Should new writers start with short stories before writing a novel?
The short story is a great way to learn about the elements of craft. You can explore and refine characterization, conflict, point of view, and setting, all of which are important in both the short story and the novel. And you can even experiment more widely, tackling a first person point of view in one story, for example, and third person in another. Writing a short story isnt easier than writing a novel. In fact, some writers find the short story more difficult. But exploring and experimenting in the bounds of a seven page story rather than a two hundred page novel can feel more manageable to newer writers. It can also help you develop an understanding of your individual skills and preferences as a writer. However, there are significant differences between short stories and novels. Conflict, for example, must be introduced, developed, and resolved quickly in a short story, whereas a novel demands a broader scope and more development to sustain tension. Figuring out how much ground you
