How I Wrote My Short Story Collection

[@aznSeddie]

"They induct you into the cult of short fiction". I felt this in my soul, lol. I wasn't a huge fan of it during my degree, but I definitely love it more in the past 2-ish yrs, mostly cuz they're not assignments. I think, in general, stuff just clicks once you have a personal project going.

[@listenup2882]

Did you do a creative writing degree?

[@mari_golds-bleeding-ink]

aagreed

[@avasghost]

Ahhhh I love the moon phases in the background

[@rachelwritesbooks]

i am very late to the party but I LOVE YOUR PHASES OF THE MOON THING!!!

[@kimwicks5540]

I'm so hyped for this, I can't wait to have everything you ever publish on my hands!!

[@maya-gur695]

Can't wait for both of your collections to get published! Speaking of, my first story is set to get published mid December! 2020 has pulled through for me after all. I owe a lot of what I know about writing to you and your videos, so thank you.

[@ShaelinWrites]

Ahhh that's so exciting!! Congrats on your first publication!

[@maya-gur695]

Thank you! ❤

[@sumayyahkhan8897]

@@maya-gur695 has it come out yet what's it called I wannabe read it. I love reading you see. I'm writing a short story I'm 12 now. Started writing when I was 9 or 10

[@maya-gur695]

@@sumayyahkhan8897 Good luck with your story! Unfortunately my story is not in English and I haven't had the time to translate it yet.

[@sumayyahkhan8897]

@@maya-gur695 oh okay

[@elisa8666]

You know, here in Italy we don’t actually have university for writing, so basically it was you who inducted me into the cult of short fiction and now I just don’t know how to write a novel anymore (or maybe I never knew??) Strange way to put it, but thank you so much for making me discover this amazing world 💕

[@tonycleek4981]

I love your insight and the journey. I have been working on and off on collection of 20+ short stories. I have little over 240 pages with 68K word count. My collection started as random short stories to help me with my time between working on my novel. It wasn’t until I was sitting with a classmate in the computer room at college that it dawn on me that I had stories that a running theme. The best thing about writing short stories is that it makes you be more concise with your words since you don’t have a lot pages to develop the stories.

[@ghanacryptogurl3574]

I want to write short stories but idk if when writing stuff like this, it has to be grouped in a genre I mean can you compile short stories about peoples’ experience or one falling in love and breakup and family drama stories and compile them. I don’t really have a singular topic

[@tonycleek4981]

@@ghanacryptogurl3574 My collection of short stories don’t really have singular topic but more a general theme. Each of my short story is a standalone narrative where you really don’t have to read the other stories to gain understanding it. Since I am using first person point-of-view in the collection, each story has a different tone and view on the general theme of the book. It would be like asking 20 + people what kinds to mind about a certain topic like regret and the experience or what they value would be different even if the definition would be generally the same. So if you did a collection of short stories of falling in love and breaking up, it would be different between tone and outcome. Each character motivation for falling in and out of love would be what makes each story unique. We don’t love all for the exact same reasons and we don’t put the same commitment into the relationship. Sometimes, there outside forces that changes the circumstances for us to continue the love. Even if you told one person’s story through all the relationships, they should be generally different because of all the x-factors that would go into it. For example, you could follow a pre-teen who has a school yard crush with a nerdy boy until he likes another girl. In her teens, she could be shy or outgoing but lands with a bad boy or jock and she becomes eye candy then they break up before prom. During college, she is on the path of becoming strong in a certain field and she falls in love with a professor and the fling makes her quit pursuing her dreams or makes her continue but the passion for it is tainted. She might get tired of men and want to test the waters with lesbian or go for a guy that she toxic for her. Later on, she meets a lover at work. Maybe he is married or she gets pregnant and compromises her job. She leaves the company and starts her own business. Then later on, she older successful woman who has a fling with a young employee. She might be putting her company and livelihood jeopardy. At anytime, you have other reasons for the relationship not working out. In the end, the reader will be rooting for her to fall in love or you could write her a morality lesson of what happens of choosing the wrong person. Her character flaw might be the reason that none of these relationships worked out. Whatever the topic you picked to write on, I would advised just explore the motivation around it for your main character. Then, you can ask what would happen if I change scenario around a bit? It is fun to ask what if?

[@siuzannavyshneva6312]

This is so beautiful! The process of getting into certain type of writing is such a vibe.

