I love to write short stories, and I think that it would make a good pastime for almost everyone. I have been writing short stories since I was about six years old, and I just simply never get bored of it at all. But lately, I have been disturbed by a trend that i have been witnessing. There are all kinds of sites and scoundrels claiming that they can show you how to write a short story like a professional. As if there is nothing more to how to write a good short story than reading a primer. It takes dedication to write short stories which are worth reading, though almost anyone can be a hack.

I even saw, while surfing the web, a site which claimed that it could tell you how to write a novel in 14 days. Please. If you are someone with the type of outstanding talent which can let you write a good novel in just two weeks, you will not need that nonsense, and if you aren't, You'd better write short stories until you get the knack of organizing your thoughts. Once you have been writing short stories for a little while, then maybe you can move on to a longer work, but until then, forget it if you please.

There are great writing teachers who will inspire you and help you learn how to write short stories, but there is really no magical method which will transform you into a brilliant writer over night. It takes art, inspiration, and careful craftsmanship to write short stories, and you can not just dive into it and expect your first work to be that good. I guarantee you. I have been writing stories for years, but it was only in the past year or two that I started to consistently write short stories that were any good. Before that, it was hit or miss, and mostly miss for me!

If you are not sure how to write short stories, I recommend just to drive right in and try it yourself. After all, there is no better judge of whether you are writing how you want to be than you. If that does not work, a writing workshop can help. There are many fine teachers out there who will show you how to write short stories, if you like to learn by taking classes. Just remember: have fun!