How to write short stories

Supportive writing guide, helping you discover your talent

how to write short stories

•Inside•

Love & encouragement Writing motivation Story maps Revealing character tips True tales inspiration Hi2020 short story competition

Welcome... seek your ideas within...

Love and encouragement from the Editor

Have fun and enjoy the process!

What’s magical about a short

For a reader, the magic of a short story is – its shortness. They are read settling down to sleep, on the journey to work or as a distraction in the dentist’s waiting room – because they’re short. A good story is the one that you put down thinking ‘What a shame that’s over!’ It’s plunged you into a vivid world from the start and held your interest until the final full stop.

Harlow Writers is a 20-strong writers’ workshop. We meet every Thursday (by socially-distanced internet, for now). Many have won competitions, had work published in magazines, published novels or collections of short stories or poems. Every week we bring our newest writing – mostly short stories and poetry – to the meeting, read them, make constructive suggestions about each other’s work.

Where to start a short story

For some an idea comes quicklyto mind, but for others discovering a trigger for inspiration can be a little tricky. So where do ideas come from?

Happy London Press would like to help you write a great short story. If you enjoy yourself – and find you have a wonderful new hidden talent – we would like to give you this great opportunity and enter the Hi2020 Short Story Competition... see the back page for more details.