How to Write a Short Story in 6 Steps

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  • čas přidán 4. 06. 2024
  • Writing short stories can be crucial to your novel-writing dream.
    Resist the urge to begin your writing career with a full-length novel. That’s akin to going for your PhD before finishing elementary school.
    You have a lot to learn about the publishing world, selling your work, working with an editor, getting cliches out of your system, and, in short, honing your skills.
    In this video, based on my 45 years of experience, I help you get started writing compelling short stories.
    We’ll explore:
    - 6 steps to make your stories better
    - How to find and perfect your own writing voice
    - Finding inspiration from classic short stories (including my reading suggestions)
    - How to create characters and plot points
    - The unique nature of your first draft
    - How to ferociously self-edit for success
    - And much more
    For more in-depth writing advice, click the following link to download the FREE bonus I mention in the video.
    leveragecreative.lpages.co/wr...

Komentáře • 736

  • @albertyracheta5652
    @albertyracheta5652 Před 3 lety +460

    I'm writing a book at 62 but never even read a book. I'm dyslexic and using google docs and a microphone to write and also to read back what I've written. I always knew technology would come along to help. thank you Jerry for your videos

  • @baldeagle4308
    @baldeagle4308 Před 3 lety +290

    I ferociously edited my comment to the following two words:
    Thank you.

  • @sanjay9300
    @sanjay9300 Před 3 lety +220

    The best 9 minute short story writing points tutorial you will ever find. Thank you.

  • @eloureirotubeyou
    @eloureirotubeyou Před 3 lety +133

    1 - Read short strories 1:08
    2 - Generate a winning idea 3:01
    3 - Narrow your scope 4:30
    4 - Employ a classic story structure 5:56
    5 - A satisfying ending 7:13
    6 - Edit Aggressively 8:20

    • @knowledgeaddict1192
      @knowledgeaddict1192 Před 2 měsíci +1

      Adorabel

    • @user-iu6ug5cr9g
      @user-iu6ug5cr9g Před 9 dny

      Would you also add: read at least 100 great novels a year?
      Maybe that was a bit extreme, but I have been writing feverishly and reading voraciously now for years, and, despite my writing twenty paragraphs a day, cannot write worth a grain of sand.

  • @graciouspizza
    @graciouspizza Před 3 lety +170

    *Liked it,*
    *Screenshots,*
    *Saved it in the list,*
    *Subscribed,*
    *Motivated*

    • @Scale_69
      @Scale_69 Před 3 lety

      If u are interested in writing then u can join this discord server where u can share ur stories with others....
      . discord.gg/X3cana8JhB

    • @leodaer2041
      @leodaer2041 Před 3 lety

      Are you a Pilipino?

    • @Scale_69
      @Scale_69 Před 3 lety

      @@leodaer2041 nope...

  • @mikecee3058
    @mikecee3058 Před 3 lety +307

    Once again, Jerry Jenkins comes through with excellent advice. If you want to write, sit down and listen to what he has to say. It's how I wrote my first science fiction book, Ark Three, and how I'm writing the second in the series, Ark One. Without Mr. Jenkins, I doubt that I would have actually self-published.
    If I can do it, anyone can.

    • @jaglinuxmint
      @jaglinuxmint Před 3 lety +12

      Wow, would love to read your work. What you have done is an immense achievement

    • @mikecee3058
      @mikecee3058 Před 3 lety +20

      @@jaglinuxmint Immense achievement? Not really. A person just has to sit down and start it, and follow Jerry's advice. Both of my books are available on Amazon. They're called Ark Three and Ark One. I'm currently working on a third book, which I'm going to switch hats and try my hand at a thriller. Again, following Jerry's plan, I'm in the marathon of the middle. And following Jerry's advice, I'm letting my writer's block work for me instead of against me.

    • @mikecee3058
      @mikecee3058 Před 3 lety +2

      @aboctok That may be one of the most ignorant comments that I've seen in a while. But please, carry on so we can all enjoy your ignorance as much as you do.

    • @fidelogos7098
      @fidelogos7098 Před 3 lety +10

      ​@@mikecee3058 "If you wrote something for which someone sent you a check, if you cashed the check and it didn't bounce, and if you then paid the light bill with the money, I consider you talented." quote from Stephen King's advice to writers. Writers should also read widely so they won't be ignorant.

