Have you ever wanted to write a short story, but you can't even max out a Tweet? Blooming Twig has a handy guide for crafting short stories. This will give you an idea of what to expect, write, and give you dash of encouragement. Happy writing. Since 2005, Blooming Twig has been building its profile as the little literary engine that could, ignoring fads and sticking with work that has depth and the power to make a difference. Its bold stance has been validated by bestsellers numbers and numerous indie awards. Currently, the intrepid publishing house averages 20 releases per year with a catalog of books that totals over 300. http://www.bloomingtwig.com #booksthatmatter @booksthatmatter

1. WRITING SHORT STORIES
BLOOMING TWIG

2. WILLIAM FAULKNER
“ G E T I T D O W N . T A K E C H A N C E S . I T M A Y B E B A D , B U T I T ’ S T H E O N L Y W A Y Y O U CAN
DO ANY T H I NG R E AL L Y GOOD . ”

3. Writing short stories is deceptively difficult.

4. In so many words, the author has to construct a
world, characters, and plot that a reader will be
invested in.

5. It’s
tricky.
And, it probably doesn’t help that there
are several different formats to choose
from.

6. Flash fiction is a tough genre to
tackle. Generally, the rule for flash
fiction is 1,000 words. Maximum.
There are authors that pair
stories down to two
sentences. Ernest
Hemmingway has a story
in six words. Six.

7. FOR SALE : BABY SHOES, NEVER WORN.
ERNEST HEMMINGWAY

8. I BEGIN TUCKING HIM INTO BED AND HE TELLS ME,
“DADDY CHECK FOR MONSTERS UNDER MY BED.” I
LOOK UNDERNEATH FOR HIS AMUSEMENT AND SEE
HIM, ANOTHER HIM, UNDER THE BED, STARING BACK
AT ME QUIVERING AND WHISPERING, “DADDY
THERE’S SOMEBODY ON MY BED.”
JUAN J. RUIZ

9. As for what to write, topics can be literally
anything. Subtle character stories with intricate
relationships are one end of the spectrum. The
other end could be akin to space robots coming
to Earth in search for fabled jelly donuts.

10. The general rule of thumb is “write what
you know.” When a writer has something
they love, a story comes to life rather
quickly.

11. However…
Blocks inevitably get in the way.

12. When writer’s block hits—and it
will—it’s important to continue
writing and face the problem
head on.

13. Procrastination loops may include
binge watching Netflix and putting
anything ahead of finishing the story.
Just one more episode? No.
Get back to writing.

14. Once the topic is chosen and
the 1,000+ words are written…
It’s a story!
…It may be messy yet, but it’s a
story.

15. Editing comes next. It’s going to hurt
to cut down sentences, fix the bad,
and polish the story up.
It’s got to be
done.

16. STEPHEN KING
“ K I L L Y O U R D A R L I N G S , K I L L Y O U R D A R L I N G S , E V E N W H E N I T B R E A K S Y O U R E G O C E N T R I C L I T T L E
S C R I B B L E R ’ S H E A R T , K I L L Y O U R D A R L I N G S . ”

17. Once the painful editing process is over.
Celebrate.
Seriously. It’s an accomplishment that deserves a
fancy dessert, some boasting, or maybe a drink.
Or two.

18. It takes time to find the right home for a story.
Be brave.

19. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time and a tough hide.

20. SYLVIA PLATH
“ I LOVE MY REJECT ION SL IPS. THEY SHOW ME I TRY . ”

21. There will be rejections. It is best not to be
discouraged. It happens to everyone.
Take a page from Sylvia Plath
and stay positive about the
experience. Always try again.

22. All that needs to be done, in so fewer
words, is putting a pen to paper.

23. RESOURCES
• http://dangerousminds.net/comments/ernest_hemi
ngway_and_the_six-word_short_story
• http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-quotes
• http://www.chicagonow.com/listing-toward-forty/
2014/03/two-sentence-horror-stories/
• King, Stephen. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.
New York: Scribner, 2000. Print.
• http://www.aerogrammestudio.com/2013/06/15/12
-famous-writers-on-literary-rejection/

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