Today’s post comes from an extremely talented
writer of mysteries, Lesley Diehl. I haven’t read her short stories. but, I have read her novels and this woman knows how to spin a tale. So, read here why she feels short stories are a good thing to write, even if you think of yourself as a novel writer.
I love to write short stories
Several months ago, when the deadline for the third book in my Eve Appel series was looming overhead, I was asked by one of my publishers to write a short story using one of my novel length amateur sleuths. This was followed by an announcement of another holiday anthology of short stories put out by the same publisher. I’d written a short for the two former anthologies, so why be left out of this one, I reasoned? My husband shook his head and warned me not to get in too deep. He, the short story King, he of all people asking me to rethink writing these stories? Never.
You see, I love to write short stories. Why? Not because it’s easier than a novel length story. In some ways it’s more difficult, but here’s what short stories do for me as a writer:
- 1. Because the length is limited, I’m forced to construct my plot sharply. No sloppy logic, no plot holes, no clues never recovered, no issues left unresolved. The reader should feel as satisfied at the end as if she had just finished a hot fudge sundae. That’s a lot to do in a few words.
Plotting short stories makes me a better plotter. And I’m usually a pantser plotter, so I can play around with ideas like who did it if we’re talking about murder. I’ve got an entire manuscript to make that decision if I like. Not so in 5000 words. I get organized and fast.
- 2. I could focus on a clever plot if I wanted to in a short story, but characters are where I like to put at least fifty percent of my writing effort, and it’s no different when I’m writing a short. So again the length can work against the writer or it can work for the writer. I like to think it works to my benefit by making me downplay things like physical description and get to the heart of the character—fleshing out how crazy this character is and how I can make my reader “see” that in her actions.
Writing short makes me develop characters succinctly. She didn’t wear green, she didn’t have blue yes, nor was she divorced. No, she stood over the body with a knife in her hand and said “I knew I left this somewhere.”
- 3. Since I’m trying to fit my story into a set number of words, I think in a more conscious manner about every word on the page. The techniques I’ve learned as a writer which seem to be stored in my unconscious and appear when I need them must be moved to the forefront of my brain so I can use them for effective writing.
Jim Callan recently wrote a post for my blog in which he talked about contrast and how it works in writing. In the short story that first began my Eve Appel 
character I set her up with a sidekick who is not only physically different from Eve, but also the opposite of Eve’s rather brusque insensitive behavior. Her sidekick is always socially appropriate and rescues Eve when she makes a (usual) social faux pas. Contrast—to be used consciously in a short story.
- 4. Confession time. I cheat a little. I often use short stories to lead to other shorts using the same characters, like my Aunt Nozzie who is the star of my Thanksgiving shorts published by Untreed Reads.
A final confession. I like to write short stories featuring my relatives. I use the shorts as a way of testing the waters. All of these relatives are dead. If after I publish the story I hear nothing from beyond the grave then I know I’m doing well. I assume they would be my harshest critics. Or maybe they didn’t buy the book.
If you’ve never tried writing a short story, take the idea for a test drive. I’ll bet you discover something about a short story that appeals to you as a writer. If not, you can always develop the character into a protagonist for your next novel.
Jim: Thanks for a great post and some insight on why we novelists should take time out now and then to write short stories. Lesley has a new book out. Here’s a little bit about it, and you can buy it by clicking on the cover of it above.
A Secondhand Murder
Spunky Eve Appel moves from Connecticut to rural Florida intent on starting a new life as the owner of a consignment store. But Eve’s life, and her business with it, is turned upside down when a wealthy customer is found stabbed to death in a fitting room. As accusations fly and business slows, Eve takes matters into her own hands. A Secondhand Murder is Book 1 of the Eve Appel Mysteries Series.
Jim (again): It will only take half a minute to leave Lesley a comment. Thanks. And if you’d like some more info on the first Eve Appel mystery, just click here.
Lots of good information in here about short story writing, Lesley. I’m glad to read this and, Jim, thanks for hosting Lesley this week!
Most of my early film production work was in feature films and documentaries. Later I had the opportunity to produce television commercials. I liken these two forms of production to the differences between writing books and short stories. I remember the first time I had to write and produce a TV commercial. Having to tell a story, in less than 30 seconds when I used to have over an hour, was quite a challenge. While I write middle grade mysteries and adventures today, I also write shorts stories for the same age group. And I find this to be very much like the film to TV commercial model.
Lesley, I love really good short stories. I haven’t read any of yours (yet!) but by the sounds of your books, I’d say they are great. Looking forward to checking them out.
Thank you for this blog, Jim. I write shorts for many of the same reasons..Working on another now. Although the print market has been shrinking for these, it’s encouraging to note that readers love shorts and novelists enjoy writing them. Be encouraged, Lesley..