[@hunterpalmer9706]

Soooo jealous of the title Pareidolia! Just started writing again for the first time in years. I have never tried my hand at a memoir. But I wanted to try to explain to people what was happening to me during the time right after I had graduated high school. I felt like I was constantly berated by idk.. outside thoughts, or some one or something was communicating with me telepathically. I would be reading or watching a movie and ( without trying) it’s like some form of my consciousness (or subconscious🤷‍♂) was narrating over the top of what I was seeing in the real world, completely changing the context in my head.. for instance I would have a thought process in my head and then the tv would go along with the thought process I had in my own head.. how is that even possible? It would be completely explainable if the tv would say something and THEN I have a thought process in conjunction with what I was seeing. But I was having thoughts that the “Universe” only started speaking to AFTER my brain decided that was the conversation it wanted to have with the universe… if that makes sense? Probably not. That’s why I want to describe what I’m talking about in a memoir and how I coped with that process and how I battled with the questions, do I have super powers? Am I schizophrenic? Is it part of a spiritual process?… And I want the memoir to be open to the reader to decide between those options. The story could then be taken any of those directions. All in one it could be spiritually enlightening, a shining of light on mental disorders, or a scientific process of organizing the brain to work on some other level….. Anyway, what a coincidence u mention that word pareidolia (never heard that word)…. Super jealous of that title name, but am glad I heard that word today, it should help me with my memoir…. Anyone reading this, please don’t steal my idea😂😅🤨

[@micadrc]

i would read ur memoir

[@oldproji]

I am writing an anthology of short fiction right now in the suspense genre. I have 4 stories so far; three at the first draft stage and one reaching its final draft stage. Short fiction writing isn't as easy as it looks and I am thinking 18 months should see 10 short stories complete and another 10 at the first draft stage. It's a labour of love with no expectations of being a big earner.

[@natseritt6252]

Can I say I love your entire outfit? Especially the earrings.

[@ShaelinWrites]

why thank you!

[@nabilamiah3814]

I love listening to you talk about your writing journey

[@bubbliefrost8958]

I think what got me into short fiction was fanfiction. Just seeing how people tell stories and bring out so many emotions in 1000 words is amazing to me. I mostly read short fiction now.

[@imaginativebibliophile549]

Shaelin, I am so proud of you for finally finishing your short story collection, Pareidolia. I have read a few of your published short stories including Symbiosis, Melting Point, I Will Never Tell You This, Solarium, and Cherry and Jane in the Garden of Eden. I have yet to read Wishbone, Barefoot, and Hold Me Under Until I See the Light. I love all of your short stories. Your writing style is much like my own, although our stories deal with different subjects. I am also writing a short story collection. However, I am at the early stages where I am writing as many short stories as I can. I have a poetry collection which is almost ready. I am still a school student and I still have quite a few years before I am at the age for college or university. However, I would love to pursue a Creative Writing degree someday and I want to explore the form of short fiction even more. When I am writing a short story, the words flow out of me during the first draft. I have also been writing a novel, which I am enjoying. I take breaks from writing my novel far too often merely to write short stories. I have never really cared about theme either because a theme will naturally plunge through with strong storytelling, characters, and writing. I love you

[@a12storyasylum]

My first experience w a short story compilation was w stories I had accumulated over the years. So I basically put them all together. Now I want to do a "sequel" and I am writing with the intention of compiling a collection, so I find myself stabbing around in the dark a bit and most of the authors on KZbin seem to write novels or short stories. No "anthologists", so I appreciate you sharing your experience I found it very helpful. Hoping to self publish my collection early next year btw

[@AdamFishkin]

Wanting everything you put out into the world to be good is a more than rational desire as an artist. It tells the world that what you do isn't an accident, it has intent and thereby it has passion. That's where I find literature has the advantage over theatre, an art that hinges much more on collaboration. You can't force collaborators to be passionate about something that isn't their own idea. Hell, other playwrights in my city go through with ideas of their own that they're not even passionate about (and they do so ALL THE TIME).

[@haydensidun9029]

You posted this at a very convenient time for me because I just started putting together a short story collection, so thank you for that.

[@haileyn2862]

I love that moon phases deco so much !!

[@ravichandranrajandran7266]

Thank u so much shae for everything .... u were the one who inspired me to start writing short fiction and it indeed is a beautiful form of writing ....I usually write scripts cuz my dream ambition is to become a film director and being 15 and in high school I find it hard to keep writing anything cuz of exams, online classes and all taht ... pls will u consider making a video for teen writers like how to manage everything !! It will be really helpful if u do ...thank u so much 💜💜💜

[@sumalmashal3378]

“I don’t care about theme.” Ahhhh you’ve wounded me. Great video Shaelin. You’re honestly one of my favorite youtubers. You understand the art of short fiction as much as I do! Also goood luck on the collection. I’ve read a few of your short stories and they’re amazing. When you do publish the book if it isn’t already do post a video because I would love to by it to fawn over your writing and study your short story structure. 😃🥰

[@ShaelinWrites]

Thank you! And I promise when I publish this oh, there will be videos, there will be livestreams, there will be blog posts, there will be tweets...so many tweets. I will never shut up about it! People will be begging me to shut up about it.

[@crystalcosmicreads]

I read Cherry and Jane in the Garden of Eden and I loved it so much!!! 😭💜✨

[@ShaelinWrites]

Thank you🥰

[@mari_golds-bleeding-ink]

I've recently been getting into short stories, (I don't think I have the productivity to write a novel, as much as I love the idea,) and after reading some of your work, (I am obsessed with your writing style, and 'I Will Never Tell You This' cemented you on my favorite author's list and if I went into detail this comment would be a mile long so I'll just say your prose is beautiful and everything I've ever wanted my own to be like,) so listening to how you made your collection is really inspiring and helpful, and I hope that sometime in the future I'll be able to release my own!