    • @danadrian2752
      @danadrian2752 Před 3 lety +1

      I think it’s ignorant to assume that anyone who writes has read every book by every famous author or watched every video and read every interview. It’s simply impossible to do that. You can’t honestly make a quote and attack someone for not recognizing it. Especially when said quote isn’t fully stated in the first place. You took a fraction of it... At least if you are going to quote something have enough of that quote left intact so that the meaning of that quote can be better understood. If I didn’t know where it came from I very well would have thought you were belittling them.

  • @johnhannahoriordan1354
    @johnhannahoriordan1354 Před rokem +118

    I just can’t believe that this man puts such valuable content online for free. I started writing my novel over a year ago. Everything that has gone well in it is almost completely thanks to Jerry Jenkins’ videos and his self-editing checklist. Brilliant. Thank you. God bless you.

    • @susanday3478
      @susanday3478 Před rokem +4

      I know, I'm doing a degree in creative writing and my good grades have a lot to do with the content here, not just the content on the course, and it's free! Bless him!

  • @markchange3853
    @markchange3853 Před 3 lety +190

    Step 1- Read Short Stories(Start with reading books written by Bret Lott
    Step 2- Generate A Winning Idea(Recognize the germ, Create characters from people you know)
    Step 3- Narrow Your Scope
    Step 4- Employ A Classic Story Structure
    4.1- Terrible Trouble
    4.2- Attempted Fixes Make Things Worse
    4.3- The Predicament Appears Hopeless
    4.4- Heroic Growth Helps Hero Win
    Step 5- A Satisfying Ending
    Step 6- Edit Aggressively

  • @BrandonKeever
    @BrandonKeever Před 2 měsíci +1

    As an MFA student, I can state with confidence this video is 10 minutes of solid gold writing instruction.

  • @jonahnolastnameneeded3130
    @jonahnolastnameneeded3130 Před 3 lety +11

    I’m going to write a bunch of short stories with recurring characters and setting, then draft all these stories together as a novel. It’ll take a lot of drafting to make it coherent, but I think it’ll work for the story I want to write. I also think that just writing all these separate stories that have unique ideas may be easier than just connecting everything from the first draft.
    Each chapter will be like an episode of a Netflix binge series.

  • @shawshank178
    @shawshank178 Před 7 měsíci +5

    The 'lights on' story is a great example of saying more with less. Thanks for sharing Jerry.

  • @garysscaryfaeries3046
    @garysscaryfaeries3046 Před 3 lety +37

    I've been writing a book about how tourists act in rural Ireland, as I own a small nontourist shop in a touristy area of West coast Ireland. The first 2.5 years went great, 60000 words in I started to edit. That was a year ago, I had to put it down because of how negative I had wrote, it wasn't an account of how generally tourists act, it was a full on look for as much of the negative aspects I could find. I learned a lot about how negative a person I am that's for sure. I will finish it one day, hopefully in a much more accurate light.

    • @tangobayus
      @tangobayus Před 3 lety +4

      Maybe you can turn it into a comedy by portraying the foibles of tourists.

    • @fidelogos7098
      @fidelogos7098 Před 3 lety

      I agree with tangobayus...turn it into a farce or short funny stories in the style of Mark Twain or P.G. Wodehouse.

    • @tangobayus
      @tangobayus Před 3 lety

      Writing satire is the best antidote for thinking about things you hate.

    • @marianacarina2580
      @marianacarina2580 Před 3 lety

      I don't see how you should make it fully accurate if it's a fictional work. Readers can also have an insight of your mind, but I agree with the other comments. A satire would be fun to read. The best story is the one that speaks with you the most.

  • @vinylzappa
    @vinylzappa Před 3 lety +30

    At seventeen years of age I wrote a short story about an inmate of a mental hospital. It is about 40 pages and I consider it to be my batchelors. Fifty years later I'm writing the novel I've been thinking of all this time.

  • @ahmedmohamed9013
    @ahmedmohamed9013 Před 3 lety +145

    1 - Read short strories
    2 - Generate a winning idea
    3 - Narrow your scope
    4 - Employ a classic story structure
    5 - A satisfying ending

    • @pandharinathhaldankar9550
      @pandharinathhaldankar9550 Před 3 lety +25

      6.Edit Aggressively

    • @bobdhshshxhzvs2314
      @bobdhshshxhzvs2314 Před 3 lety +4

      @aryan wtf?

