How to Structure Your Short Story (Write Better Stories)

Learn two easy ways to structure a short story--with examples!

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Credit to SkyDilen for my video intro.

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[WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Want to listen to one of my short stories on the NoSleep Podcast? Click the link below and go to the 26-minute mark. It's called "Ten-Year Photo" and it's completely free to listen to.

[simplewrites]

I started writing a while back and the way I wanted to start is to write an anthology of short stories set in my fictional universe. Thanks for the help.

[ridleyformk]

7:48: You can say that.

I once wrote a short story about a mother trying to get her son to enjoy the rain. As with most children, he was sacred of the rain, and even more so when the thunder slammed the drums, but eventually, he gets out if it.

I originally intend for some backstory of how the mother developed her love of the rain, with her own parents coming into the picture, but I turned that down for this little story.

I just add it later when I turned this I into a full on series.

[RichardRobertson]

I have yet to write a short story, full stop. But, in this regard, this is the most helpful video I've watched to date. Thanks, Brandon.

[RC-qgun]

I love how to the point and concise the video is, made it easy to watch and learn. Thank you

[MyTubeofYouChannel]

SUPER HELPFUL! I've been writing 1 short story a month for my author newsletter and it's been such a fun and rewarding challenge! I have 4 short stories I'm very happy with so far but I came looking for this video today because my short romance for February had me totally stumped. I wasn't sure at the start of this video if this was going to help but I think I have my outline now!

[colinmountford]

I had a dream one night and remembered all the details. As usual, I write down my dreams—well, the ones I remember—and turn them into a short story. It has become my favourite short story, soon to be entered into a competition, and as you asked to comment on it, it is heartwarming, comedic, and insightful, with a great deal of research. I would call it fictional/autobiographical or not. You never know what you will come up with at any time. Follow the steps and guidelines suggested to complete the task. Who, what, where, when and how. This is typical journalistic stuff. 101.Good information Brandon

[makeitcount]

This is an amazing guide to getting started, especially running the steps against Indiana Jones clips!! Wish I had known earlier

[Writercatloverbakonn]

I'm writing a short story as well! 😆 however, there's no antagonist
... instead it's an antagonis force... a theme that looms in a dark way to the character. Hope that made sense 😅

Thanks for the video!

[GetReal]

Great presentation! I am entering into the realm of short story writing and am eager to receive insight wherever I may find it. I just published an historical non-fiction and this is a real switch of gears for me. I’ll be back often! Thanks for your insights Brandon!

[nokukhanyabuthelezi]

Thank you that was so well explained, I appreciate it, thank you 🙏

[mochiieekim]

hello Brandon. I just stumbled upon you and found myself drowning in three of your videos. This one hit home. Thankyou so much for this. Your content is amazing! Glad i found you.
To answer your question, no i have never written a short story that i was satisfied with, its rare for me to get to the ending or the book will be too long and i will get bored eventually, thus i just deep dived into novels recently. Almost done with my first one.
I had an idea for a short story it seemed quite long (76-80 chapters) when i envisioned it. I'm going to give these steps a try. Hopefully it works out for me. Thankyou for this. Keep writing. :)

[WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Have you ever written a short story you were happy with? Let us know!

[edxcal]

Found your channel about a week ago, I love it! I've been going through your whole archive and watching everything! Taking notes like I'm in college again!
I have written one short story I was pleased with, with one exception, it was to short. I may visit it again in the future.

[tmc]

EXCELLENT VIDEO!! And the MOST HELPFUL video I've ever seen on the topic! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[Buchnerd_Souly]

I'm happy with my last christmas short story, it is cute, heartwarming and delightful.

[jamescaruso]

Just stumbled upon your channel while learning about story structure. Just wanted to say your vides are great and I picked up your audiobook.

[winterrenes]

Super helpful and the example at the end really made it all come together, thank you!

[JoelAdamson]

Yes (I have written a short story I was happy with), and it was published.

[CurriedBat]

It's funny, I was listening to your description of the Story Circle, while in my head I each plot point of the intro of one of my stories aligned with each point. I guess it does have its own little stand alone story. I found that neat.