling You Out" I discussed word count restrictions, and it turns out a lot of people had a lot to say on the subject.
Osirantinsel
Good newsletter. When I write for a contest I'm aware of the word limit but, in most cases, I simply write my story. I've learned that I can't write TO the word limit as that just ends up. When I've finished writing, I know how far I'm over and I go back and edit, and in the end I have a far tighter story. But I've had to write my waffle in first in order to cut it later. A couple of times I've not been able to cut enough words without damaging the story, so those stories just become lovely stories in my port rather than contest entries. No loss either way.
Thanks, Os. That is a great way to go about it. The ultimate goal of contests would be to get us writing anyway, right?
tj-Merry Mischief Maker
I agree, limited word counts are challenging, but they have helped me to cut out a lot of unnecessary fillers that don't have to be there. This, I believe, has benefited me in all my writing.
It is amazing what can and should be cut out if we take that long, hard, honest look.
Beholden
No need to dare me - I enter contests all the time (it's a matter of survival). But I have noticed over the years that contests are becoming more complex and finicky in their requirements. It's becoming a struggle to find those few that just want you to write something without all sorts of extraneous bells and whistles attached. I know they're trying to stand out from the crowd but they also risk putting off potential entrants by over-complicating the matter. Sure, I'll write a story for them, and I might even do a review if they insist, but as for things like writing to newbies and offering unsolicited advice, that's just not my style. Bingo, they've blocked any possible entry from me. I'm a writer, not a social worker.
I agree, not all contests are going to be to all people's liking. A feature that doesn't agree with you might be the thing that attracts another person and vice versa.
Merry_Mikey
Some days I really miss The Amazing 55 Word Contest. Word-count limits make you think, and that's a fact.
It is for reals! The tighter the word count, the harder you have to work, in my opinion.
GaelicQueen
Yes, sometimes we must kill our little darlings for the sake of clarity, brevity and adhering to the word count restriction.
It is hard to by-pass that protective instinct, lol
Paul
I can relate to that. The first word count story I wrote contained a lot of my blood. Now I relish the word counts as a challenge to pick just the right number of just the right words to tell the story.
Blood shed can be part of the editing process, lol
Sumojo
Yes having to cull your perfect story can be a pain. But you’re correct. Taking out a couple of hundred words, which at the time seems to be impossible, is a really good practice and rarely ruins a story.
Well said!
Bob
Hurrah for you. Limitations on word count on a short story contest has it problems for sure. I once entered an online contest that promised exposure to editors, movie producers and the like if you won or place in the top ten. Also a review from a judge was also included whether you won or not. Word limit was 20,000 words and my entrant was in the mid thirties, so I simply cut it off at 20,000 in hopes that perhaps someone would take a liking to the piece. Well, it was good and it was bad. The judge said my story had 'voice', can you believe that. I had voice. And, the story was bold and far reaching. Then the bad part. The story ends without knowing whether the guy gets the girl, or whether the Earth stops the invasion from flesh eating aliens. But they are the ones who set the word limit. If ever I enter another contest I'll include the full word count even it there is a limit. Perhaps the judge will be so intrigued with the story they'll read the whole thing before they toss it out because of word count. I mean it was a great story. As I recall I wrote it on wdc web site.
Honestly, I don't think cutting off the last 15,000 words of a story to force it to comply to a word count limit is what we are talking about, here. That isn't editing, that is submitting an incomplete story. I would say it probably wasn't the right contest for your story.
dragonwoman
Thanks for including my flash to emphasize your topic of word counts. Billy gave his fur for the new elixirs.
Thank you for giving me way too much credit, lol It is always a bit serendipitous when I can find a story that highlights my subject.
Lilith 🎄 Christmas Cheer
I agree with this, completely! Let's face it, a contest is a challenge - so a limit on the word count is just another layer to that challenge. I'd file this newsletter under, "It had to be said!". Great job!
Thank you, Lilli. I agree that the word count does add a layer of challenge, one that doesn't always set well with my muse 
On NEWSFEED for "I'm Calling You Out" , I asked:
Are word count limits really that limiting?
What is an ideal word count limit when entering a contest.
