I want to write a short story for a contest. I’ve written a couple short stories in the past that were published, but usually when I think I’m writing a short story it turns out to be a novel. I’ve heard people say, if you want to be a writer, start out writing short stories. In a way that’s good advice because a short story does have the same basic structure as a novel: Opening, middle, and conclusion, and there’s usually an arc for the main character, or a solution to a problem, or a theme. However, in my opinion, short stories are not easy, especially if it’s a short, short story. (Woman’s World has the word count for their romances down to 800 words. Those 800 words must include introducing at least two characters, how and where they meet, their goals or problems, and a happy conclusion )  In addition to the romance short story that Woman’s World Magazine publishes in each issue, there’s a mini-mystery (a solve it yourself mystery). Those stories are limited to 500 words plus 50 words more for the solution. No matter the length, the writer needs to develop characters that the reader cares about and a problem that seems reasonable.

Years ago, the word length for the short stories in Woman’s World was higher, and so was the pay. Years ago, there used to be dozens of magazines on the stands that included short stories. Now there are fewer magazines that include any fiction. I recently read that FIRST will no longer be published. If you are interested in writing short stories, most are from 1,000  to 10,000 words in length. Stories above 10,000 are usually called novellas. Longer short stories do give a writer more space to develop the characters, setting, and problem, but every word (especially with the shorter length) must count. There’s not a lot of room for descriptions, yet readers like to know where the characters are and a general idea of what they look like.

To find short story publishers, look on-line. There are many magazines, journals, and anthologies accepting submission. Many publish literary fiction, but there are genre specific publications, especially for mysteries, scifi, and fantasy. As for anthologies, a lot of writers’ organization produce anthologies to raise money for the organization. The contest I’d like to enter is being put on by Malice Domestic. Malice Domestic is an annual mystery conference. The next one will be held in Bethesda, MD, April 24-26, 2026.  They are accepting short story submissions now for an Anthology. The deadline for submitting is August 31, 2025. Word limit is 5,000 words, and stories must feature elements relating to older, more experienced characters. The story cannot be previously published and must be traditional mysteries (no graphic sex or violence.) They also must be original work, no AI tools used to generate creative content. Check out their website: https://www.malicedomestic.net/anthology

I’d like to write one that involves Mary Harrington, my 74-year-old former assassin from my 2015 suspense, A KILLER PAST. Mary lives in a small Southwestern Michigan town where only her granddaughter and a local police detective know about her past (and what she’s capable of doing).  A KILLER PAST is more of a suspense than a mystery. I’m thinking, for this short story Mary needs to be presented with a problem (robbery, finding a mysterious object/note/picture, a suspicious neighbor, overheard conversation, or….) I need to figure out the ending (solution) before I start. Once I know how Mary solves the mystery or stops the criminal, I can figure out who the villain is, the setting, and the timeline.

Do you have any ideas? If so, I’d love to hear them. I can’t use AI for help, but I can certainly utilize my creative writers and friends for ideas.