Writing your first short story is an exciting milestone—but it’s also a learning curve. Most new writers (myself included!) make a few missteps along the way. The good news? Every mistake is a stepping stone to improvement. Here’s a look at the most common pitfalls—and how you can dodge them on your storytelling journey.
1. Trying to Do Too Much in One Story
The Mistake:
Many new writers try to cram an entire novel’s worth of characters, subplots, and worldbuilding into a single short story.
The Fix:
Focus on one core idea or conflict. Short stories thrive on focus and emotional punch. Choose a single moment, decision, or turning point and build around it.
2. Starting Too Early (or Too Late)
The Mistake:
Beginning with pages of backstory or starting so close to the climax that nothing feels earned.
The Fix:
Drop your reader into the story as close to the action as possible, then reveal background details only as needed. Think of it as walking into a movie scene already in motion.
3. Neglecting Character Motivation
The Mistake:
Characters do things—run, shout, kiss, kill—without clear reasons.
The Fix:
Ask yourself: What does my character want? and What’s stopping them? Clear motivation and stakes make characters compelling, even in just a few pages.
4. Weak Endings
The Mistake:
The story fizzles out, ends abruptly, or relies on a cliché twist.
The Fix:
Think of your ending as the moment where something changes—the character grows, fails, or sees the world differently. Plan your ending early to ensure the story builds naturally toward it.
5. Over-Explaining or Telling Instead of Showing
The Mistake:
Writing, “She was sad,” instead of showing her crying, staring at the floor, or avoiding eye contact.
The Fix:
Use sensory details, actions, and dialogue to reveal emotions and themes. Trust your reader—they don’t need everything spelled out.
6. Ignoring Dialogue Flow
The Mistake:
Unnatural dialogue filled with stiff exposition or long-winded speeches.
The Fix:
Read dialogue out loud. It should sound like how people actually speak—imperfect, expressive, and purposeful. Keep it snappy, and let subtext do the heavy lifting.
7. Skipping the Editing Phase
The Mistake:
Finishing the first draft and calling it done.
The Fix:
Set the story aside for a day or two, then come back with fresh eyes. Look for clarity, pacing, typos, and unnecessary words. Edit ruthlessly. A polished story will always stand out.
8. Forgetting the Theme or Emotional Core
The Mistake:
Writing a technically fine story that leaves readers unmoved.
The Fix:
Ask: What feeling do I want to leave my reader with? Whether it’s hope, regret, or awe—infuse your story with a central emotion or theme that resonates beyond the page.
Final Thoughts
Writing your first short story isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about learning the ropes, finding your voice, and finishing what you start. Don’t be afraid of mistakes—they’re signs you’re doing the work. Keep writing, keep revising, and most importantly, keep sharing your stories with the world.
Have you written your first short story yet? What lessons did you learn? Share them in the comments!
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