    • @recasaavedra6466
      @recasaavedra6466 Před 3 lety +2

      @aryan and why

    • @katiewenta
      @katiewenta Před 3 lety +2

      @@pandharinathhaldankar9550 Lol, I found myself wondering if the original poster listed the 6 points... and then aggressively edited his response! 😅🤣

    • @anarchsnark
      @anarchsnark Před 3 lety

      Good tldr but the video is super useful and goes into techniques with each step.

  • @Fiction_Beast
    @Fiction_Beast Před 3 lety +39

    writing a good short story is more difficult than writing a novel. of course it takes longer to write a novel, but the more time you spend with your story, the better it is in my opinion, especially if you're a novice writer like me. novel writing is like a long term relationship while short story is like one night stand. Am I right? I totally agree with reading a lot. it is the feul for writing.

  • @barringtongilbert9230
    @barringtongilbert9230 Před 10 měsíci +7

    Hi Jerry. Commenting because it helps you with your channel. I am 64, a former alcoholic writing a story about overcoming addiction. Its done in story form to go alongside my audio course. Invaluable information. Thank you. I will be watching more of your videos as my main source of learning. ❤

  • @franceswilson5593
    @franceswilson5593 Před 3 lety +7

    This makes a lot of sense. I like the illustration of toddlers learning to walk, and plopping till they get it, and kids in grade school, going to graduate schools. Excuse me. I must go. Much ferocious editing to do!

  • @escapematrixenterprisejacq7810

    So so relieved to hear this. I got so overwhelmed and lost; I almost wanted to give up, but my love for the written words and melodies and love for being in the creative worlds just will not go away. I feel like VC Andrews starting at 53

  • @828So15th
    @828So15th Před rokem +3

    I needed to hear everything you said here. From the not starting out with a novel (which I’ve been insistent on doing, thus have gotten nothing published), to reading of other works, to allowing myself to write draft without editing. Your presentation style is inspiring. You’re the instructor I think I’ll need to get started on my writing career which I’ve put off since childhood.

  • @bobbyg1123
    @bobbyg1123 Před 3 lety +11

    At this point in my life, writing is "all that I have" to make a living; not physically able to do much else. At 55 years old, life is my encyclopedia to my stories. Thanks Jerry.

    • @undernetjack
      @undernetjack Před 2 lety

      I am just short of that mark, myself. Good luck to you.

    • @undernetjack
      @undernetjack Před 2 lety

      Do you have a writing group or beta readers?

  • @anniea3086
    @anniea3086 Před 3 lety +5

    I've never made notes from a youtube video. This was the most valuable thing I've learnt all year.

  • @bellaluna2
    @bellaluna2 Před 3 lety +15

    Jerry, your videos are amazing. You're an excellent and patient teacher and I appreciate the wealth of information you share in each one. I'm currently writing picture books but need to give short story writing a shot again. I love Ray Bradbury and will be hauling out my dog-eared copy of "The October Country" tonight to rediscover everything from the poetic wonder of "The Emissary" to the creeping dread of "The Next in Line." Thank you for helping me fill in the technical blanks, and reawakening my desire to tackle a genre I didn't feel confident enough to handle. Wish me luck!

  • @francisco5434
    @francisco5434 Před 3 lety +29

    Awesome. This is the short-story version of tutorials on general writing, yet the steps can be applied to any story. It's stripped to the essential information with no fluff: a nuts-and-bolts, helpful tutorial.

  • @filmfelineadmin
    @filmfelineadmin Před 3 lety +2

    May I just say - thank you, sir. I've been freelancing for twenty years and I speak eight languages so I mostly do a lot of translations, but I'm working on my first novel and I did - clearly, as you say correctly approached - want to begin with a short story. Therefore, as I began I looked for some online tips and your advice is exactly what I needed. it's clear a BA in English doesn't teach you everything :) All the best!

  • @ArielVisionary
    @ArielVisionary Před 10 měsíci +1

    I feel so inspired, especially about editing ferociously. I can do this! I'm a retired English teacher -- I've been editing my students' work for three decades. I know how important it is, but I'd forgotten what a strength it is when writing fiction also. I've always seen myself as a writer, and I've played with different genres over the years. I decided a long time ago that I would write fiction after I retired, but then I haven't seemed to be able to get started. It's far more challenging than i had anticipated. But I've got a great imagination, inspiration from dreams, strong writing skills, and even more, I can edit ferociously. Thank you for reminding me about this.

