Short stories are a form of literary art that requires a particular set of skills to craft. They demand an author to create a complete and satisfying story within a limited space, usually 1,500 to 10,000 words. The New Yorker is known for its exceptional short stories that have captivated its readers for over ninety years. In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips on how to write a great short story, with examples from The New Yorker’s short story archives.
1. Remember that a short story is not the same as a novel
A short story is a condensed form of storytelling, and an author must recognize that they have limited space to work with. A great short story is a fully formed and satisfying narrative, but it is not a novel. In Cat Person by Kristen Roupenian, published in December 2017, the author portrays a failed romance between a college student and an older man. The author captured the complexity of modern-day dating with vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters.
2. A protagonist with a certain desire or need
A great short story should have a main character with a clear goal or motivation that drives the plot. In The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, published in June 1948, the main character Tessie Hutchinson desires to win the annual lottery. The author used this desire to create tension, leading to a shocking twist at the end.
3. Hook your readers with a strong beginning
A strong beginning should grab your reader’s attention and make them curious about what happens next. In The Cat Person, the author starts the story by introducing Margot, a college student working in a movie theater. The author builds tension slowly but steadily to create a satisfying payoff at the end.
4. A short story almost never needs backstory
Backstory is not always necessary in a short story, and an author should avoid unnecessary exposition. In The Babysitter by Robert Coover, published in May 1969, the author introduces the main character as a babysitter with no backstory. The author uses this technique to create a sense of immediacy, and the result is a chilling tale that keeps the reader engaged.
5. A dilemma
Let your protagonist face a challenge or conflict that creates tension and keeps the reader engaged. In Bullet in the Brain by Tobias Wolff, published in September 1995, the protagonist, Anders, is a book critic who faces a bank robbery. The author uses this dilemma to create tension and ultimately a tragic end.
6. Build tension
A great short story doesn’t have to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, but do try and incorporate some tension that needs to be resolved. In The Dead by James Joyce, published in January 1914, the author uses a family gathering to create a sense of unease and tension that culminates in a powerful ending.
7. Action. Keep up the pace
A short story ideally wants to keep up the pace and try to avoid unnecessary description and exposition (i.e., too much telling and not enough showing). In Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway, published in August 1927, the author uses sparse description to create tension and conflict between a couple discussing an unwanted pregnancy.
8. A Climax
The story wants to build to a point of highest tension, where the protagonist faces their biggest challenge or conflict. In A Perfect Day for Bananafish by J.D. Salinger, published in January 1948, the protagonist, Seymour Glass, faces a mental breakdown on a beach in Florida. The author uses this climax to create a haunting and unforgettable tale.
9. A resolution
The story should conclude with a resolution that ties up loose ends and leaves the reader with a sense of closure. In The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe, published in January 1843, the narrator commits murder and is eventually consumed by guilt, leading to a confession and arrest. The author uses this resolution to create a satisfying end to a macabre tale. The resolution of The Dead does not necessarily resolve the tension in the story but rather heightens it by leaving the reader with a sense of melancholy and existential questioning, as Gabriel’s realization about his own limitations and mortality underscores the themes of mortality, paralysis, and the limitations of human experience that pervade the story.
10. Focus on a single theme
A great short story should have a clear and consistent theme that ties all the elements of the story together. In The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, published in March 1990, the author explores the theme of the weight of emotional baggage on soldiers during the Vietnam War. The author uses this theme to create a poignant and unforgettable story.
11. Have as few characters as possible
A short story should have as few characters as possible, to avoid overwhelming the reader and to focus on the protagonist’s journey. In A Clean, Well-Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway, published in March 1933, the story features only three characters – two waiters and an old man. The author uses this small cast to create a powerful meditation on loneliness and the human condition.
12. Have the main character change or achieve important insight
A great storytelling device is when the main character experiences growth or change throughout the course of the story. In Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, published in June 1998, the protagonist, Mr. Kapasi, gains insight into his own life and relationships while interpreting for a family on vacation. The author uses this change to create a moving and relatable story.
13. Or, throw all these rules out of the window and be experimental – short stories can break the rules
While there are guidelines to writing a great short story, there are no hard and fast rules. Short stories can be experimental and unique, breaking away from traditional narrative structures. In The School by Donald Barthelme, published in April 1974, the author uses a fragmented and unconventional style to create a surreal and thought-provoking story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a great short story is a challenging but rewarding art form that requires skill and careful crafting. By remembering the guidelines and studying examples from The New Yorker’s rich archives, aspiring writers can create compelling and memorable short stories that leave a lasting impact on their readers.
