Tony Said:

How do you get started on writing short stories?

We Answered:

Usually when I write a short story I try to start it with really explaining the situation. Usually in monologues. Like someone talking on the phone to someone else, to explain past events. And when I end the story I find myself trying to wrap up the story in one sentence like "so finally, she went home, ate supper, and went to bed." So, don't limit yourself to a short story, make it a bit longer if you need to (unless of course it is a school project or something)! To make it less confusing though, try to either type it, make side notes of things you want to add, and read each paragraph out loud after each time you write one.

Jose Said:

Any tips on writing short stories?

We Answered:

I don't think that you should "never let the reader know what it is." A confused reader = an unhappy reader. Figure out some way to let the reader know what is going on.

Seth Said:

Where can I get paid for writing short stories?

We Answered:

Read Writer's Market. It will tell you who is buying stories and how you need to submit them.

Erika Said:

Which grade will I begin to need to start writing short stories?

We Answered:

I remember I was in 11th grade when we did a full-on short story project.

Emily Said:

Where is the best place to practice writing short stories?

We Answered:

I think you should just write your thoughts down. Your feelings . That's what I diddo and it's really good. After that you can start to create real stories or even your future book. :)
The place is different for everyone. But I think the best place is somewhere quiet, peaceful.

Ross Said:

The benefits and drawbacks of writing short stories?

We Answered:

Benefits: lots and lots of opportunities for them to be published, even if it's not for payment. Forces you to be disciplined in your writing and to be concise and powerful. Gives you an opportunity to use up all those hundreds of different ideas that aren't enough for a novel. Great practice when it comes to coming up with a proper story arc with a beginning, middle and end and actually finishing it, which is more than most amateur novelists do. Builds up confidence and skill for anyone wanting to write a novel.

Drawbacks: none.

Everett Said:

I have a problem with writing short stories?

We Answered:

My short story was just that; a short story. To the point with no need to explain great detail or everything the character went through or did to get to the ending. I described 1 seance in the whole story, 'n I did it by describing certain parts of the room my character was in, only as they came up.

I understand that you feel the need to go into excessive detail, but there's really no need to. I know where this is coming from, so just to give a little suggestion, there's no need to do it in first-person. Honestly with a story like that it may be best to play the bad guy. (If you know what I'm talking about.) For short sorties I've always found it best to start off writing in second-person or whatever, rather than first.

Plus, using big words can often to longer sentences, as well as taking more time to get to your point. Short stories are basically you telling a clip-note's version of something happened, whether it be fact or fiction.

As for 'writing exercises'... Well, I think I found it a bit easy to go from poetry to short stories due to the poetry I wrote. (And write.) There were mostly short stories in poem form. It's kind of hard to describe or explain... Sorry.

But I hope this helps...