  • @marymissmelody8520
    @marymissmelody8520 Před 3 lety +2

    I had such a long drawnout awe and little tears starting to well when you described the light.. which lights.. how many lights and the extension of lights WOW!!!! Fantastic and I haven't even read it YET!!!!! Hearts

  • @IxianMace
    @IxianMace Před 3 lety

    I've got to say, thank you so much for recommending those short stories. I've read three out of that list so far, and I've enjoyed every one of them. I'm totally feeling inspired to get back into writing.

  • @newz0-10
    @newz0-10 Před 10 měsíci

    I wish a I had come across your lessons 2 decades back when I first started to write short stories for relaxation. Today I am editing those works of passion and love using your valuable lessons, hoping to find a publisher. Thank you, sir.

  • @bryanbrasher6011
    @bryanbrasher6011 Před 3 lety

    Thanks, Jerry! I'm watching this video after having drafted my first story in novel format. I can definitely relate to being out of my depth. I'm going to get started on short origin stories for my characters first. Thanks again.

  • @Earlyreaders
    @Earlyreaders Před 3 lety +2

    Short, sweet and delivered with no time wasted. Thank you Jerry.

  • @Anthony-gq7dk
    @Anthony-gq7dk Před 3 lety +1

    Jerry this video was sensational. Your delivery was exceeded only by the content and sensible advice. It was just the right length but not too short to miss the essentials. If any viewer had potential and they follow your advice , it should hit the target at some point. Well done, keep them coming .

  • @dutch1987
    @dutch1987 Před 2 lety

    You truly inspire me, sir. My whole life I have been creating stories for audiences and now while I'm in my 30's I realized that I would love to become a writer. The horror short stories of H.P. Lovecraft had inspired me to create my own place in his universe. The Europe version of it.
    Eventually, I want to make a bundle of my short stories and sell it to an audience. My first short story is getting great responses and I'm proud of my second one that no one has read yet other than my better half, who Is a writer already. Your videos inspire me to charge forward and create!

  • @nightlady2001
    @nightlady2001 Před 3 lety +74

    Trying to get back into writing again, after a few years off. Maybe this will help. Thank you, Jerry. You are always inspiring

    • @jaglinuxmint
      @jaglinuxmint Před 3 lety +5

      Me too, i was simultaneously writing 5 different novels but finished none. Will begin today evening one at a time

    • @josephbrate2245
      @josephbrate2245 Před 3 lety

      Wishing you success and joy along your way!🌞

    • @josephbrate2245
      @josephbrate2245 Před 3 lety

      Me too! Blessings as you go forward!! THANKS for sharing

    • @dottiedogdiscovers
      @dottiedogdiscovers Před 2 lety

      Me too! I wrote a screenplay in 2010! I think I want to write again but short stories!

