How to Write a Great Short Story

In the last year, I’ve read about 500 short stories, most of them while judging the Show Off writing contest for my website, thewritepractice.com. In that time, I’ve learned some interesting things about the form and what makes a good story.

How to Write a Great Short Story

Here are a three tidbits of advice for you short story writers:

1. A Few Moments

Robert McKee says the challenge of the writer is to “show a lifetime in a few moments,” and in no other form is that more true than in a short story. You only have a handful of moments to tell the whole story, so you’d better pick those moments wisely.

The stories that won the Show Off writing contest succeeded in that, but many of the writers whose stories weren’t chosen fell into the fatal trap telling instead of showing. Instead of showing the reader a scene in time, with description, dialogue, and action, these writers summarized what happened with expository narrative.

In other words, the writers who won told a story, while many of the writers who didn’t gave a lot of information.

Instead, choose your moments wisely, and show them clearly with action, dialogue, and description.

2. A Character Who Changes

One of the things I would always say to my fellow judges is, “Does the main character in this story change? Is he different at the end of it?”

Stories, for better worse, are intrinsically moralistic. The protagonist must learn something by the end of it, something must happen to her, otherwise it’s a waste of the reader’s (and the writer’s!) time.

Does your protagonist change? Do you clearly show that change? If not, how can you introduce some kind of conflict to help your protagonist along?

3. Be Realistic

I’m not a particularly realistic writer. I once wrote a story about a boy who kills a mountain lion with his bare hands. As we judged the contest, I would often shortlist stories with elements that seemed perfectly plausible to me. However, inevitably, one of our judges would say, “Would that character really do that? Is that realistic?”

One judge in particular was good at finding the flaws in logic in stories. A trauma nurse for over 20 years, she easily found places where the writer fudged the truth to make their story work. And she was always right. We disqualified dozens of stories because they weren’t realistic.

As you edit your stories, perform a realism audit:

  • Read through your dialogue aloud. After each line, ask yourself, “Would this character really say that? Is that true to who he or she is?”
  • Look at each action made by a character, and ask, “Would this character really do that? Is that true to who he or she is?
  • Look at the more spectacular events in your story. Are you taking things too far in order to create false drama? Remember what John Steinback said, “I never exaggerate. I just remember big.”

As you edit (though not as you write), be skeptical about your stories. Those who are reading your work will be.

Let's Write a Short Story!If you want to learn to write and publish short stories, check out Let’s Write a Short Story, an Amazon bestselling book, now available in print and on Kindle. You can get your copy here.

About Joe Bunting

Joe is a ghostwriter, editor, and author. He writes and edits books that change lives. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

112 Replies

  1. Megan

    i think im a good short story writer.

    1. joe bunting

      Awesome Megan. Congrats!

  2. Chung

    Really great tips, will be sure to follow these! Thanks Joe

    1. joe bunting

      You bet Chung. Appreciate your comment.

  3. jp

    I can’t write an interesting story.

  4. John Bastian

    I think I am struggling with my short story

    1. joe bunting

      Sorry to hear that, John. How can we help?

    2. It’s really great that people are sharing this information.

  5. madani

    I have many short stories but they’re written in French. I write in Voltaire’s language. If you master French I would be pleased to send you one.

    1. Tim

      Je parle (et lis) le français. Je serais ravi de lire vos histoires.

  6. Lola jenson

    Im writing a short story need some help with descriptions , although this really helped

  7. shelby

    these are really great tips i write daily and i think im going to send one to my cousins publisher

  8. Bernadette

    So, Reading this week’s NY’er 8/29/16 story,”Gender Studies”, and analyzing it: I can truly find what the main character wanted on the surface: to find her license, which she did. It is about a Moment. But I’m still trying to Understand how she changes, except that she has an experience with a new man for the first time in 11? years. It is a cool story for sure, still in my mind a day later, and I’m going back to analyze again… . Thx for reading.

  9. Atakan

    Dude this is LIT thx for teaching me how to write a good story.

