I've spent a lot of time thinking about the different forms a story can take—especially now, as I juggle edits on my first book while prepping the launch of the second. Over the years, I’ve written everything from quick flash fiction pieces to sprawling novels that seem to take on a life of their own. What I’ve learned is that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to storytelling. Each idea has its own natural length, and part of the challenge (and fun!) is figuring out what that is.
Today, I want to share a little about the different types of manuscripts you might come across, whether you’re reading or writing, and how I’ve navigated these forms in my own writing.
1. Flash Fiction: Tiny but Mighty (Up to 1,000 Words)
Flash fiction is where I often go when I need a creative reset. It’s the espresso shot of storytelling—quick, intense, and it leaves you with a bit of a buzz. In flash fiction, you’ve only got up to 1,000 words to make an impact, so every word matters. It’s like trying to fit a whole story into a single breath.
I remember writing a piece of flash fiction during a long, sleepless night. It was about a lone pilot stranded on a distant moon, watching the last of her oxygen tick away. It wasn’t part of a larger story, but in that moment, it felt like all the narrative I needed. Sometimes, flash fiction is just that—a snapshot of emotion, a fleeting glimpse of a world.
Tip: If you’re stuck on a bigger project, try writing a flash fiction piece. It can help you focus and find your rhythm without the pressure of a massive word count.
2. Short Stories: The Perfect Bite-Sized Tale (1,000 to 7,500 Words)
Short stories have a special place in my heart. They give you just enough room to build a little world, introduce a character or two, and take them on a brief journey. I’ve written short stories that later became chapters in my novels, and others that stand alone as their own complete narratives.
There’s something satisfying about finishing a short story in one sitting—both as a writer and a reader. It’s a chance to explore an idea without committing to a full novel, and sometimes that’s exactly what the story needs.
Tip: Use short stories as a way to explore new genres or experiment with different voices. They’re a great way to stretch your creative muscles and try something new.
3. Novelettes: The Middle Ground (7,500 to 20,000 Words)
Novelettes are an underrated form of storytelling, in my opinion. They give you more room than a short story but don’t require the sprawling narrative of a novella or novel. I like to think of novelettes as the sweet spot for exploring a single, focused storyline with just enough room for deeper character development.
I’ve found that novelettes are perfect for side adventures or exploring secondary characters in my universe. It’s a chance to dive into a corner of the world that might not fit into a larger plot but still deserves to be told.
Tip: If you’ve got an idea that feels too big for a short story but not quite hefty enough for a novel, try writing a novelette. It’s a satisfying way to tell a complete story without the commitment of a full-length manuscript.
4. Novellas: Lean and Impactful (20,000 to 50,000 Words)
I have a soft spot for novellas. They’re like the bridge between a short story and a full-length novel. Novellas give you enough space to develop a deeper narrative arc while staying focused and streamlined. Some of my favorite stories started as novellas that expanded over time into novels, but there’s a certain magic to keeping them short and punchy.
There’s a unique challenge in writing a novella—it’s about finding that balance between plot, character, and pacing. I once wrote a novella about a crew stranded on a derelict starship, slowly realizing that they weren’t alone. It was tightly paced, every scene essential, and it remains one of my favorite pieces to this day.
Tip: If you’re struggling with the pacing of your novel, try writing it as a novella first. It forces you to cut the fat and focus on the core of your story.
5. Novels: The Long Haul (50,000 to 110,000+ Words)
Ah, the novel—the marathon of the writing world. Writing a novel is a journey, a long and winding road that’s as rewarding as it is challenging. Novels give you the space to build complex worlds, weave multiple storylines, and fully develop your characters. They’re the epic adventures that we fall in love with and return to time and time again.
My current work-in-progress, Merchant of Vision, started as a simple idea but quickly grew into a sprawling narrative that spans multiple star systems and generations of characters. It’s taken years to get to this point, and there are still days when it feels like I’m only scratching the surface of what this story could be. But that’s part of the thrill, isn’t it? The sense of building something big, something that could live on its own in the reader’s mind.
Tip: Be patient with yourself when writing a novel. It’s not a sprint, and it’s okay to take breaks, step back, and let the story breathe. You’ll get there, one word at a time.
Finding the Right Form for Your Story
I’ve realized over the years that the length of a story isn’t something you always choose consciously. Sometimes, the story knows its length before you do. A flash of inspiration might turn into a quick piece of flash fiction, or it might expand into a novel that takes years to write. The important thing is to listen to your instincts and let the story find its natural shape.
So whether you’re crafting a brief flash fiction piece or setting out on the long road of novel-writing, remember: every form has its own unique challenges and rewards. And no matter the length, every story you write is worth telling.
What kind of stories do you like to read or write? Let’s talk about it in the comments—I’d love to hear about your favorite formats and why they resonate with you.
Happy writing, and here’s to finding the perfect length for your next story!
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