Writing short fiction is a different discipline from writing a novel. With fewer words to play with, you need to be selective about what material to include. Here’s a few of my favourite tips for writing short fiction successfully.

1) Don’t waste time with lengthy expositions. This is especially important if you write short form science fiction or fantasy, which typically needs more worldbuilding. Introduce us to the protagonist and establish a sense of place and time in the first sentence or two. Once you have established your story’s who/when/where the action can get started quickly.

2) There should be a single key moment in the middle that serves as a turning point for your character. This can be something as subtle as a line of dialogue or an innocuous action that changes the protagonist and allows them to resolve the conflict.

3) Use language in a way which is clear, concise and evocative. Tangible metaphors and strong word-choice will reduce the need for adverbs and adjectives. Also remember that showing rather than telling can bring your story to life without the need for tedious exposition (e.g. ‘he left, slamming the door as he went,’ works better than ‘he was so angry that he left the room and closed the door behind himself,’). 

4) Avoid subplots. They work well in novels, but there is seldom enough room for them in a short story. Stick to one protagonist with one single conflict to resolve.

5) Edit ruthlessly. Examine every line and ask yourself what it contributes to the story. Is it imparting some vital information or moving the story forward? If not, cut it out.