  10. If you are interested in topic: earn money online by just clicking nsa privatelin231 – you should read about Bucksflooder first

  11. ***********

    I am writing a 500 word story opening, could you give me any pointers on how to do it and make it good? Xx

  12. Yonah Nyawir.

    First I am grateful for your advice. I am working on a short story about 2800 words. Can you offer to critize my story and probably give the way forward if you may spare me some of your time. Thanks.

  13. Christine

    Hey Joe, thanks so much for this post. Really needed it. I am trying to write a short story for a contest, but it requires 1,600 words and below and I’m struggling to keep it within those guidelines. Haha!

    1. yooooooooo

      dudeeeeeeeeeeeeee that’s hard

    2. Rhonda Bell

      just saw this too, oh my! i am a professor and am trying to find ways to help my students with their short stories 🙂

    3. Melanie

      Once the word limit was 1,000!

  14. Aria

    Thanks a lot Joe! I’m gonna start right away!

  15. Thanks Joe but wouldn’t using these plots be copyright infringement

  16. CJ

    You helped me com up with my own thanks.
    But do you know any editors that i dont have to pay.
    see, Im 15 and my parents wont support this

  17. Immanuel

    Thanks Joe.. Your advice really help…. Let me jump on one short story right away..

  18. Thanks Joe! New here and subscribing today!

  19. Phil Oakey. We then bought Phil in who wrote some new lyrics on the again of a fag packet on the strategy to the recording studio and did two takes which Giorgio was properly happy with and all people went dwelling completely happy.

  20. As there aren’t any taxes expected by the authorities in Belize, these companies are usually not obligated to file tax returns or any monetary statements at the top of financial 12 months.

  21. The binary choices have an enormous scope as they lengthen very effectively to the commodity market enviornment as well.

  22. How much will you’ll want to contribute to achieve that objective?

  23. Where can you be discovered at a large occasion?

  24. It’ll additionally offer you the possibility to work together with the natives in the remoted mountain villages whose normal of living are quite pure and have not modified a lot for a number of years.

  25. This model is used as the account the current spot price, convenience yields, dividends, dividend yields.

  26. Their first, dating from 1988, depicts the Battle-born Catholic martyr Thomas Pilcher.

  27. Nevertheless, as finalists they had already qualified for the World Cup, held between the ICC Trophy semi-finals and ultimate.

  28. That approach you won’t get all of the wear and tear in the same locations.

  29. They pull out all the stops, create a number of probabilities and produce nice football.

  30. Main carriers like AT&T are already establishing VoIP calling plans in a number of markets around the United States, and the FCC is looking seriously on the potential ramifications of VoIP service.

  31. The Palace boasts some of the finest structure within the country and its lush gardens present a pleasant change from the concrete cityscape.

  32. Edith Shearstone, recently Headmistress, Waverley Infants School, Doncaster.

  33. Portfolio advisory services in India can provide you with a custom-made portfolio based on your risk profile and your financial goals.

  34. Definitely going to contact a solar energy firm about my south going through fields.

  35. The Stake Casino gameathlon.gr is one of the leading online gambling platforms since it integrated crypto into its transactions early on.
    The digital casino industry is evolving and there are many options, but not all casinos offer the same experience.
    This article, we will examine the best casinos available in the Greek market and what benefits they provide who live in Greece.
    Best online casinos of 2023 are shown in the table below. Here are the best casino websites as rated by our expert team.
    When choosing a casino, make sure to check the validity of its license, security certificates, and security protocols to ensure safety for all users on their websites.
    If any important details are missing, or if we have difficulty finding them, we do not return to that site.
    Software providers are crucial in selecting an internet casino. Generally, if there’s no valid license, you won’t find reputable gaming companies like NetEnt represented on the site.
    Reputable casinos offer classic payment methods like Visa, and they should also offer electronic payment methods like Neteller and many others.

  36. Venezuela is known for its spectacular Angel Falls – the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall – and its significant oil reserves, which play a crucial function in its economy.

