Mary Robinette Kowal, former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America offers a deep dive into the art of short story writing, explaining the unique emotional impact short stories deliver compared to novels. Using the MICE Quotient, she breaks down the essential elements of storytelling and provides practical exercises to help writers craft compelling short fiction.
Understanding the Emotional Impact
Readers seek short stories for a quick, intense emotional experience, much like watching a highlighted moment in a sports event rather than the entire game. This distinction is crucial for writers to grasp to meet reader expectations effectively.