TheBusmanPoet
I don't worry about word counts or lines. I just write and if it doesn't qualify for a contest, so be it.
Once in Ryan David's City
I've only been here a few weeks and have never written much before, but I've concluded that the tighter the word count, the better the job I make of it. (Following that statement to its logical conclusion, I guess the optimal word count for my efforts would be zero.  )
A low word count target (1000 words or fewer) gives me a chance to introduce an idea and play around with it briefly - the more I write, the more my newbie shortcomings get exposed. Having said that, I've never yet won a competition, so what do I know?
Elisa: Snowman Stik
Since I tend to gravitate toward havings groups of characters involve in the same plot, I prefer longer word counts. Anything under 5,000 words can be done, but even after all these years it is painful.
Beholden
The tighter the limit, the better (my current rave is 100-word flash fiction). It's a contest, remember, so the quicker it can be done, the sooner we can go on to the next contest. Anything over 2,000 words is a serious commitment of time and energy and it would have to be right up my street for genre and prompt if I'm going to attempt it.
But there is no "ideal" word limit. Different strokes for different folks, as they say.
tj-Merry Mischief Maker
It depends on the contest. Smaller word counts can be very challenging, but they help us tell a story without a lot of added fluff. Let us also consider the time it takes to judge a contest; shorter is definitely better.
With that, I would have to say for stories, at least 350 words but no more than 500.
Blessed Christmouse
I seem to be pretty good at flash fiction or so I believe. I like small word counts especially if I'm going to review other contestant's stories.
oldgreywolf on wheels
The answer isn't black & white, it isn't a tartan pattern, IT'S PAISLEY with all borders squiggly, just like most of the questions asked of us.
I owe Jeff an apology. I thought this was one of his questions.
Okay, no problem. We'll apologize to Jeff together. Hey, Jeff, sorry I wrote paisley questions and you got blamed for it.
jdennis01jaj
That would depend on the time limit, word, and subject parameters defined by the person handling the contest. My biggest problems with contests are that the subject of the story is usually too specific and the word counts too arbitrary. Most contests are in the 2000-word or less range, and the subject parameters are too specific and, therefore, to limiting. I usually find it too difficult to make my imagination fit into someone else's shoebox with a too-limited budget of words.
But then I guess I could have just said 2000 words.
N.A Miller
depends on length and material.
I certainly would pull for 3-5000 words if anything for in-depth stories... but that's just me.
D. Reed Whittaker
A word or two less than the limit.
Paul
Whatever the contest sets as the limit is the ideal count. I use as many words as needed, as long as they fit the “Ideal” contest word count as stated.
Leslie Loo
1000 words or less. But it depends on the rules
Nobody’s Home
I'm finally learning to work with WC limits, and it's been a bit of an epiphany for me. In whittling down a stories to include only what's necessary to tell the story well – without giving up details that create strong, relatable characters – I've discovered it is possible to write a full story in fewer words. It takes time and effort to do it well, but it can be done. It can even become a fun challenge. Go figure!
Sabir 123
The ideal word count limit for entering a contest can vary depending on the specific rules and guidelines of the contest. Some contests may have a strict word count limit, while others may be more flexible.
In general, it's important to carefully review the rules and guidelines of the contest to determine the ideal word count limit. This information should be clearly stated in the contest rules or submission guidelines.
If there is no specific word count limit mentioned in the guidelines, it's always a good idea to aim for a length that is appropriate for the type of submission and the audience of the contest. For example, if it's a short story contest, a typical word count range might be between 1,500 to 3,000 words. However, if it's a flash fiction contest, the ideal word count may be closer to 500 to 1,000 words.
Ultimately, the key is to ensure that your submission is well-crafted, engaging, and meets all of the requirements set forth by the contest organizers.
elephantsealer
When entering a contest that asks for a word count limit should not be allowed. A written work should not be limited to a number of words but should be presented/written when the conclusion comes at the solution to the problem...
Santeven Quokklaus
The judge/s need to be considered when setting a word count limit. While I agree that word counts do limit the creative flow, the judges need to be able to get through everything without being forced to reas 20 niveks for a contest |
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Short Stories: June 07, 2023 Issue [#12004]
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