1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions
"Everyone's busy these days. The attention span is so much shorter than it was. So you want to be concise and get to the point very quickly." ~ Estelle Erasmus
Short stories, by definition, have only a short amount of time to set the stage for the unfolding plot. In classical literature, there is often a lot of front matter before a story takes off. In modern fiction, the reader is usually thrust into a situation from the first word or sentence.
There are few more tools that you can use to get readers invested in picking up your story, starting to read it, and stick with it.
Choose a good title. Give a hint at what is to come or intentionally mislead.
Make every sentence count by giving it a purpose in the story. If a sentence doesn't advance the plot, why is it there?
Use active language. Classical writing is full of passive language. Just because it was acceptable and published 100 years ago doesn't really make passive narration compelling reading.
Avoid filler words. Tight sentences that aren't too wordy keep the reader's attention.
Give your sentences a variety of lengths. All simple sentences or all long-winded sentences become boring to read.
Make the last word count. End as many sentences with a word that foreshadows the next sentence.
Be specific. Find expressive words that are filled with concrete meaning rather than broad definitions.
Sometimes, it makes sense to come full circle. At the end of the story, it could be an idea to reference the beginning.
Try some of these suggestions the next time you plot out a short story.
How soon do you think is too late to rope the reader in?
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At the Brink (13+) A young political science professor is awakened by a knock at the door. (WCount 2400) #2307526 by Damon Nomad
Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2307492 by Not Available.
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Calendar (E) A calendar discusses its lot. 2nd place in Personify Writing Contest, October 2023. #2307474 by Beholden
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The Cleansing (13+) Stacy is a vampire. She loves blood; but, she has a special talent few possess. #2307409 by Kåre เลียม Enga
Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2307356 by Not Available.
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter! https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
There was a reply to my last Short Stories newsletter "Put the Cart Before the Horse" that asked: Do you have an article or essay about the writing craft that would be helpful to the whole writing community?
Damon Nomad wrote: Great newsletter and a good idea to share some WDC tools, surprised to see my review checklist on there.
Review checklists are a great writing tool. Who would have thought?
And a reply to an older newsletter "Spring Into Writing" byElfin Dragon-finally published: I'm not sure if Spring makes me want to write more or less. I think I'm an average kind of writer that just kind of takes up the pen/pencil/laptop when the mood strikes me.
And another reply to another older newsletter "Short Story, Preface, or First Chapter?" byElfin Dragon-finally published: I have written SO MANY short stories that have become either the first chapter of a novel or somewhere in the novel. The problem is, now I've got way too many novels to write! LOL
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Short Stories: November 15, 2023 Issue [#12257]
Choose a good title. Give a hint at what is to come or intentionally mislead. 
