The writer’s conference, Mystery in the Midlands, presented by the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Southeaster Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, was a real treat.
Shorts that Pack Heat featured Alan Orloff, Shawn Reilly Simmons, and Joseph S. Walker. This was my favorite because it focused on short stories. One surprise I gleaned was that all three are pantsers—at least for their short stories. That made me feel better!
Here are some of the tidbits I picked up from this session.
What Shawn looks for in a submission (she’s also an editor) is:
- The story sticks to the theme or what the editor has requested.
- There is a beginning, middle, and end—not just a scene, but a story.
- Related variety. All the stories in the anthology need to be related by the theme, but she wants variety within that theme.
Other Tips:
- Keep a list of all anthologies that run each year (Boucheron and Malice) and have stories ready for them.
- Have something in the works constantly.
- Don’t be difficult to work with.
- Tighten, tighten, cut, cut. Get your story as short as it can be.
- Get to know other editors and writers so you’ll be invited to submit stories.
- Twists are good—both plot twists and character twists.
- Schedule time to write.
- Fall asleep thinking about what you’ll write the next morning.
- Get it on the page. Revise later.
Common Characteristics of Best Short Stories
- Fully formed characters
- Focus on either the plot or the characters—one of them has to shine.
- Voice is what will draw readers to your story.
- Have a great twist or two.
- Don’t tell the reader everything. Create gaps where readers can make leaps on their own.
- Provide well-chosen detail—maybe just one detail to describe each person.
Favorite Short Stories
- Shawn: The Art of French Cooking by Art Taylor
- Joe: The Boy Detective and the Summer of 74 by Art Taylor
- Alan: (Something with Equestrian in the title) by Art Taylor
- The lesson here: Read anything by Art Taylor!