There’s a long list of reasons to write short. Short stories are fun and satisfying to write, a great chance to try out new ideas and characters, and a terrific way to get into print or reach new readers. They also bring their own constellation of craft challenges. Award-winning short story and novel writer – and SinC VP – Debra H. Goldstein recently joined our Executive Director Julie Hennrikus for an Instagram Live discussion of the rules of the short story game.

Her main points: 

* Read as many short stories as you can. Study and understand what authors do with different word counts.

* Narrow your ideas, characters, themes. Be concise.

* Make every word count to describe characters, setting, themes, humor, clues, red herrings, solution. Be willing to write and revise.

* For submissions, know what the market wants and follow the submission guidelines.

* If your story is accepted, celebrate. If it is rejected: review, edit, and submit elsewhere.

You can check out the full Instagram Live video here:

And be sure to join SinC Worldwide every Tuesday afternoon at 1pm ET for a live discussion of craft, marketing, and other important topics in the writing world. Whatever the platform, or the format, SinC is Where Writers Belong!

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