Writing a short story is a rewarding challenge. You have just a few pages to create a world, introduce characters, and evoke emotion, all while keeping your reader hooked. While there's no one-size-fits-all formula, there are a few common pitfalls that can make the process harder than it needs to be. 

If you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your craft, here are a few things to avoid, and some friendly strategies to try instead.

1. Don’t Try to Fit a Novel into a Short Story

It’s tempting to pack your story with multiple characters, a sweeping timeline, and layered subplots, but that’s a recipe for overwhelm. A short story thrives on focus. Instead of telling everything, zoom in on one central moment, relationship, or transformation. This tight lens gives your writing emotional impact and clarity. Think of it as a powerful snapshot, not a photo album.

Penmancy Tip: Start by writing a one-line summary of what your story is really about. This will help you stay anchored and trim anything that doesn’t serve that core idea.

2. Don’t Start Without Knowing the End (Even Loosely)

While short stories are great for discovery writing, starting without any idea of your ending can make the plot wander or end abruptly. You don’t need a full outline, but having a loose sense of how things will wrap up, whether it’s a twist, a quiet realisation, or a turning point, will help you build purpose into every scene.

Penmancy Tip: Try writing your ending first or jotting down how you think it ends, even if it changes later. That clarity can steer your story more effectively.

3. Don’t Rely Too Much on Description

Painting a picture is part of storytelling, but be careful not to get stuck describing scenery, outfits, or moods for too long. In short fiction, every word counts. Choose sensory details that reveal something about the character or mood. One vivid line can replace a whole paragraph if it’s well-chosen.

Penmancy Tip: Use the “show, don’t tell” rule selectively. Let a character’s nervous habit or a stormy window speak volumes. Aim for details that do double-duty.

4. Don’t Info-Dump Backstory

It’s easy to feel like readers need to know everything about your characters’ past, but unloading it all at once can stall your story. Instead, reveal backstory gradually, through small details, reactions, or dialogue. Trust your reader to connect the dots. Let the mystery unfold naturally.

Penmancy Tip: Ask yourself: “Does the reader need to know this now?” If not, leave it out or drip it in subtly through action or tension.

5. Don’t Ignore Structure

Even though you’re working with fewer words, structure is still crucial. Stories that lack a clear beginning, middle, and end can feel unsatisfying or confusing. A simple structure like a strong opening, rising tension, and a meaningful resolution, gives your story rhythm and keeps your reader emotionally engaged.

Penmancy Tip: Try using frameworks like the Three-Act Structure or Seven-Point Plot. They’re especially helpful for short story pacing and clarity.

6. Don’t Be Afraid of Simplicity

Sometimes, writers feel pressure to be profound or complex to make an impact. But powerful short stories often come from ordinary moments written with honesty. A story about a small gesture, a single decision, or a quiet realisation can be more touching than a plot full of drama. Simplicity lets your message shine.

Penmancy Tip: Focus on a single emotional beat or decision. Ask: “What does this moment mean to the character?” That’s your gold.

7. Don’t Leave Characters Flat

Short stories don’t have space for full character biographies, but they do need life. Give your characters a want, a flaw, or a decision to make. Let us see a glimpse of their heart. Even a single revealing choice or bit of dialogue can make a character unforgettable.

Penmancy Tip: Use the “desire + obstacle” formula. What does your character want, and what’s stopping them? This brings instant depth.

8. Don’t Rush the Ending

Sometimes you get to the end and just want to finish, but don’t sprint to the last line. A rushed ending can undo all the good work you’ve done building the story. Take time to bring things full circle. A satisfying ending doesn’t have to answer everything, but it should leave the reader with a sense of closure, reflection, or emotional resonance.

Penmancy Tip: Before you end the story, ask: “What has changed for my character?” Let the final paragraph echo that transformation.

9. Don’t Skip Editing

It’s easy to fall in love with your first draft, but that version is usually just the beginning. Give your story a little space, then return with fresh eyes. Read aloud. Trim repetition. Sharpen your sentences. Editing turns good stories into great ones, and it's where real writing magic often happens.

Penmancy Tip: Print your draft or change the font to “trick” your brain into seeing it anew. Look for clarity, rhythm, and unnecessary clutter.

10. Don’t Doubt Your Voice

Your writing doesn’t have to sound like anyone else’s. In fact, it shouldn’t. Comparing yourself to other writers or trying to mimic a style can cloud your unique storytelling voice. Write the story only you can write, in your own rhythm, tone, and perspective. That’s what readers remember.

Penmancy Tip: If you feel stuck, write as if telling a friend the story. Your natural tone and voice will begin to flow.

Writing a short story is an invitation to explore, experiment, and express. Mistakes are part of the journey, and each one teaches you something. So be gentle with yourself, stay curious, and keep showing up to the page. The more you write, the clearer your voice becomes, and the more your stories will continue to #ShineOn.