How to Write a Short Story in 6 Steps

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Writing short stories can be crucial to your novel-writing dream.
Resist the urge to begin your writing career with a full-length novel. That’s akin to going for your PhD before finishing elementary school.
You have a lot to learn about the publishing world, selling your work, working with an editor, getting cliches out of your system, and, in short, honing your skills.
In this video, based on my 45 years of experience, I help you get started writing compelling short stories.
We’ll explore:
- 6 steps to make your stories better
- How to find and perfect your own writing voice
- Finding inspiration from classic short stories (including my reading suggestions)
- How to create characters and plot points
- The unique nature of your first draft
- How to ferociously self-edit for success
- And much more
For more in-depth writing advice, click the following link to download the FREE bonus I mention in the video.
leveragecreative.lpages.co/wr...

Опубликовано:

19 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 740

@albertyracheta5652 3 года назад

I'm writing a book at 62 but never even read a book. I'm dyslexic and using google docs and a microphone to write and also to read back what I've written. I always knew technology would come along to help. thank you Jerry for your videos

@novaria 3 года назад

Good luck with your work!

@jeremias-serus 3 года назад

Inspiring, I wish you luck!

@akioasakura3624 Год назад

Good luck!!

@chlona1747 Год назад

Let us know when it's done! I would love to read your book

@firmanasfari6204 Год назад

I love your story. Inspiring.

@baldeagle4308 3 года назад

I ferociously edited my comment to the following two words: Thank you.

@thereoncewasalimerickwriter 3 года назад

Skillfully done, Sir!

@lazylank 2 года назад

Thank you for that laugh.

@sanjay9300 3 года назад

The best 9 minute short story writing points tutorial you will ever find. Thank you.

@tajmahall1622 Год назад

This guy is the goat.

@annwilliams6438 Год назад

Amen.

@graciouspizza 3 года назад

*Liked it,* *Screenshots,* *Saved it in the list,* *Subscribed,* *Motivated*

@Scale_69 3 года назад

If u are interested in writing then u can join this discord server where u can share ur stories with others.... . discord.gg/X3cana8JhB

@leodaer2041 3 года назад

Are you a Pilipino?

@Scale_69 3 года назад

@@leodaer2041 nope...

@mikecee3058 3 года назад

Once again, Jerry Jenkins comes through with excellent advice. If you want to write, sit down and listen to what he has to say. It's how I wrote my first science fiction book, Ark Three, and how I'm writing the second in the series, Ark One. Without Mr. Jenkins, I doubt that I would have actually self-published. If I can do it, anyone can.

@jaglinuxmint 3 года назад

Wow, would love to read your work. What you have done is an immense achievement

@mikecee3058 3 года назад

@@jaglinuxmint Immense achievement? Not really. A person just has to sit down and start it, and follow Jerry's advice. Both of my books are available on Amazon. They're called Ark Three and Ark One. I'm currently working on a third book, which I'm going to switch hats and try my hand at a thriller. Again, following Jerry's plan, I'm in the marathon of the middle. And following Jerry's advice, I'm letting my writer's block work for me instead of against me.

@mikecee3058 3 года назад

@aboctok That may be one of the most ignorant comments that I've seen in a while. But please, carry on so we can all enjoy your ignorance as much as you do.

@fidelogos7098 3 года назад

@@mikecee3058 "If you wrote something for which someone sent you a check, if you cashed the check and it didn't bounce, and if you then paid the light bill with the money, I consider you talented." quote from Stephen King's advice to writers. Writers should also read widely so they won't be ignorant.

@danadrian2752 3 года назад

I think it’s ignorant to assume that anyone who writes has read every book by every famous author or watched every video and read every interview. It’s simply impossible to do that. You can’t honestly make a quote and attack someone for not recognizing it. Especially when said quote isn’t fully stated in the first place. You took a fraction of it... At least if you are going to quote something have enough of that quote left intact so that the meaning of that quote can be better understood. If I didn’t know where it came from I very well would have thought you were belittling them.

@BrandonKeever 2 месяца назад

As an MFA student, I can state with confidence this video is 10 minutes of solid gold writing instruction.

@johnhannahoriordan1354 Год назад

I just can’t believe that this man puts such valuable content online for free. I started writing my novel over a year ago. Everything that has gone well in it is almost completely thanks to Jerry Jenkins’ videos and his self-editing checklist. Brilliant. Thank you. God bless you.