I really like why you write stories. In a way, it helps to really hone in your skills in a sharp way. I figure all writing helps us to become stronger writers. It’s like the old saying about playing an instrument that if you want to play it well it takes practice. I think in writing it’s no different. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I enjoyed this blog about Lesley and her love for writing short-stories. I started writing short-stories, and my first book was a compilation of SS. I’m often asked to share them on websites or magazines. I’ve enjoyed the pocket change they bring it….but I really enjoy being able to write a true story and tug at heart strings or make up something, and like Lesely not worry about the word count. I haven’t met many scribes that write SS, one said she didn’t think she ever could. I’m glad to meet another writer who enjoys both novel writing and short-stories.
Lesley, I SO appreciate this post. You infused me with energy and determination. I’ve spent so much time getting my editing business off the ground (to finance my journey to Published Land), that I’ve dropped the ball on my writing. While I do plan to finish book two for my mini-NaNoWriMo, who says I always have to delve into something huge? Short stories are just the thing to keep me sharp–and hone those skills, they will! Every word, every motivation, every plot point counts. It’s fun AND strengthening. And very doable when editing only allows for short bursts. One day, I know I’ll find balance, but for now, thanks for the kick into gear.
And Jim, in case you didn’t see my reply to your fun comment over at A Little Red, Inc., I said, “You finagled a grin out of me. I am amused by your gifted writing.” *wink*
Gosh, all of you have been so kind with your compliments. This has been an awful week for me and reading all teh commetns on my guest blog has really lifted my spirits. Thanks again. And thanks, Jim, for having me visit. Little did I know how comforting the commetns on this blog would be for me at this time.
Thanx for reminding me, Lesley, of the fun of writing short stories. I want to make time for them again. I like the challenge of getting it all packed into a very few words.
Thank you, Jim, for lining up Lesley to give us a little nudge. 🙂
Lesley is a special person and I’m happy I could get her to share a little with us. Thanks for the comment, Marta.
The first story I ever read by you was one of your Thanksgiving stories, and I was hooked. I remember I wished it had been longer because I enjoyed it so much. I give you a lot of credit because I’m too long-winded to write a short story. I can’t stop adding to it.
Excellent post!
Thanks, Marja, for the comment. I’m afraid I’m with you, though – a bit long winded. I managed one (1) flash fiction piece only because a group insisted I do it.
I used to be long-winded when Iwas in academe. Everybody there was and you’d get lost if you were brief, but I like playing with wrods and sentences and getting maximum impact out of a few.
Hi, Lesley. I love writing short stories for the same reasons you gave and a few more. Best regards to you and you, too, Jim.
Thanks for the comment, Earl. Enjoyed our brief visit at the NETWO conference this spring.
Thanks for the info. I try to make myself work on a short story once a week because I think it’s good practice, but I usually let the novel writing take over instead. But I agree with you that short stories are great discipline. Every word has to count!
Maybe that’s my problem, D.R. – that I have to make every word count. I have been known to talk too long. Maybe I need to work on the short story to improve my social talking.
Once a week! And I thought I was disciplined. I’m in awe.
Lesley, you gave some great information. I agree shorts can be more difficult than writing a novel, you have to be more precise and concise.
Jim, I always enjoy your blogs. augie
Thanks, Augie, for the nice comment. I do try to get good people on it – and have certainly succeeded here.
Brava, Lesley. I consider the short story the nearly perfect art form, and for many of the reasons you appreciate it. Oh, and it’s not cheating to let characters show up in more than one story. Carry on!
Thanks, John, for a great comment. Not only not cheating, but often a great gift to the readers.
Best blog in quite sometime. Nice concise description of short stories including the positives and not-so-positives. Thanks.
Great, Nancy. Lesley will really appreciate yo9ur comment – and so do I. I always enjoy having Lesley on my blog.
That’s quite a compliment. Thanks.
Good stuff! I’m also a big fan of writing short stories–the shorter, the better. I’ve embraced flash fiction, as it causes one to write concisely.
I have to agree with you, John. Flash fiction does make you write concisely. Causes you to think a bit more – how can I get in all I need/want to get in, but in so few words. Maybe I’ll try another. Thanks for the comment.
About that comment I posted. I can write, but I cannot type. Forgive me.
Thanks for the typos, Lesley. Shows you are human. And having looked at your picture, I don’t think you started writing so late in life. Thanks for visiting The Author’s Blog.
I crank it all out because I started writing fiction so late in my life, so I’m tryingto make up for loast ime. the dieas jsut seem to fall out of my brain like M’Ms from a bag.
And we all love M & Ms.
I didn’t know you did so much short story work too. Excellent points in this piece! I don’t know how you crank all this great work out. Thanks you two for sharing this info and great interview 🙂
Thanks, Chris. And I agree with you – how does she get all that done? Obviously she has an understanding husband. And a lot of self-discipline.
Hubby has to be understanding. He’s a writer too.