The Wisdom Behind Starting with Short Fiction: A Guide for Aspiring Writers

Aspiring writers often face a crucial decision: should they attempt to write a full-length science fiction or fantasy novel as their first project, or should they hone their craft with shorter works such as short stories? This article explores the merits of both approaches, offering insights based on personal experience and market trends.

Understanding the Advantages of Short Fiction

Many writers find novel writing easier initially because it provides the unrestricted space needed for organizing ideas. However, it's often the case that it takes a few years of editing and refinement to distill a comprehensive plot curve into the tight, narrow frame of a short story. This process can be a valuable learning experience, honing skills such as narrative compression, character development, and plot pacing.

One compelling reason to start writing short stories is the ability to copyright your story premise and characters by writing a short story. This lays a foundational groundwork, securing intellectual property rights and showcasing your unique voice to literary agents and publishers. Additionally, writing short fiction allows you to experiment with different narrative techniques and styles, which can be beneficial when tackling a longer project.

The Decline of Short Fiction Publications

While writing short works can be advantageous, the landscape of short fiction publications has unfortunately changed significantly. In the past, numerous literary magazines would routinely print selected chapters of a story as promotional pieces, giving readers a chance to preview and decide whether to support a new author. However, the costs associated with running such magazines have skyrocketed, and very few such publications still exist today. In fact, none are currently offering these promotional services.

The rise of the e-book and the decline of print publications have further impacted the market for short fiction. Traditional magazines that once flourished are now competing with online platforms and digital aggregators. These changes have made it more challenging for new authors to find a platform for their work, but they also offer opportunities for self-published authors and independent publishers like myself to reach a wider audience.

The Role of Genre in Publishing

The genre in which you choose to write can significantly influence your success as a writer. While writing in less popular genres such as poetry can be a fulfilling endeavor, it's likely that you won't earn substantial income. On the other hand, fiction in general, including sci-fi, drama, and romance, has a much broader and more consistent market.

The fact that genre is king in publishing means that catering to popular genres can be more advantageous. For instance, while fantasy has traditionally been a popular genre, it has become more stereotypical and less open to new interpretations. Many readers now tend to avoid classic fantasy elements that are heavily influenced by works like The Lord of the Rings. This trend has restricted the field, making it harder for new entrants to break through.

Writing What You Love

Ultimately, the best advice for any writer is to write what you love. Your enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter will shine through on the page, captivating your readers. Conversely, if you write something purely to appeal to market demands, your disinterest and lack of genuine engagement will be evident to your audience. This is a crucial factor in building your own core readership over time.

Conclusion

While writing a science fiction or fantasy novel as your first project may seem like a natural choice, it's often more practical to start with shorter works. This approach allows you to develop your writing skills, establish your voice, and secure your intellectual property rights. By writing what you love, you can build a dedicated readership and achieve long-term success. The key is to find your readers and let your passion guide your writing journey.