  • @alfogel3298
    @alfogel3298 Před 3 lety +9

    Here is among my top 10 Short Stories of all time.
    Grace Paley
    “ Wants”
    (from her 1974 short story collection “ Enormous Changes At The Last Minute”
    Nominated for the National Book Award For Fiction ).
    ~
    I saw my ex-husband in the street. I was sitting on the steps of the new library.
    Hello, my life, I said. We had once been married for twenty-seven years, so I felt justified.
    He said, What? What life? No life of mine.
    I said, O.K. I don't argue when there's real disagreement. I got up and went into the library to see how much I owed them.
    The librarian said $32 even and you've owed it for eighteen years. I didn't deny anything. Because I don't understand how time passes. I have had those books. I have often thought of them. The library is only two blocks away.
    My ex-husband followed me to the Books Returned desk. He interrupted the librarian, who had more to tell. In many ways, he said, as I look back, I attribute the dissolution of our marriage to the fact that you never invited the Bertrams to dinner.
    That's possible, I said. But really, if you remember: first, my father was sick that Friday, then the children were born, then I had those Tuesday-night meetings, then the war began. Then we didn't seem to know them any more. But you're right. I should have had them to dinner.
    I gave the librarian a check for $32. Immediately she trusted me, put my past behind her, wiped the record clean, which is just what most other municipal and/or state bureaucracies will not do.
    I checked out the two Edith Wharton books I had just returned because I'd read them so long ago and they are more apropos now than ever. They were The House of Mirth and The Children, which is about how life in the United States in New York changed in twenty-seven years fifty years ago.
    A nice thing I do remember is breakfast, my ex-husband said. I was surprised. All we ever had was coffee. Then I remembered there was a hole in the back of the kitchen closet which opened into the apartment next door. There, they always ate sugar-cured smoked bacon. It gave us a very grand feeling about breakfast, but we never got stuffed and sluggish.
    That was when we were poor, I said.
    When were we ever rich? he asked.
    Oh, as time went on, as our responsibilities increased, we didn't go in need. You took adequate financial care, I reminded him. The children went to camp four weeks a year and in decent ponchos with sleeping bags and boots, just like everyone else. They looked very nice. Our place was warm in winter, and we had nice red pillows and things.
    I wanted a sailboat, he said. But you didn't want anything.
    Don't be bitter, I said. It's never too late.
    No, he said with a great deal of bitterness. I may get a sailboat. As a matter of fact I have money down on an eighteen-foot two-rigger. I'm doing well this year and can look forward to better. But as for you, it's too late. You'll always want nothing.
    He had had a habit throughout the twenty-seven years of making a narrow remark which, like a plumber's snake, could work its way through the ear down the throat, half-way to my heart. He would then disappear, leaving me choking with equipment. What I mean is, I sat down on the library steps and he went away.
    I looked through The House of Mirth, but lost interest. I felt extremely accused. Now, it's true, I'm short of requests and absolute requirements. But I do want something.
    I want, for instance, to be a different person. I want to be the woman who brings these two books back in two weeks. I want to be the effective citizen who changes the school system and addresses the Board of Estimate on the troubles of this dear urban center.
    I had promised my children to end the war before they grew up.
    I wanted to have been married forever to one person, my ex-husband or my present one. Either has enough character for a whole life, which as it turns out is really not such a long time. You couldn't exhaust either man's qualities or get under the rock of his reasons in one short life.
    Just this morning I looked out the window to watch the street for a while and saw that the little sycamores the city had dreamily planted a couple of years before the kids were born had come that day to the prime of their lives.
    Well! I decided to bring those two books back to the library. Which proves that when a person or an event comes along to jolt or appraise me I can take some appropriate action, although I am better known for my hospitable remarks
    -Grace Paley
    Here’s another by Charles Bukowski that equals Poes “tell tale heart” It called “ The Blanket” from his story collection titled
    “ Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions and General Tales Of Ordinary Madness.
    Another in my top 10:
    “ The Most Beautiful Woman In Town”
    -Charles Bukowski
    -Al Fogel

  • @user26912
    @user26912 Před 2 lety +1

    🙏 thank you. Writing my first short story now by following an IRL course. Your online resources are a helpful addition. It was inspiring to see your target of writing 2500+ (unedited?) words a day in another video. After sleep I will write and keep writing to finish the story I'll fix it later. I hope to share my story on madness and mysticism with the world. I think it's important. Thanks for sharing your insights

  • @karencrider4894
    @karencrider4894 Před 3 lety

    I am always interested in writing and blogs about writing. They are a steady diet in the hunger for learning. I appreciate this and can identify with even the short stories used as examples. The learning never ends. Someone once said, and I'm not sure who the quote belongs to, but to me it really exemplifies writers. It says: to be a writer is like having homework for the rest of your life. He/She must have been a writer themselves to realize that saying.Thank you for your insight, Jerry, and best of luck with all your projects.

  • @mariozakall
    @mariozakall Před 3 lety +6

    The "classic story structure" that Dean Koontz mentioned in the 80's is basically Lester Dent's master fiction plot from the 30's. Dent used it for a bunch of 6000 word pulp stories. Koontz adapted/extended it for novels, just like Michael Moorcock, who wrote a bunch of 60000 word sword & sorcery fantasy novels with that structure.

    • @henbane2247
      @henbane2247 Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks for the info. Never heard of Lester Dent before. I just googled him and found some stuff to read later

    • @mariozakall
      @mariozakall Před 3 lety

      @@henbane2247 You are welcome :)

  • @elizabethbrown8833
    @elizabethbrown8833 Před 3 lety

    It's so nice to actually be able to listen to an experienced authors voice. I can't handle dome authors shares on writing skills when they rush through the slush I. A complex blur. Thank you sir 🙏🙄

  • @aspektstv3149
    @aspektstv3149 Před 3 lety

    Thank you sir for your advise. I must say that I have read around 40 to 45 books of yours and in the process, got a better grip over writing. I consider you to be my mentor. Big Fan

  • @rosebajorins6503
    @rosebajorins6503 Před rokem +1

    Very impressed by the depth of understanding of the writing process expressed here as gleaned through years of experience. I am binge watching these videos and using them as a checklist against my what I thought was completed novella. Looks like I have more work to do. Thank you for your generous spirit in sharing this important information. And straight to the point teaching style.

