An engaging, practical guide for fiction writers ready to begin their storytelling journey.
If you’ve decided to finally become “a writer,” congratulations — you’ve already taken the hardest step. But now you’re facing a classic question that every storyteller encounters at the start:
Should you begin with short stories or jump straight into writing a novel?
The truth is, both formats have incredible benefits — and choosing the right starting point can set you up for success, confidence, and long-term creative growth. Below, we’ll compare short stories and novels in a way that’s practical, inspiring, and designed to help you make a clear decision.
Let’s dive in.
What Makes Short Stories a Great Starting Point?
Short stories are often underestimated, but they’re one of the most powerful training grounds for fiction writers — especially beginners.
1. They’re faster to finish (and that builds momentum).
Completing a story — even a 1,000-word one — gives you a psychological win. That sense of completion fuels motivation and reinforces the belief that you can actually finish what you start.
2. They sharpen your craft quickly.
Short stories force you to master:
- Tight pacing
- Strong openings
- Precise characterization
- Theme clarity
You learn more per word written than in any other form.
3. They let you experiment (with zero long-term commitment).
Curious about writing horror? Want to try magical realism for a week?
Short stories give you freedom to explore genres, voices, and narrative styles without investing months into a full manuscript.
4. They help you get published sooner.
Literary magazines, anthologies, and contests are constantly seeking strong short fiction. Getting a short story published can:
- Boost your confidence
- Build your author platform
- Add credibility to future novel queries
5. They eliminate fear of “messing up.”
With short stories, mistakes are small and easy to fix — unlike novels, where rewrites can feel like starting over.
Why a Novel Might Be the Right First Step
Short stories are great, but for some writers, the novel is where their heart truly lies.
1. You can explore deeper, richer worlds.
If your brain naturally generates sprawling worlds, intricate politics, or multi-layered character arcs, a novel gives you the canvas you need.
2. You learn long-form discipline early.
Writing a novel requires you to practice:
- Plot structure
- Character development
- Subplots
- Arc momentum
- Consistency of tone and theme
These skills form the foundation of your career as a storyteller.
3. You build long-term writing habits.
Novels teach you how to:
- Write consistently
- Push through blockages
- Keep going even when inspiration dips
This habit-building can change your life as a writer.
4. You may simply love the immersive process.
Some writers get bored writing 3,000-word pieces. They want to live in a world for months — even years — and the novel-writing experience brings them joy.
So… Which Should You Start With?
Here’s a helpful way to decide in less than 60 seconds.
Start with short stories if you:
- Struggle to finish longer projects
- Want to improve your writing skills fast
- Like experimenting with genres
- Need a confidence boost
- Want to build credentials before querying agents
Start with a novel if you:
- Already have a story that won’t leave you alone
- Love the idea of building a big world
- Don’t mind slow, steady progress
- Prefer character-driven storytelling
- Find short stories too restrictive
The Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
Here’s a strategy many successful authors use:
Start writing short stories while outlining your novel.
This lets you:
- Practice essential skills
- Build a portfolio
- Experiment with side characters
- Explore worldbuilding ideas on a smaller scale
You can even write short stories set in your novel’s universe as warm-ups or worldbuilding experimentation.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Short Stories | Novels |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Complete | Days–weeks | Months–years |
| Skill Development | Fast, focused | Broad, long-term |
| Publishing Opportunities | Magazines, contests | Agents, publishers, self-publishing |
| Creative Commitment | Low | High |
| Best For | Experimentation & skill growth | Deep storytelling & worldbuilding |
There’s No Wrong Choice — Only a Starting Point
Whether you begin with a short story or jump straight into a novel, what matters most is this:
You start.
Every writer’s journey is different. What counts is finishing something, learning from it, and growing into the writer you want to be.
Choose the path that excites you, challenges you, and keeps you coming back to the page.
Your stories are waiting — and the world is ready to read them.
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