Writing: How to Make Great Short Stories Out of Every Day Life
You can make a good short story out of anything.
Yes, it’s true. A good short story writer can make a good short story out of anything.
That’s a pretty bold statement.
Yet, as far as I can tell, a writer needs only three things to be able to write a good short story: talent, self-discipline and craft.
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The good news is, talent is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Or in other words, how bad do you want it.
There’s more good news. A writer can learn craft.
The bad news is, there is no substitute for self-discipline. To be any good at writing, you have to study it the way you would study biology. Many people who say they want to write short stories are not going to put in the study time.
But if you have enough talent, and most people do, and you do have enough self-discipline, many people don’t, you will be able to learn craft.
Once you learn craft, and this is an on going process, you will be able to take any every day situation and turn it into a good short story.
There are no boring stories. There are only boring writers.
The End
My Ebook for Serious Writers will help you to take your writing of short stories to the next level.
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Another inspirational article, I understand that I have a ways to go yet but with your useful articles there is definately a good chance I’ll get better at writing.
Great post
As always Guy, a wonderful post. I often wonder why you aren’t teaching, you seem to have a talent for relaying the material on a level that would intice people to greater realms. Thanks.
I agree with bigpapadan…
bigpapadan, aimsteel, when I was a graduate student a few years ago I did teach, but I found out that I did not have the patience to be a professional teacher. Isn’t that funny? So, I teach on Triond. Here, I don’t have to grade papers and I don’t have a schedule to follow. Of course, I don’t make much money, either.
Another good lesson in how to write…
I think you are a great teacher and very inspirational as well. Great post Guy.
I like the bit about boring writers.
A great article, Guy. You said it very well. The best advice I ever got was to write everyday. It doesn’t have to be a long story, but something. It helps in perfecting your craft. Thanks again.
Not putting the time is a big crime. I just had to let it rhyme.
Thanks for the encouragement. I will evenually finish my book.
Indeed turning around every day occurences and turning them into something worth reading is an art in its self? LB
A lot of my writing is taken from events in my life. Since I have not had the time to write as much as I would like, I have found my skills are falling off a bit. You are so right, writing is a craft and a skill we must work at. I sadly have to work 12 hour shifts to help support my family. Again sadly my writing as had to take a backseat to eating and having the bills paid. Thank you for your insights. You are an excellent instructor.
I find the same can be said for poetry. Often the more mundane a topic is the more fun it is to rise to the challenge of writing an interesting piece. Thanks for the inspiration.
Christine
nice post
You made some very good points. I like the quotes you used.
Great article. Not putting in the time is a crime. A friend of mine started writing a short story. It’s been sitting in a folder in her drawer unfinished for eight years. Now she says she wants to write a novel.
well written
Success usually comes down to application (effort) in most things, and there isn’t anything else I would rather put my effort into, than writing. Thanks for the encouragement.
Really helpful article, thanks Guy. I like your statement, There are no boring stories. There are only boring writers. Listening to two people tell the same story can be fascinating.