@susanday3478 Год назад

I know, I'm doing a degree in creative writing and my good grades have a lot to do with the content here, not just the content on the course, and it's free! Bless him!

@eloureirotubeyou 3 года назад

1 - Read short strories 1:08 2 - Generate a winning idea 3:01 3 - Narrow your scope 4:30 4 - Employ a classic story structure 5:56 5 - A satisfying ending 7:13 6 - Edit Aggressively 8:20

@knowledgeaddict1192 3 месяца назад

Adorabel

@user-iu6ug5cr9g 24 дня назад

Would you also add: read at least 100 great novels a year? Maybe that was a bit extreme, but I have been writing feverishly and reading voraciously now for years, and, despite my writing twenty paragraphs a day, cannot write worth a grain of sand.

@markchange3853 3 года назад

Step 1- Read Short Stories(Start with reading books written by Bret Lott Step 2- Generate A Winning Idea(Recognize the germ, Create characters from people you know) Step 3- Narrow Your Scope Step 4- Employ A Classic Story Structure 4.1- Terrible Trouble 4.2- Attempted Fixes Make Things Worse 4.3- The Predicament Appears Hopeless 4.4- Heroic Growth Helps Hero Win Step 5- A Satisfying Ending Step 6- Edit Aggressively

@alexgrey5195 Год назад

Thanks!

@mtracy244 Год назад

Tku Mark👍

@galaxyamber8001 Год назад

Thanks short attention span

@janetDT1904 Год назад

Thank you 😊

@AAllen-br8it Год назад

Cool name bro

@shawshank178 7 месяцев назад

The 'lights on' story is a great example of saying more with less. Thanks for sharing Jerry.

@garysscaryfaeries3046 3 года назад

I've been writing a book about how tourists act in rural Ireland, as I own a small nontourist shop in a touristy area of West coast Ireland. The first 2.5 years went great, 60000 words in I started to edit. That was a year ago, I had to put it down because of how negative I had wrote, it wasn't an account of how generally tourists act, it was a full on look for as much of the negative aspects I could find. I learned a lot about how negative a person I am that's for sure. I will finish it one day, hopefully in a much more accurate light.

@tangobayus 3 года назад

Maybe you can turn it into a comedy by portraying the foibles of tourists.

@fidelogos7098 3 года назад

I agree with tangobayus...turn it into a farce or short funny stories in the style of Mark Twain or P.G. Wodehouse.

@tangobayus 3 года назад

Writing satire is the best antidote for thinking about things you hate.

@marianacarina2580 3 года назад

I don't see how you should make it fully accurate if it's a fictional work. Readers can also have an insight of your mind, but I agree with the other comments. A satire would be fun to read. The best story is the one that speaks with you the most.

@marymissmelody8520 3 года назад

I had such a long drawnout awe and little tears starting to well when you described the light.. which lights.. how many lights and the extension of lights WOW!!!! Fantastic and I haven't even read it YET!!!!! Hearts

@828So15th Год назад

I needed to hear everything you said here. From the not starting out with a novel (which I’ve been insistent on doing, thus have gotten nothing published), to reading of other works, to allowing myself to write draft without editing. Your presentation style is inspiring. You’re the instructor I think I’ll need to get started on my writing career which I’ve put off since childhood.

@Earlyreaders 3 года назад

Short, sweet and delivered with no time wasted. Thank you Jerry.

@escapematrixenterprisejacq7810 Год назад

So so relieved to hear this. I got so overwhelmed and lost; I almost wanted to give up, but my love for the written words and melodies and love for being in the creative worlds just will not go away. I feel like VC Andrews starting at 53

@IxianMace 3 года назад

I've got to say, thank you so much for recommending those short stories. I've read three out of that list so far, and I've enjoyed every one of them. I'm totally feeling inspired to get back into writing.

@anniea3086 3 года назад

I've never made notes from a youtube video. This was the most valuable thing I've learnt all year.

@barringtongilbert9230 10 месяцев назад

Hi Jerry. Commenting because it helps you with your channel. I am 64, a former alcoholic writing a story about overcoming addiction. Its done in story form to go alongside my audio course. Invaluable information. Thank you. I will be watching more of your videos as my main source of learning. ❤

@Anthony-gq7dk 3 года назад

Jerry this video was sensational. Your delivery was exceeded only by the content and sensible advice. It was just the right length but not too short to miss the essentials. If any viewer had potential and they follow your advice , it should hit the target at some point. Well done, keep them coming .