  • @senorliamy17
    @senorliamy17 Před 2 lety +4

    Starting your writing career with short stories then progressing to novels is like starting your CZcams career with 1-5 mins videos then progressing to half an hour videos if your audience requests.

  • @fuzzydragonbooks
    @fuzzydragonbooks Před 3 lety

    You are amazing! You are helping me so much! I am trying to write a children's book series and I was so stuck untill I watched your videos! I am forever grateful !Thank you Jerry!

  • @philnasmith9755
    @philnasmith9755 Před 3 lety +1

    As you were talking my current short story idea crystallized. Thank You.

  • @hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat

    Short story writing I found to be the most challenging writing I've ever done, from novel writing, playwrighting, non-fiction, journalism. BUT, the absolute most rewarding and moved my writing to a great new level. It really taught 'tightening' up, and showing not telling like never before. One doesn't realize how much rambling there is, until you make a rule that every paragraph has to be relevant. I also should say that I read short story after short story after story story story to learn how to do it.

    • @Hauptstufe
      @Hauptstufe Před rokem

      I agree. It's challenging. I have a hard time parsing down my prose to fit the short-story length. I often develop the ideas too much, creating more symbolism and allegory than can fit in the container of short-fiction.

  • @harrydavis4600
    @harrydavis4600 Před 3 lety

    Your example of the perfect ending packed such an emotional punch. Great advice.

  • @jaimesalgadoakajaime_the_d7537

    Academically clear and straight to the point on writing a basic first time short story book Thank you for your help

  • @MisterSinister47
    @MisterSinister47 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you. This helped me a lot as a new writer. I'm going to use this advice to the fullest.

  • @davidwilson410
    @davidwilson410 Před 3 lety +4

    This seems to be the key to greatness.

  • @kiranrathod7469
    @kiranrathod7469 Před 3 lety +4

    Finally found Barry Stark (my youtube snooker coach who helped me improve my game immensely) of the writing field.
    Jerry, terrific insights and very useful tips. You can inspire even a block (not writer's) to write a book.
    The only regret is I found you late anyways will try and make the most of it.
    Thank you. 🙏

  • @MugiHours
    @MugiHours Před 3 lety +9

    Your videos are making me feel inspired and motivated to work on a short story right now!! Thank you!!

  • @funwithaiman
    @funwithaiman Před 3 lety +2

    The Jenkins Enclave is a source of priceless advice for all writers! Thank you Sir Jerry.

  • @SolikBrrr
    @SolikBrrr Před 5 měsíci

    Great tips. As someone who has been writing more off than on, I struggle to structure my stories. Much appreciated.

  • @marykkearns3279
    @marykkearns3279 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for been there to give us start up writers a hand up so we can become masters or a craft that you Jerry have ,I feel this is my path in life to write stories I'm so looking forward to the journey ahead regardless of the ups and downs ahead .regards Mary

  • @johnroberts1734
    @johnroberts1734 Před 3 lety

    Holy Smokes !!!!! I have watched TONS and TONS of these kinds of videos, in attempt to improve and learn more about writing stories. THIS video is by far the VERY BEST of them all. I'm going to download the guide, but first I'm going to rewind this video and take notes on pen and paper. If YOU are wanting to learn more about writing, I can confidently suggest you look no further.

  • @nkirudenky4731
    @nkirudenky4731 Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you Jerry for being a tremendous distant teacher to me.

  • @rlst.andrews7625
    @rlst.andrews7625 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge Jerry. You have just helped me clear another hurdle.

  • @andrewrezendes
    @andrewrezendes Před 4 měsíci

    Practical, clear, and just plain elucidating advice. Thank you. I look forward to this work refining all of ours.

  • @akusik2986
    @akusik2986 Před 3 lety

    Your advice sounds like a well written short story. Wonderful and instructive. Thank you.

  • @TheKeithvidz
    @TheKeithvidz Před 3 lety

    Short stories consist of most of my works, published more than 80 so far. Last few years my process is stockpiling research for an idea in a document, a synopsis or optional scenes are prepared and finally write the story.
    My gateway to enter scenarios not in my two novels.

  • @hendricksuarezcepeda646

    Great, advice Mr. Jenkins. I have started to write, and I feel really happy with my first short story. Thank you

  • @terrylayne11
    @terrylayne11 Před rokem

    Than you so much for being a light to my feet as I begin my walk to become a writer. I appreciate your willingness to share your talents with me and others.

