Express Yourself: Short Story Writing
For many busy women, taking the time out for self-expression seems impossible. Nonetheless, expressing yourself is an excellent outlet that can help you feel more peaceful and connected to those around you.
However, writing a short story is about more than just self-expression, although that’s a big part of it. It’s an excellent thing to do for a variety of reasons. We’ll discuss some of these reasons, and just what constitutes a short story.
1. Just What Is a Short Story?
A short story is something like a mini novel. It’s a work of fiction, and how “short” it is depends on the writer and any guidelines the writer is following (such as writing for a short story contest with a certain number of words allowed). Short stories are written in prose, and its theme is fully developed, but it’s not as involved or intricate as a novel.
2. Practice, Practice
Writing a short story can be a great way to improve your writing skills. Sentence structure, word choice, grammar, and so forth can all be improved and honed by writing a short story (or more than one short story). In addition, you’ll give your creative “juices” a chance to flow, and practice the skill of getting those creative impulses into words.
3. Opening a Door
Writing a short story can open the door for larger works, like novels. It’s a way to “test the waters” and see if you have the skills and drive to write lengthier pieces.
In addition, if you decide to publish your short story yourself, you can get a “feel” for self-publishing. Then you will likely be more comfortable with the platform, and you can publish larger works.
4. Contests!
Did you know there are short-story contests? They are all over the internet, and some of them have cash prizes. And if you win one, you can always refer to yourself as an “award-winning writer”! It’s good exposure and experience.
5. Your Words in Print
Consider magazine submissions. Many magazines publish short stories, and it’s a great way to get your name in print and become a published writer. Read the magazines you want to submit to (of course), and find out their guidelines.
6. Save Your Short Stories
Many authors, including some famous ones, wrote short stories and published collections of them. Save those stories for a possible book someday.