Do You Understand the Difference Between Short Story Writing and Novel Writing?

Summary

The provided content discusses the key differences between writing a short story and a novel, emphasizing that short stories should not be approached as condensed novels.

Abstract

The author of the content, an older adult who enjoys online learning, shares insights gained from an online short story writing course. The course provided structured guidance, which the author recommends to other writers as a more effective method than piecemeal internet research. The main takeaways from the first lesson include understanding that short stories, typically ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 words, are distinct from novels in their concise nature. Short stories focus on a single plot, conflict, climax, and resolution, without the complexities found in novels, such as multiple plots or twists. The author advises writers to recognize these differences to avoid inadvertently writing a novella or novel when aiming for a short story.

Opinions

The author values structured learning from an online course over random internet searches for learning short story writing.
Short stories should be written with a clear, singular focus on plot, conflict, climax, and resolution, unlike novels which can have multiple elements.
The author suggests that attempting to incorporate novel-like complexity into a short story could lead to writing a longer work, such as a novella or novel, instead.
The author encourages reader engagement by inviting followers, comments, and feedback, indicating a desire for community interaction and support.

Never try to write your short story the same way you would write a novel. LESSON #1

I’ve always taken extreme delight in learning new things and putting my new knowledge to the test. Thanks to the internet and online learning, at age 63, I have the ability to “go back to school and learn” without really having to be there.

I’m glad I decided to take advantage of a structured online short story writing course, and I recommend that others writers do the same. Doing so will provide you with a roadmap to exactly what you need to learn, and the order in which you should learn it.

This is a much better way for you to obtain the useful knowledge you need to have, instead of hopping all around the internet, seeking related information and overlooking crucial details.

To give you an idea of some of the valuable gems that come from the right short story writing course, I’ve noted some of the helpful points that I’ve learned so far.

Here is a brief recap of the most important TIPS and advice that I discovered during my first short story writing lesson.

Some of this information may be new to many short story writers, just as it was new to me, but for others, it will serve as a good reminder.

Either way, pay attention to these crucial points, whether you’re a brand new short story writer, or you just want to improve your short story writing skills.

Similar but Different

One might say that a short story is similar to a novel, when it comes to needing a plot, characters and dialogue, however, make no mistake. Short stories are not merely “mini novels” and you shouldn’t try to write them like they are.

For one thing, unlike novels, that are generally 50,000 words or more, short stories typically range from 1000 words on the short end, and up to 20,000 words on the high end, although by then, you’re getting into “novella” territory.

There are various other ways that the short story is generally unlike the novel. Although nothing is absolutely written in stone, short stories typically:

Stick with one plot

Have no twists, turns, or detours

Have one conflict

Have one climax

Have one resolution

The above differences exist mostly because the story in a novel can span over a longer period of time, and also the novel’s length enables the writer to develop more of everything (including the things listed above).

So before you get started creating a masterful short story with a lot of winding, twisting plots, do yourself a favor and rethink the whole thing.

Otherwise, prepare to embark on your first novella or novel, because that’s how long it will be by the time you’re done writing your “short” story.

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