How to write a short story guide-lines from Kurt Vonnegut…
- Use the time of a complete and utter stranger in such a way that she*(or he) may feel like their time was NOT wasted (as in peoples want to be entertained).
- Give the reader at least one character that she (or he) can root for.
- Every character should want(desire) something, even if it’s only a glass of water.
- Every sentence must do one of two things; reveal character or advance the action.
- Start as close to the end as possible …
- Be a sadist !!! No matter how sweet, loving, and innocent the character make “entertaining” things happen to them. In order for the audience(readers) see what they are made of.
- Write to please just one person… (yourself)
- Give your readers as much info as soon as possible—eff (or the heck with) suspense. Readers should know The Five W’s (where, when, what, how, who, why?) as so they could finish the story themselves… just in case… the last few pages have incoherent ramblings from a madman conspiracy theorist had vandalized over them.
*she—most readers are women
One, my writings seem to lack cohesion. I tend to ramble on using big words unnecessarily. Anonymous feed back from others has labelled me as a pseudo-intellectual. And was advised to be more concise.
Two, most of my “work”(writings) are incomplete. I tend to start with an idea. Then end-up with a totally different story than intended. Like, I will plot out a story be when I goes to write it. Most of the important details were either omitted or changed as ink went on the pad. Or when digital bits appeared on the screen.
Three, again no clear intent to most or my ramblings. The website I got feedback suggested that if I be serious of getting published. I should hire an editor.
Four, again most of my writing if fluffy. Wordy without mucho substance. Typing a lot but saying nothing.
Five having a conclusive story is frightening to me as I like to write as a hobby and I wouldn’t know how to handle being “successful” or accomplished. I have a few things self-published on KDP… but haven’t made any money from it. Again, the website I submitted to for feedback suggested I invest in ‘marketing’. However, that costs money. And I don’t want to get entangled in a “sunken cost” fallacy.
Six, my writing tends to be bland in this respect as I tend to not like to use cliche’s like violence. Albeit that is a part of reality. From that point-of-view my writing is fantasy. As, ideally it not be a necessity or means to an end ! …
Seven I’m good at this and that.
Eight—much of my writings are merely scribbles from someone that barely grasps most or reality. I’m only Wikipedia smart. As, I’ve read more wikipedia pages than books. I’m trying to get in the habit of reading more books. I love wandering the library and skimming random books but that means that I’d have to leave me apartment…
Henry Conrad's Writing Blog 