Wisdom Wednesday: How to Craft a Great Story and Get It Published

1. Start with a Strong Concept

Every great story starts with an idea that excites you. It doesn’t need to be complex, but it should spark something inside you. Ask yourself: What’s the heart of my story? What’s the message I want to convey? Once you’ve got that, everything else will fall into place.

2. Develop Compelling Characters

Characters are the soul of your story. They need to feel real, with flaws, desires, and depth. Think about your protagonist: What’s their goal? What’s standing in their way? How do they change by the end? These questions will help you create characters readers will care about.

3. Set the Scene with Vivid Worldbuilding

Whether your story takes place in a small town or a vast fantasy world, your setting should feel alive. Use sensory details to immerse your readers: What does the air smell like? What sounds are in the background? What are the small details that make your world unique?

4. Create Conflict and Tension

At the heart of every great story is conflict. It doesn’t have to be a life-or-death struggle (though it can be!), but there should be obstacles your characters need to overcome. This is what will keep readers turning the page.

5. Show, Don’t Tell

One of the golden rules of writing is to "show, not tell." Instead of saying, "He was angry," describe his clenched fists or his sharp tone. Let the readers infer emotions through actions and dialogue.

6. Keep it Pacing Well

A great short story flows naturally from one scene to the next. Make sure there’s a balance between action, dialogue, and introspection. Don’t linger too long in one place unless it serves the story’s purpose.

7. Revise, Revise, Revise

The first draft is just that – a draft. Don’t be afraid to rewrite sections, move scenes around, or cut out parts that aren’t working. Editing is where your story really comes to life.

How to Publish Your First Short Story

Once you’ve got a polished story, it’s time to think about publishing. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

• Find Your Audience: There are many online platforms that cater to different genres (think Wattpad, Medium, or literary journals). Do some research to find where your story fits best.

• Follow Submission Guidelines: Every publisher or platform will have submission guidelines. Make sure to follow these carefully – this will improve your chances of being accepted.

• Self-Publish: If you want more control, you can self-publish. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a popular choice, but there are many other platforms to explore. Just make sure your formatting is clean and professional.

• Join a Community: Join writing communities where you can get feedback and support from other authors. It’s a great way to improve your writing and stay motivated.

Share Your Story with Beyond the Seal

I’m excited to announce that I’m accepting short story submissions for my newsletter, Beyond the Seal! If you’ve been working on something and are ready to share it with the world, send your story to [email protected]. Who knows? You might see your story featured in an upcoming issue!

Remember, every author starts somewhere. It’s all about taking that first step, and you never know where your words will lead you. Keep writing, stay passionate, and trust the process.

Until next time,
Kevin