7 Ways Short Stories Can Improve Your Writing Skills

When you’re starting out as a writer, it’s easy to think your first project has to be a full-length novel.

But here’s my advice to beginning writers: start small.

Short stories are one of the best ways to explore your voice, figure out the genre and subgenre you want to write in, and get comfortable with the writing process. Think of them as small sprints that prepare you for the marathon of writing a novel.

They also take the pressure off. You can finish them faster, experiment without fear, and learn more about storytelling in a few thousand words than you might in the first 30,000 words of a sprawling novel draft. In other words, they’re one of the smartest ways to improve your writing skills, and your portfolio at the same time.

Here’s how short stories can improve your writing skills and help you grow as an author.

1. They Help You Finish What You Start

Finishing a story is one of the most valuable habits you can develop as a writer. Short stories make this easier because they have a clear beginning, middle, and end without the long-term commitment of a novel. Even completing a 1,500-word piece gives you the satisfaction of having a finished work, which builds confidence and momentum.

2. They Sharpen Your Storytelling Skills

Short stories force you to focus on the essentials: plot, character, pacing, and emotional beats. There’s no room for filler, so you quickly learn how to create impact in fewer words. You practice building tension, delivering satisfying resolutions, and creating memorable characters without needing chapters of setup.

3. They Improve Your Editing and Revision Process

Because they’re shorter, these stories are easier to revise, which means you can try new editing techniques and see results faster. The quick turnaround also makes it easier to get feedback. It’s simpler to find critique partners for short stories because they’re smaller, completed works that don’t require weeks or months to read.

4. They Let You Experiment Without the Pressure

Want to try writing in first person when you usually write in third? Curious about slipping into a new genre or blending two together? Short stories give you the freedom to test ideas without investing months into a project that might not work. If a story doesn’t land, you’ve still learned something valuable.

5. They Strengthen Your Voice

With fewer words to work with, every sentence counts. Writing short stories helps you become more aware of your tone, rhythm, and style. You start to see patterns in your writing, the kinds of characters you gravitate toward, the imagery you love, and the pace you naturally write at. That awareness helps you refine your voice.

6. Improve Your Writing Skills Through Publishing Opportunities

Short stories help you become a better storyteller, as well as expand your publishing portfolio. Instead of having just one book out, you could have two or more titles in circulation, like a novel and a short story collection. And you don’t have to stop there.

Short stories can be published in:

• Anthologies (multi-author collections)

• Your own short story collection

• Magazines and literary journals (print and digital)

• Blogs (your own or guest posts)

• Patreon (exclusive stories for supporters)

• Reem (subscription fiction platform)

  
  

Every published short story is another piece of work attached to your name and another way for readers to discover you.

7. They Build Confidence and Community

Sharing completed short stories creates opportunities to connect with other writers, readers, and publishing professionals. They’re an easy entry point for beta readers and critique partners, and they give you material to showcase your growth over time.

Short stories are a practical way to improve your writing skills. They help you explore your voice, practice in manageable bursts, and publish more frequently, all while strengthening your craft. If you’re serious about becoming a stronger writer, challenge yourself to write and complete one short story this month. You might be surprised at how much your skills and confidence grow.

Want to Share Your Short Stories?

At our sister company, Grim House Publishing, we host annual charity anthologies that bring writers together to publish their short fiction while supporting a good cause. It is a great way to see your work in print, expand your portfolio, and connect with other authors. Learn more about our next call for submissions:

Charity Anthologies

Need Help Growing as a Writer?

Through Legacy Collection Press, we offer developmental editing, story coaching, and ghostwriting services to help you take your writing to the next level. Whether you are polishing a short story or building a novel, we can help. Explore our services:

Services