Have you ever found yourself rambling on and on when telling a story? If so, you're not alone. Although most people believe that it is easier to write a short story than a long one, it is often the opposite. When writing shorter stories you need to be concise yet articulate and get to the point quickly. Short stories are difficult to write because they require you to introduce plot points and characters quickly. As a result, many writers (whether they are beginners or published authors) struggle with telling a story succinctly and engagingly. However, there are some simple tips and tricks you can use to shorten your story without sacrificing its impact. So if you are looking to shorten your story, continue reading for 5 crucial tips for writing short stories.
Remove Unnecessary Words
Removing unnecessary words from your story is essential for shortening your story. Removing unnecessary words will make your story more concise and engaging. By eliminating superfluous details and redundant phrases, you can help your readers stay focused on the main message of your story. Plus, shorter stories tend to be more memorable and easier to read, which can increase the likelihood that your audience will remember and share your story with others. So, take the time to review your writing and remove any words that do not add value or contribute to the overall impact of your story. Your readers will thank you for it. Now, there is no definition for unnecessary words and they differ from writer to writer but listed below are some words that are often seen as being unnecessary.
Very
Really
Super
Just
Literally
That
Immediately
Totally
Absolutely
Almost
Reduce Adverbs
Reducing adverbs are sure to help you shorten your story and make it more engaging for your readers. The Oxford Language Dictionary state that adverbs are "a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc. (e.g., gently, quite, then, there )." In simpler terms, an adverb is a word that modifies a verb. By using fewer adverbs, you can create a more concise and impactful narrative that keeps your audience focused on the essential elements of your story. Adverbs tend to slow down the pace of your writing and can detract from the power of your message. With fewer adverbs, your writing will be more dynamic, and your readers will be more likely to stay engaged from beginning to end. To shorten your story, try cutting back on the adverbs and see how it improves the overall quality of your work.
Keep a Fast Pace
Keeping a fast pace in your story is important for a few reasons. First and foremost, it keeps your audience engaged and interested in what you have to say. If you take too long to get to the point, you risk losing their attention and they may start to tune out. A fast pace also helps to build tension and excitement, making your story more impactful and memorable. A fast pace also allows you to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time, which can be especially useful if you're trying to convey a lot of information in a limited space or time frame. So if you want to keep your audience hooked and make the most of your storytelling opportunities, it's important to keep a fast pace and keep things moving forward.
Strengthen Your Descriptions
When it comes to storytelling, many people believe that the longer the story, the better. But, this is not necessarily the case. It is often the opposite. Shortening your story can make it stronger and more effective. By focusing on the most important details and cutting out the unnecessary details and descriptions, you can create a more compelling and impactful narrative. This will help your audience stay engaged and interested throughout the entire story, rather than losing interest or becoming distracted by irrelevant information.
Utilize Beta Readers
Utilizing beta readers to shorten your story is an essential step in the writing process. Most writers become too attached to their work and struggle to see it objectively. Beta readers can provide valuable feedback on pacing, plot inconsistencies, and character development. They can also offer suggestions on how to improve the overall structure of the story. By receiving feedback from beta readers, you can identify areas that may be confusing or unnecessary, allowing you to make necessary revisions and ultimately create a stronger and more concise final product. Plus, beta readers can provide insight into the target audience's preferences, which can be incredibly valuable when trying to appeal to a specific demographic. Overall, utilizing beta readers can help you produce a more polished and engaging story that effectively communicates its message to its intended audience.
Shortening your story can be a challenging task, but it is necessary to keep your readers engaged. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your story is concise, clear, and impactful. Remember to remove any unnecessary details, focus on your main message, and reduce the number of adverbs. With practice, you will become an expert at telling your story in a way that captures your audience's attention and leaves them wanting more!