@rosebajorins6503 Год назад

Very impressed by the depth of understanding of the writing process expressed here as gleaned through years of experience. I am binge watching these videos and using them as a checklist against my what I thought was completed novella. Looks like I have more work to do. Thank you for your generous spirit in sharing this important information. And straight to the point teaching style.

@bellaluna2 3 года назад

Jerry, your videos are amazing. You're an excellent and patient teacher and I appreciate the wealth of information you share in each one. I'm currently writing picture books but need to give short story writing a shot again. I love Ray Bradbury and will be hauling out my dog-eared copy of "The October Country" tonight to rediscover everything from the poetic wonder of "The Emissary" to the creeping dread of "The Next in Line." Thank you for helping me fill in the technical blanks, and reawakening my desire to tackle a genre I didn't feel confident enough to handle. Wish me luck!

@bryanbrasher6011 3 года назад

Thanks, Jerry! I'm watching this video after having drafted my first story in novel format. I can definitely relate to being out of my depth. I'm going to get started on short origin stories for my characters first. Thanks again.

@user26912 2 года назад

🙏 thank you. Writing my first short story now by following an IRL course. Your online resources are a helpful addition. It was inspiring to see your target of writing 2500+ (unedited?) words a day in another video. After sleep I will write and keep writing to finish the story I'll fix it later. I hope to share my story on madness and mysticism with the world. I think it's important. Thanks for sharing your insights

@franceswilson5593 3 года назад

This makes a lot of sense. I like the illustration of toddlers learning to walk, and plopping till they get it, and kids in grade school, going to graduate schools. Excuse me. I must go. Much ferocious editing to do!

@newz0-10 11 месяцев назад

I wish a I had come across your lessons 2 decades back when I first started to write short stories for relaxation. Today I am editing those works of passion and love using your valuable lessons, hoping to find a publisher. Thank you, sir.

@jonahnolastnameneeded3130 3 года назад

I’m going to write a bunch of short stories with recurring characters and setting, then draft all these stories together as a novel. It’ll take a lot of drafting to make it coherent, but I think it’ll work for the story I want to write. I also think that just writing all these separate stories that have unique ideas may be easier than just connecting everything from the first draft. Each chapter will be like an episode of a Netflix binge series.

@ArielVisionary 11 месяцев назад

I feel so inspired, especially about editing ferociously. I can do this! I'm a retired English teacher -- I've been editing my students' work for three decades. I know how important it is, but I'd forgotten what a strength it is when writing fiction also. I've always seen myself as a writer, and I've played with different genres over the years. I decided a long time ago that I would write fiction after I retired, but then I haven't seemed to be able to get started. It's far more challenging than i had anticipated. But I've got a great imagination, inspiration from dreams, strong writing skills, and even more, I can edit ferociously. Thank you for reminding me about this.

@karencrider4894 3 года назад

I am always interested in writing and blogs about writing. They are a steady diet in the hunger for learning. I appreciate this and can identify with even the short stories used as examples. The learning never ends. Someone once said, and I'm not sure who the quote belongs to, but to me it really exemplifies writers. It says: to be a writer is like having homework for the rest of your life. He/She must have been a writer themselves to realize that saying.Thank you for your insight, Jerry, and best of luck with all your projects.

@aspektstv3149 3 года назад

Thank you sir for your advise. I must say that I have read around 40 to 45 books of yours and in the process, got a better grip over writing. I consider you to be my mentor. Big Fan

@elizabethbrown8833 3 года назад

It's so nice to actually be able to listen to an experienced authors voice. I can't handle dome authors shares on writing skills when they rush through the slush I. A complex blur. Thank you sir 🙏🙄

@filmfelineadmin 3 года назад

May I just say - thank you, sir. I've been freelancing for twenty years and I speak eight languages so I mostly do a lot of translations, but I'm working on my first novel and I did - clearly, as you say correctly approached - want to begin with a short story. Therefore, as I began I looked for some online tips and your advice is exactly what I needed. it's clear a BA in English doesn't teach you everything :) All the best!