  37. The Stake Casino gameathlon.gr is one of the leading cryptocurrency casinos as it was one of the pioneers.
    The digital casino industry is growing rapidly and the choices for players are abundant, however, not all of them offer the same experience.
    In the following guide, we will take a look at top-rated casinos available in Greece and the advantages for players who live in the Greek region.
    The best-rated casinos this year are shown in the table below. The following are the best casino websites as rated by our expert team.
    When choosing a casino, make sure to check the validity of its license, gaming software licenses, and data security policies to confirm security for users on their websites.
    If any of these factors are absent, or if we have difficulty finding them, we avoid that platform.
    Software providers also play a major role in choosing an internet casino. Generally, if the above-mentioned licensing is missing, you won’t find trustworthy software developers like Evolution represented on the site.
    Reputable casinos offer classic payment methods like Visa, but they should also include digital payment services like Neteller and many others.

  38. Ever since Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon, scientists have been toying with the idea of forming potential colonies there (and more just lately, uncovering potential signs of life on Mars).

  39. 4, thus gaining a central preponderance; nevertheless, in return, their queen will usually be uncovered as Black’s queenside play unfolds in the middlegame.

  40. 80, Fifth Avenue, New York City.

  41. The brand new 12 months, Nowruz, is a time of regeneration for Iranians; they use symbols like burning and planting to signify renewal and optimism for a new season.

  42. Understanding the distinction between mental and physical disorders is important when considering the nature and role of medication.

  43. Well, if the answer is yes, then you have come to right website.

  44. Your blog is a treasure trove of valuable insights and thought-provoking commentary. Your dedication to your craft is evident in every word you write. Keep up the fantastic work!

  45. Freda Miles

    hello!,I like your writing very so much! proportion we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Taking a look forward to see you.

  46. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  47. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  48. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  49. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  50. Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

  51. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  52. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  53. Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

  54. Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

  55. Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

  56. Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

  57. Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

  58. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  59. Your blog is a breath of fresh air in the often stagnant world of online content. Your thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary never fail to leave a lasting impression. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

  60. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
    widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly
    enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  61. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  62. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  63. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

  64. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  65. Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

  66. Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

  67. Discover compassionate elder care services with Vesta. We provide personalized, professional support to ensure your loved ones receive the best care possible

  68. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  69. This attentiveness stick-to-it-iveness helps you create and inaugurate your own representative without any weird coding skills.
    Elect the blockchain, set up sign parameters, add
    liquidity, and animate an automated trading bot!

  70. Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

  71. Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

  72. Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

  73. These cbd gummies are a perfect preponderance of delicacy and relaxation. The flavor is logically golden, without any unsavoury aftertaste, and the texture is pleasantly soft. I noticed a calming accomplish within about 30 minutes, portion me unwind after a want heyday without heat drowsy. They’re untroubled to away with on the go and manufacture daily CBD function enjoyable. Great worth, harmonious dosage, and a flavourful manner to occurrence the benefits of CBD

  74. letswriteashortstory.com
    letswriteashortstory.com

  75. Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

  76. Производство и поставка – изготовление сварной сетки производства Северсталь метиз ОСПАЗ со склада в г.Орел.
    Продажа сетка сварная 25 25 оптом и в розницу по низким ценам.
    Полный каталог всей метизной продукции, описания, характеристики, ГОСТы и технические условия.
    Офоррление заказа и доставка в сжатые сроки. Возможна отгрузка железнодорожным транспортом. Цены производителя.

  77. Jupiter Swap acts as a meta-exchange, connecting all bigger Solana exchanges in inseparable platform.
    By means of aggregating liquidity, it ensures traders even the score with bettor completion prices while
    thrifty time and reducing slippage. For most token swaps,
    it outperforms using a unwed DEX like Raydium or Orca directly.

  78. SushiSwap is a decentralized substitute (DEX) and DeFi ecosystem contribution permissionless souvenir swaps,
    throw in the towel agronomy, liquidity array,
    staking, and governance — all powered alongside the SUSHI token.

    With elevate in preference to of the duration of upward of with a dozen blockchains and advanced features like SushiXSwap and BentoBox,
    SushiSwap continues to stimulate the boundaries of decentralized finance.

  79. Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring? I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!

