15 Things I Learned about Writing Short Stories from Art Taylor
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I had the pleasure of hearing Art Taylor speak recently at our Sisters in Crime - Central Virginia meeting about crafting short stories. Here's what I learned.
- Edgar Allan Poe is not only the father of the American mystery, but the father of the American short story.
- For detective stories (whether it's a murder, caper, or puzzle), it all hinges on the clues.
- Every word counts.
- Character descriptions should be part of the single effect of the story.
- The plot drives the detective story.
- Think about what you can suggest without explicitly saying it.
- Every story needs conflict. There should always be an escalation of conflict in the story.
- Always up the ante. Shovel on more grief and conflict.
- Check out he Art and Craft of Fiction by Michael Kardos and riting Fiction by Janet Burroway.
- Narration is the stage direction and description is the scenery of the story.
- Exposition is telling. It is a way to provide information, but it should be done in small bits. What does the reader need to know?
- When you're revising your story, look at everything and ask, "Does this need to be here?"
- Use jump cuts. (Jump the action to the next scene.) You don't have to describe every detail of every day.
- Watch films and how the stories are plotted. This can help you with pacing your story.
- Look at your draft. Can you cut the first and last paragraph? You should strive to start your story closer to the action.
