How long (# of words) is a short story, and how should one go about writing one

1. 86

   rdlang05posted 11 years ago

   How long (# of words) is a short story, and how should one go about writing one for children.
   
   I've been thinking about writing children's shorts stories in the style of Lewis or Tolkien.  I am not familiar with writing of this type however, so some advice would be appreciated!

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2. 60

   MickSposted 11 years ago

   Short  stories and children's stories, the two hardest forms, together with a genre you're not familiar with, snowflakes in hell comes to mind.
   Length has to be appropriate to the age group, you will need to read many childre's books of your target grouup and take the length from them.
   Remember that children's stories are divided between diferent age groups, you have to tailor your writing to the right age group and publisher, don't talk down to them, and make sure that you get your facts right, they will notice if you don't.

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3. 60

   Pennypinesposted 11 years ago

   I have not written a childrens' book but I remember so many of them from my own childhood.  Pictures are all-important.  Wording should be simple and understandable depending upon age.  By all means include a child's interaction with animal or bird life.  I am not too fond of cartoon characters, but drawings are quite effective too. 
   As to short stories, it depends upon the circumstance.  One of my short stories was recently read over the local station of National Public Radio.  They requested it be at least 40 minutes long, which means something close to 5000 words.  When I give a talk they expect at least 30 minutes allotted time, or about 3000 words. 
   I like brevity, and avoid purple prose, so my preference is to keep a short story short, no more than 1500 words. 
   Hope that answers your question.

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4. 60

   JeyDeeOfficialposted 11 years ago

   a short story is a story that is 500-1500 words long. if you are writing short stories for children, remember to not use words that are too difficult or too bombastic. use simple words to tell a simple stories that are meaningful and are able to teach the kids something.
   
   good luck!

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5. 65

   Dr. Arthur Ideposted 11 years ago

   Short stories depend on the age and mental ability of the reader. Some are only 30 words, others are up to 3000 words.  Write a simple plot.  The younger the reader the less advanced the vocabulary. The younger the reader the greater is the need for illustrations. An excellent pattern to follow are the fables by Aesop.

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   1. 40

      thecrazzykylexposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      How far I know minimum 100 words is what makes a short story 'flash fiction'

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6. 41

   celialy123posted 11 years ago

   i love to read the book with pictures, and i look pictures firstly. another thing i want to say some has educational meaning is more important, and the children are easy to be affected, and this is the time for them to form their characters.

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