Short Stories

[pt_tangles]

I'm going to be entering a local short story contest this year, and I wanted to read some good examples of the genre to help me get over my 'how the hell can you fit a whole story into 3,000 words?' dilemma. I've been to my local book store (and big box book story), and I can't seem to find any short story magazines.

So, I naturally turn to my F-List - where do you find your favourite short fiction? Do you have any favourite authors?

Ideas and help = <3

--Phae

Comments

[pt_tangles]

Heinlein has lots of short stories. Very few are anywhere near as short as 3,000 words. (Is why I recommended fanfic--because when you remove the "price per word" motive, authors can make them as short as they need to be. Also, because they're commonly listed with a word count... knowing how to write a good 15,000 word story won't help much in a contest with a 3,000 word limit.)

Actually, it's a 2500 word limit. I always assumed that short stories were around 5,000 - 7,500 or so - I suppose it's no wonder that this contest is always so hard for me.

My current 'story' is up at 56,000 words and growing. But, I figure it can't hurt to take a bash at it again.

I'll definitely see if I can find any anthologies.

Thanks for the suggestions :)

--Phae