  • @DC-sk8jr
    @DC-sk8jr Před 2 lety

    Just finished writing a short story. This will come in handy when I edit. Thank you.

  • @oliverjones2029
    @oliverjones2029 Před 3 lety

    Gosh! This is a treasure. So generous! Thank you, Mr. Jenkins!

  • @anarchsnark
    @anarchsnark Před 3 lety

    OMG thank you! This video was so useful! So many videos I've seen don't really go into techniques and I found the ones you listed useful and straightforward.

  • @andreaag3604
    @andreaag3604 Před 3 lety

    Thank you Mr. Jerry for generously sharing your time and knowledge with all of us! I have enjoyed learning from you!

  • @dixonreuel862
    @dixonreuel862 Před 3 lety +9

    Just shared this on twitter - writing short stories has leveled my novels like nothing else. I strive to producer a new short every three months.

    • @dragonchr15
      @dragonchr15 Před 3 lety

      That seems too long. Shouldnt you be able to write a good short story on 1 week?

    • @soanalaichnam344
      @soanalaichnam344 Před 3 lety +6

      @@dragonchr15 I think it depends on how life is going. For an example: I'm working full time and I write every day a little bit. I am able to write like 700 to 14000 words a week, but more often than not I'm left with the 700. This is only the first draft. The editing process is a complete other story, because it takes more time and effort. More thinking if you will. So I might need two to three weeks to finish the editing process. So yeah, three month might be a bit long, but everything around one or two month are okay, if you don't have so much time to write.

    • @dixonreuel862
      @dixonreuel862 Před 3 lety +7

      @@dragonchr15 'Too long' according to who? Writing a new short every quarter is something a writer can realistically stick to, plus this is on top of working full-time, running a publishing imprint, novel writing, and all the other stuff life throws at you.

    • @f.lynnwickes298
      @f.lynnwickes298 Před 3 lety +1

      Wish your list included some great women short story writers. Very helpful suggestions.

  • @mhill88ify
    @mhill88ify Před 3 lety

    Thanks for the pro-tips, Jerry. I'm going to implement these ideas ASAP.

  • @andrewvos3454
    @andrewvos3454 Před 2 lety

    Sage and succint advice from a seasoned specialist!
    Thank you, sir, for the wonderful way you share your knowledge with us.
    Words cannot describe my sense of appreciation for people like you.
    Be mightily blessed!

  • @vinosaziz7019
    @vinosaziz7019 Před 3 lety +7

    this is so gold
    what am i even saying this is more than gold!!!

  • @beckywiththebesthair2192

    I am trying to put together a portfolio to send to a really nice school and I intend to fill it with some short stories. This is a really helpful video and know I know where to start.

  • @DrGus007
    @DrGus007 Před 3 lety

    Master!!! You always teaching and giving us the clues of writing craft!!! Thank you👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻...

  • @id5665
    @id5665 Před 3 lety

    This was really relatable,helpful,inspiring,sefl assuring and needed! Kudos to you sir!

  • @morganherbert7863
    @morganherbert7863 Před 3 lety

    I watched this while panicing over a Creative Writing final. It really helped me feel less lost. :)

  • @beatrizayendemillet3363
    @beatrizayendemillet3363 Před rokem +1

    I am so thankful for this video. Your concepts are so clear to me. Thank You for sharing your knowledge with us here on youtube. I don't know much of anything, but I know i am following my intuition to write and I'm going for it.

  • @G-II44477
    @G-II44477 Před 10 měsíci

    Can’t believe this advice is free. Thank you!

  • @fanboysandcommonsense2380

    I loved this.
    Just as I start on a venture to write short stories and poems, this appears.
    Thanks Mr. Jenkins.

  • @Anthony-gq7dk
    @Anthony-gq7dk Před 3 lety +1

    After almost forty years teaching and mentoring student teachers , you look as if you have been teaching all your life. Coupled with calm and informative delivery and gems in every sentence , this video is priceless. What could take hours , you land in minutes and it makes for addictive viewing and listening. Keep them coming please.

  • @chrisbuxton7790
    @chrisbuxton7790 Před 3 lety

    I started with a full novel, and even though I am ok with it, and still proud....there is a lot I have and am snow learning!! So short story up next...

