Short Story
Alexander Weinstein: On Writing a Thematic Short Story Collection
Author Alexander Weinstein discusses how he came to select the theme of his new short story collection, Universal Love, and what it was like to see those themes reflected in the real world.
5 Lessons I Learned Doing the Flash Fiction February Challenge
WD editor Moriah Richard reflects on the 2021 February Flash Fiction Challenge and shares what the experience taught her.
6 Essentials for Writing Flash Fiction and Nonfiction
Author and editor Gina Barreca gives her top 6 tips for writing striking flash fiction and short short nonfiction.
2021 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Guidelines
Join us in February for our first ever February Flash Fiction Challenge! Write a new short short story each day in February with daily writing prompts from editor Moriah Richard.
What Is Flash Fiction?
WD editor Moriah Richard outlines the short short form and answers the question, “What is flash fiction?”
Expanding a Short Story Into a Novel
Author Les Edgerton explains the differences in structure between a short story and a novel, and he provides writers tips for how to expand their short stories into something more substantial.
Five Reasons to Write Flash Fiction: Understanding the Literary Love Child of the Short Story and Poetry
In this article, award-winning author Nancy Stohlman breaks down the difference between flash fiction, prose poetry, and short stories and explains what keeps readers on the hook.
Nancy Stohlman: Creativity in a Flash
Author Nancy Stohlman discusses why flash fiction is changing the way we tell stories and the shifting landscape of creativity in 2020.
Jacob M. Appel: Perseverance the Key to Writing Success
Jacob M. Appel, the author or editor of 19 books, including his most recent short fiction collection, Winter Honeymoon: Stories, shares how perseverance leads to writing success, what he believes all writers unconsciously try to do with their writing, and more.
John McNally: Renewed Interest in the Magic of Short Stories
John McNally, the author or editor of 18 books, including his most recent short story collection, The Fear of Everything, discusses what renewed his interest in the short story, what his goals in writing are, and more.
Vintage WD: Notes on Fiction Writing
In this 1941 Writer's Digest article, one writer talks about knowing the ins and outs of the genre in which you're writing, and the one thing they all have in common: writing a good story.
Back to Fundamentals: Vintage WD
In this 1938 Writer's Digest article, Leon Byrne emphasizes the importance of learning and getting back to the fundamentals of craft, particularly when writing short stories (though we find his advice applicable to novels as well).
Short Training for Your Long Game: How Writing Short Stories Can Help You Hone Your Novel-Writing Skills
Even if you’re focused on writing a novel, writing short stories can be a wonderful creativity tool to help you strengthen elements of your fiction, experiment with characters and simply stay loose.
A Shocking (and Fun) Short Story Writing Technique
You’ve probably been taught that short stories follow the time-revered rule: Limit your story to a specific time, place, event, interaction, or character’s evolution. I say, do the opposite. Here's how.
9 Ways Writing Short Stories Can Pay Off for Writers
Bite-sized fiction has moved mainstream, and today’s readers are more eager than ever to “read short.” Here’s why writing little stories is paying off in a big way from author Anne R. Allen.
How to Get a Short Story Published Like a Pro
Learn how to get a short story published like a pro from former Writer's Digest editor Scott Francis, including the 10 rules for submitting short fiction.
How to Let Plot Guide Your Short Story
In crafting a short story, let’s begin by taking our definition of plot and letting it guide us. This approach can guide you in composing a short story that creates the emotional and intellectual experience your reader hopes for.
How Long is a Novella? And How Do You Query Agents For Them?
If you're worried that your novella may not be up to snuff, Chuck Sambuchino has the answers for you!