@dutch1987 2 года назад

You truly inspire me, sir. My whole life I have been creating stories for audiences and now while I'm in my 30's I realized that I would love to become a writer. The horror short stories of H.P. Lovecraft had inspired me to create my own place in his universe. The Europe version of it. Eventually, I want to make a bundle of my short stories and sell it to an audience. My first short story is getting great responses and I'm proud of my second one that no one has read yet other than my better half, who Is a writer already. Your videos inspire me to charge forward and create!

@francisco5434 3 года назад

Awesome. This is the short-story version of tutorials on general writing, yet the steps can be applied to any story. It's stripped to the essential information with no fluff: a nuts-and-bolts, helpful tutorial.

@rlst.andrews7625 3 года назад

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Jerry. You have just helped me clear another hurdle.

@philnasmith9755 3 года назад

As you were talking my current short story idea crystallized. Thank You.

@andrewrezendes 5 месяцев назад

Practical, clear, and just plain elucidating advice. Thank you. I look forward to this work refining all of ours.

@jaimesalgadoakajaime_the_d7537 3 месяца назад

Academically clear and straight to the point on writing a basic first time short story book Thank you for your help

@oliverjones2029 3 года назад

Gosh! This is a treasure. So generous! Thank you, Mr. Jenkins!

@fuzzydragonbooks 3 года назад

You are amazing! You are helping me so much! I am trying to write a children's book series and I was so stuck untill I watched your videos! I am forever grateful !Thank you Jerry!

@terrylayne11 Год назад

Than you so much for being a light to my feet as I begin my walk to become a writer. I appreciate your willingness to share your talents with me and others.

@ayoubbenali5780 3 года назад

Wow the value in this video! Thanks a ton

@exile1412 28 дней назад

Wow! Very eloquent with examples and sound advice. Immediate to the point, and constructively helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your helpful tips!

@beatrizayendemillet3363 Год назад

I am so thankful for this video. Your concepts are so clear to me. Thank You for sharing your knowledge with us here on youtube. I don't know much of anything, but I know i am following my intuition to write and I'm going for it.

@akusik2986 3 года назад

Your advice sounds like a well written short story. Wonderful and instructive. Thank you.

@anarchsnark 3 года назад

OMG thank you! This video was so useful! So many videos I've seen don't really go into techniques and I found the ones you listed useful and straightforward.

@MugiHours 3 года назад

Your videos are making me feel inspired and motivated to work on a short story right now!! Thank you!!

@krishnavenipanikker5065 8 месяцев назад

Me too

@MisterSinister47 3 года назад

Thank you. This helped me a lot as a new writer. I'm going to use this advice to the fullest.

@id5665 3 года назад

This was really relatable,helpful,inspiring,sefl assuring and needed! Kudos to you sir!

@hendricksuarezcepeda646 3 года назад

Great, advice Mr. Jenkins. I have started to write, and I feel really happy with my first short story. Thank you

@G-II44477 10 месяцев назад

Can’t believe this advice is free. Thank you!

@BNris 3 месяца назад

Wowza sir, this short video was a gold mine of information. Way to drive home the point that shorter can be better 😁

@anoshpeejira7886 4 года назад

Thank you for posting sir, you are the best! Looking forward to more posts

@harrydavis4600 3 года назад

Your example of the perfect ending packed such an emotional punch. Great advice.

@marykkearns3279 3 года назад

Thank you for been there to give us start up writers a hand up so we can become masters or a craft that you Jerry have ,I feel this is my path in life to write stories I'm so looking forward to the journey ahead regardless of the ups and downs ahead .regards Mary

@ShawnofSteel874 Год назад

Thank you for the wonderful advice! Have a wonderful day!

@vinylzappa 3 года назад

At seventeen years of age I wrote a short story about an inmate of a mental hospital. It is about 40 pages and I consider it to be my batchelors. Fifty years later I'm writing the novel I've been thinking of all this time.

@rebekkad.2092 3 года назад

This was wonderful. Thank you very much for your condensed and valuable words.

@animabora1626 Год назад

Thanks for your tremendous output!!

@SolikBrrr 5 месяцев назад

Great tips. As someone who has been writing more off than on, I struggle to structure my stories. Much appreciated.