  • @averagejamaican
    @averagejamaican Před 3 lety +3

    There are some things in life you figure out on your own without being told or taught. I plan to write a book someday but realized it would be easier/better to do a short story first. Good to see I was on the right track. Every time I plan to start though I realize there is something I need to brush up on and never actually start. This is the first I am hearing about this Jenkins guy. Interesting so far. But is it the lady "AND" the tiger or lady "OR" the tiger?

  • @sushant1947
    @sushant1947 Před 5 měsíci

    Thanks Mr Jenkins . This is great advice. I was doing exactly the opposite of what you suggested here and got stuck real bad. Then I found this video. Thanks so much.

  • @Anouarraz
    @Anouarraz Před 2 lety

    There are a lot of things to say about writing short fiction, and it's not only an anteroom for a novel, many great writers succeeded in writing novels and failed to give us a decent short story. thanks a lot

  • @LazyAmericanWoman
    @LazyAmericanWoman Před 3 lety

    this is a great video! you explained everything so well and made everything clear and simple! thank you so much 😊

  • @EGRJ
    @EGRJ Před 3 lety +10

    It's weird to see someone recommend a list of short stories, and I've already read every single one of them. In fact, I was thinking about Red Chief literally yesterday.

  • @easytriops5951
    @easytriops5951 Před rokem +1

    I admire the value Jerry B. Jenkins creates here on CZcams and I truly appreciate him and other people like him doing this. I hope that I can do this one day as well, if I discover some writing techniques and so forth on my journey of writing. ;)

  • @hahoo66
    @hahoo66 Před 3 lety +2

    WOW Jerry! As a sales and marketing professional the last 25 years sitting across the kitchen table of families I know how to connect. Watching you on this video I felt a real connection with you great job what a skill.

  • @tanmaygodiwala6376
    @tanmaygodiwala6376 Před 3 lety

    Thank you so much for this video, Jerry!

  • @istanbul8613
    @istanbul8613 Před 3 lety

    Thank you so much ! Finally I have found someone who gives useful advice

  • @rodgermore8186
    @rodgermore8186 Před rokem +1

    Trust me , you videos have been so educative. I wish I could email directly for advise on my work.

  • @joanneconrad3987
    @joanneconrad3987 Před 3 lety

    Fabulous lessons about writing while capturing the emotions of your reader. Duly noted and thank you for the invaluable lesson.

  • @inthemakingof6096
    @inthemakingof6096 Před 3 lety

    i began with writing short stories because i couldnt sit still and write for long enough. Now ive written about five short stories, and im also working on a novel that started out at one. i havent given up short stories, but now im also ready for bigger things.

  • @JoesWife1000
    @JoesWife1000 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for the excellent video. The only issue I have with it is speaking as if a short story is just for training to write a full novel. In my opinion short stories are an art form in themselves!

  • @NoName-jq7tj
    @NoName-jq7tj Před rokem

    It feels as I haven’t undertaken this process but I will that the first draft is an absolute luxury. You can simple do it anyway you want.

  • @Chikibini
    @Chikibini Před 3 lety

    Your tips are amazing I'm always in awe

  • @Scott-ye4qh
    @Scott-ye4qh Před 14 dny

    Thank you, Mr.Jenkins, for helping us newbies to learn to start writing but telling us, basically, not to be a hero. I think short stories are the best at starting out. I sat down on my laptop and felt pressured to be like you and other authors. The first story or novel we write will hit the New York Times best selling author list and we are heroes. 😂🙄 Thank you for telling us to get rid of the pressure; I need to sit down in a quiet place and think and think and think then get going and have fun. If I muck up I muck up. Stay with it. 📚😎👍...

  • @user-ze1nm8pw4f
    @user-ze1nm8pw4f Před 4 měsíci +1

    I got emotional just hearing about the lights on.

  • @Km0577
    @Km0577 Před 11 měsíci

    This is exactly the YT channel ive been looking for!!

  • @rashid026
    @rashid026 Před 5 měsíci

    I am a new writer and you really helped alot....thank you so much!!

  • @rebekkad.2092
    @rebekkad.2092 Před 3 lety

    This was wonderful. Thank you very much for your condensed and valuable words.

  • @WisdomThumbs
    @WisdomThumbs Před rokem

    The short stories you recommended (except for Brett Lott) were all on the reading lists in Junior and Senior Year English classes, Texas high schools, when I was a student in the 00s and 10s.

  • @VeronicaNansubuga
    @VeronicaNansubuga Před rokem

    have to mind about editing my story. Jerry, you're good educator, thanks for the great ideas about writing a short story