Skip to main content

    Short Story Writing

    1,000-5,000 words. Real fiction.

    Why write?

    • Brain cardio — stay sharp.
    • Process life experiences.
    • Family heirloom potential.
    • Discover hidden creativity.
    • Submit to magazines, contests.
    • Therapy through fiction.

    5-step structure

    • 1. Hook — first sentence catches attention.
    • 2. Setup — character + setting.
    • 3. Conflict — what goes wrong?
    • 4. Climax — biggest moment.
    • 5. Resolution — how it ends.
    • 1,500-3,000 words ideal.

    Writing apps

    • Microsoft Word — most familiar.
    • Google Docs — FREE, save automatically.
    • Pages — Apple FREE.
    • Scrivener — $50, novel-grade.
    • Notes app — quick ideas.
    • Pen + paper great too.

    Story idea sources

    • Real-life family stories (fictionalize).
    • What if?... ask hypotheticals.
    • News stories twisted.
    • Childhood memories.
    • Eavesdropped conversations.
    • Daily prompt sites.
    • Reedsy free prompts weekly.

    Tips for new writers

    • Write first, don't edit.
    • Keep going even when bad.
    • Edit next week, not same day.
    • Read aloud — catch awkward.
    • Cut 10% in second draft.
    • One reader = honest feedback.
    • Don't share until polished.

    Submit + publish

    • Reedsy — weekly contests.
    • Glimmer Train — literary mag.
    • The Sun Magazine.
    • Senior literary magazines.
    • Self-publish — Amazon KDP free.
    • Local writing contests.

    Family stories book

    Best gift to grandkids: collection of family stories you write. 10-20 short stories about people, places, times. Print at Lulu / Shutterfly. Heirloom for generations. Late-life writers like Frank McCourt, Jim Harrison. Library — short story craft books. Just write. 1 hour/day. 6 months = book.

    Short Story Writing for Seniors | TekSure