@ahmedmohamed9013 3 года назад

1 - Read short strories 2 - Generate a winning idea 3 - Narrow your scope 4 - Employ a classic story structure 5 - A satisfying ending

@pandharinathhaldankar9550 3 года назад

6.Edit Aggressively

@bobdhshshxhzvs2314 3 года назад

@aryan wtf?

@recasaavedra6466 3 года назад

@aryan and why

@katiewenta 3 года назад

@@pandharinathhaldankar9550 Lol, I found myself wondering if the original poster listed the 6 points... and then aggressively edited his response! 😅🤣

@anarchsnark 3 года назад

Good tldr but the video is super useful and goes into techniques with each step.

@mhill88ify 3 года назад

Thanks for the pro-tips, Jerry. I'm going to implement these ideas ASAP.

@beckywiththebesthair2192 3 года назад

I am trying to put together a portfolio to send to a really nice school and I intend to fill it with some short stories. This is a really helpful video and know I know where to start.

@VeronicaNansubuga Год назад

have to mind about editing my story. Jerry, you're good educator, thanks for the great ideas about writing a short story

@johnroberts1734 3 года назад

Holy Smokes !!!!! I have watched TONS and TONS of these kinds of videos, in attempt to improve and learn more about writing stories. THIS video is by far the VERY BEST of them all. I'm going to download the guide, but first I'm going to rewind this video and take notes on pen and paper. If YOU are wanting to learn more about writing, I can confidently suggest you look no further.

@DrGus007 4 года назад

Master!!! You always teaching and giving us the clues of writing craft!!! Thank you👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻...

@kiranrathod7469 3 года назад

Finally found Barry Stark (my youtube snooker coach who helped me improve my game immensely) of the writing field. Jerry, terrific insights and very useful tips. You can inspire even a block (not writer's) to write a book. The only regret is I found you late anyways will try and make the most of it. Thank you. 🙏

@andycap1223 2 года назад

Sage and succint advice from a seasoned specialist! Thank you, sir, for the wonderful way you share your knowledge with us. Words cannot describe my sense of appreciation for people like you. Be mightily blessed!

@vinosaziz7019 3 года назад

this is so gold what am i even saying this is more than gold!!!

@davidwilson410 3 года назад

This seems to be the key to greatness.

@DC-sk8jr 2 года назад

Just finished writing a short story. This will come in handy when I edit. Thank you.

@tanmaygodiwala6376 3 года назад

Thank you so much for this video, Jerry!

@andreaag3604 3 года назад

Thank you Mr. Jerry for generously sharing your time and knowledge with all of us! I have enjoyed learning from you!

@krishnavenipanikker5065 8 месяцев назад

Yes,has given me lots of inspiration.

@Oldman525 Месяц назад

Exactly. I started with an idea for a short story and ended up with a novella. Discipline and get the words and ideas down then edit. Short stories can be 3,000 - 15,000 words, if it is at the top end then it might work as a novella. My typical short story is an idea fleshed out to about 7,500 words edited.

@lilysjour 3 года назад

I love this. Thank you so much.

@acamacho7 2 месяца назад

Great share Jerry. I appreciate it. Thanks

@LazyAmericanWoman 3 года назад

this is a great video! you explained everything so well and made everything clear and simple! thank you so much 😊

@creandomentes 4 месяца назад

Thanks you so much for sharing your knowledge, Thanks!!!

@Km0577 11 месяцев назад

This is exactly the YT channel ive been looking for!!

@ronsensical 2 года назад

Awesome videos. Thanks Jerry!

@rodgermore8186 2 года назад

Trust me , you videos have been so educative. I wish I could email directly for advise on my work.

@joanneconrad3987 3 года назад

Fabulous lessons about writing while capturing the emotions of your reader. Duly noted and thank you for the invaluable lesson.

@sushant1947 5 месяцев назад

Thanks Mr Jenkins . This is great advice. I was doing exactly the opposite of what you suggested here and got stuck real bad. Then I found this video. Thanks so much.

@4bluekitty 2 года назад

Thank you, I really needed this video.

@MrRPS2012 2 года назад

Excellent advice. thanks!

@orkosua415 3 года назад

Awesome advices which calm you down and encourage to keep going

@chrisbinns1312 Год назад

Wow! Woiw! Wow! Thank you Jerry - I'm so glad I stumbled across your site! Inspirational and as a final comment I appreciate your calm considered delivery. .