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Wrong size story
for the word count


One of the challenges that comes with plotting a short story is knowing how big a story to write; not enough can leave the reader bored while too much can leave the story rushed and bitty.The right size story should tell a complete, but focused story, smoothly and in-depth. Characters should have enough time for the reader to associate with them and see them as they are. The plot should be complete, with an end that justifies the reading and a strong beginning and middle that enables it to do this.

So if you feel your story lagging consider if areas of it need more depth or if the whole thing needs more action.

If on the other hand, your story feels rushed consider if your story is actually too big for your word count and if there are bits you need to take out.

One way of correcting this is to consider if you have too many characters. There’s no room for extra people, especially if they haven’t a strong reason for being there. Maybe you have two characters that play only small parts, who could be rolled into one person. Or maybe there's another way you could include the information a character brings that doesn't require an actual person.

Picking a story to suit a selected word count is a skill in itself, but with practice and time it can become automatic.



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UPCOMING
CLASSES AND COURSES

3 days of workshops
May 18th, 19th, 20th

 All Things Publishing Q&A session
May 27th

 Group Coaching for Writers
May 29th to July 3rd

UPCOMING
ONLINE COURSES

Writing from the Heart
(true-life/personal essays)
1st June to 29th June

Intro to Short Story Writing
(fiction)
4th July to 8th August


RESERVE YOUR PLACE
TODAY

What people are saying about our online courses ...


'I'm delighted and proud of my first attempt. Thank you for a wonderful course. I have been enriched.'
AK, Zimbabwe

‘You were my inspiration in actually doing something with my writing. I would like to thank you for kicking me in the butt and insisting I do something!’
Bec, Australia

‘Elizabeth, this was a terrific, confidence building, well-honed little course. I would thoroughly recommend it.’
Margot, Australia

‘Writing is a labour of love when we expose ourselves by baring our soul. I believe Elizabeth Bezant has the skill to combine respect for our feelings, with pragmatic strategies to help us publish our precious efforts.’
John, Australia

‘Elizabeth, this was a great course and though it was short it has boosted my confidence in my writing. Thank you!’
Rachael, Australia

‘A very rewarding challenge – not too difficult, not too easy. Every word was welcome and useful. I edit other people’s writing in a really similar manner, but it’s amazing how difficult it is to see those same errors in your own work.’
Margot, Australia



'Great course Elizabeth! I would not have taken the time to seriously try this genre but for your course. I made the last few changes you suggested and have sent the essay in to ............. After reviewing their requirements I see that my piece fits in every way possible.'
SM,Canada

The critiquing to me was the whole point of the course. While the general comments and writing tips were vital as a backbone to the course, the personal interaction and direction was the whole point of it all.’
Sue, Australia

‘I thoroughly enjoyed course, and it being online made it a breeze.’
Rowe, Australia


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‘A publisher asked me to send her some of my writing this year. But I never would have without this course.’
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‘I’ve just sent off the last of the assignments for critiquing and before I go any further I must say a very big thank you to you for the joy you have given me! Not only have I learnt so much from you, but I have also so appreciated all the encouragement and your wise counsel in assisting me to do something that I wouldn’t have believed could have been nearly possible. I will miss you.’
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