  80. This site is known as a stroll-by way of for all the information you needed about this and didn?t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and also you?ll undoubtedly discover it.

  81. you are actually a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a fantastic process in this topic!

  82. Trezor is a crypto munitions billfold designed to cumulate private keys
    offline, keeping them sure from hackers. Divergent from enthusiastic wallets or exchange accounts, which remain connected to the internet,
    Trezor ensures that your cryptocurrencies are stored in a immovable environment.
    It supports a extreme distance of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH),
    Litecoin (LTC), and thousands of ERC-20 tokens.

  83. Spot on with this write-up, I really assume this web site needs far more consideration. I?ll in all probability be again to learn rather more, thanks for that info.

  84. Fantastic read! I really appreciate how clearly you explained the topic—your writing not only shows expertise but also makes the subject approachable for a wide audience. It’s rare to come across content that feels both insightful and practical at the same time. At explodingbrands.de we run a growing directory site in Germany that features businesses from many different categories. That’s why I truly value articles like yours, because they highlight how knowledge and visibility can create stronger connections between people, services, and opportunities.Keep up the great work—I’ll definitely be checking back for more of your insights!

  85. Fantastic read! I really appreciate how clearly you explained the topic—your writing not only shows expertise but also makes the subject approachable for a wide audience. It’s rare to come across content that feels both insightful and practical at the same time. At explodingbrands.de we run a growing directory site in Germany that features businesses from many different categories. That’s why I truly value articles like yours, because they highlight how knowledge and visibility can create stronger connections between people, services, and opportunities.Keep up the great work—I’ll definitely be checking back for more of your insights!

  86. One thing I’d like to discuss is that weightloss system fast can be carried out by the correct diet and exercise. Someone’s size not merely affects appearance, but also the overall quality of life. Self-esteem, melancholy, health risks, in addition to physical skills are influenced in extra weight. It is possible to just make everything right but still gain. Should this happen, a medical problem may be the perpetrator. While a lot of food rather than enough exercising are usually the culprit, common medical conditions and widespread prescriptions can greatly help to increase size. Thanks for your post right here.

  87. Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  88. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  89. I would love to add that when you do not already have got an insurance policy otherwise you do not take part in any group insurance, you may well reap the benefits of seeking aid from a health agent. Self-employed or people having medical conditions commonly seek the help of the health insurance specialist. Thanks for your short article.

  90. Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, fantastic site!

  91. affordablecanvaspaintings.com.au is Australia Popular Online 100 percent Handmade Art Store. We deliver Budget Handmade Canvas Paintings, Abstract Art, Oil Paintings, Artwork Sale, Acrylic Wall Art Paintings, Custom Art, Oil Portraits, Pet Paintings, Building Paintings etc. 1000+ Designs To Choose From, Highly Experienced Artists team, Up-to 50 percent OFF SALE and FREE Delivery Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and all regional areas. We ship worldwide international locations. Order Online Your Handmade Art Today.

  92. I?ll right away grab your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  93. wonderful post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  94. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I?ll try to get the hang of it!

  95. Thanks for discussing your ideas listed here. The other matter is that if a problem occurs with a pc motherboard, folks should not go ahead and take risk involving repairing the item themselves for if it is not done correctly it can lead to permanent damage to the complete laptop. Most commonly it is safe just to approach any dealer of your laptop for that repair of motherboard. They’ve already technicians that have an knowledge in dealing with notebook computer motherboard difficulties and can make the right prognosis and undertake repairs.

  96. SafePal is a firm crypto notecase oblation devices and software solutions for shielded сторидж and undemanding executives of digital assets.
    With cross-chain sponsor, DeFi and DApp access, private clarification screen, and user-friendly
    lay out, SafePal empowers seamless crypto trading and portfolio management.

  97. I used to be suggested this web site by means of my cousin. I’m no longer sure whether or not this submit is written by means of him as nobody else understand such exact about my problem. You’re incredible! Thanks!

  98. This is really interesting, You’re an excessively professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for in search of extra of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  99. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in internet explorer, would test this? IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your magnificent writing because of this problem.

  100. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Thanks

Leave a Reply