[@ShaelinWrites]

ahh thank you so much

[@mari_golds-bleeding-ink]

@@ShaelinWrites ^-^

[@kv2661]

Your bookshelf looks so cool!

[@LivingDead53]

Yeah, I've decided to write a short story collection.. Hopefully, I can get better at novels, too. I was unable to be productive today because I fell asleep. I love your channel and videos. You help everyone out so much.

[@intofinnair]

i like short stories more cause my attention span can't handle novels lol so im excited about your collections! also half of the video i was looking at your hair. it's all wavy and pretty haha

[@angeliquej1116]

You must have 9 haters. Majority of the videos I have watched so far all have 9 dislikes. I think your videos are wonderful and surely is helping me.

[@authorgreene]

I'm similar in how I like to grab onto a collection title early on. Good luck with the book! I'm stoked to hear you've had a great year for publications. Cheers!

[@readilykatie8312]

Love your jumper, the sweater makes a great combo with it!

[@jk-lt5yk]

I also study creative writing and before doing my degree I also didn't write short stories.. But over time, I've learned to appreciate this form and now I'm working mostly on short fiction! Congrats on writing your collection

[@superfailing4919]

Thank you so i wish for you healthy and very well

[@ooi97]

"Forgive me, I'm on fire, I can't help you" xD

[@caileycarrot]

Loved this

[@FuzzyTrekkie]

I've had this fictional world in my head for years now. Originally it was for a D&D campaign but I liked it so much I put it in my back pocket for later. I considered writing a novel but there are so many ideas I have within this world it felt like I'd be cheating it if I kept it to a single perspective but the world isn't grand enough to keep it in novel form with multiple POVs The more I think about it, a collection of short stories within this world might be the best option.

[@ruthrouse]

This is really interesting. I haven't written much short fiction but it would be good to have a reason to try more.

[@Jacob-gu3in]

This video was just so...lovely. I don't know that there's anything else to say.

[@jana-ef5zk]

I love your videos so much!

[@paneljump]

I think of "best" and "favorite" as magnitudes of independent qualities (like "size" and "color"). You mentioned some of your stories in terms of "favorite", and you mentioned the recommendation that the "best" stories go first and last (and for what it's worth, I agree that quality should always be high). I didn't quite understand from your video: 1. if you are making a consistent distinction between your personal "best" and your personal "favorite", and, if so, 2. if that distinction has influenced the development of your collections

[@ShaelinWrites]

I'd say that in this case, my favourite stories are also the ones I consider the best, as they're my favourite because I'm so happy with the quality (for the most part). I love all the stories in my collection, but I'd say that that distinction probably still has shaped my collection, because stories I didn't like as much were much more likely to be cut from the collection since they didn't feel like they were worth that space or my time. However, the way the collection is ordered is based on balance of emotion and style, not which I considered the best or my favourites.

[@CalebGuedesReed]

Thank you @Shaelin! So helpful!

[@AbbeeRambles]

The fact that Melting Point was FOUR years ago is not working in my brain for some reason

[@ShaelinWrites]

actually that fact: messed me up

[@heavensxnt]

Can attest. The cult of short fiction is real. But also screenwriting.

[@ShaelinWrites]

Oh, I have dabbled in the cult of screenwriting myself.

[@christianh.morales5002]

I don't know if anyone asked this, but how did you approach your cover letter when submitting the collection? Did you talk about all the stories or only a few, how did you frame them in the cover letter?

[@thevideoguys6191]

why am I just discovering that Shaelin has her own KZbin channel? I have been watching Shaelin on the Reedsy channel for a YEAR!!!

[@ooi97]

There's ANOTHER channel with Shaelin in it?! Why am I finding out just now! Thank you so much!

[@katharinastockl7841]

a video about writing side plot would be interesting

[@samratacharjee6238]

I really love writing short stories..,.. and I don't know why 😂😂😂 Although I enjoy writing poems more

[@lorettagreen7754]

Hey, Shaelin, Do you teach writing at all? I would love to learn from you. You have this way about your explaining things. If you do teach Make a video advertising it. I will definitely sign up.

[@emmazhang2418]

this is kinda unrelated but how do u feel abt alice munro? do u personally like her stories?

[@iisazelx9340]

Shaelin, is that a phases of the moon ornament hanging in the background?

[@ShaelinWrites]

oh you know it is

[@samratacharjee6238]

I'm also working on a short story collection ✌️

[@jamiecolwell8489]

Overalls 🥺✨

[@bubbliefrost8958]

Why does collection sound so fancy to me?

[@michealargandona3660]

Can you tell an overarching story through short stories, that vary in style and format? I have 24 short stories that tell the life and work of a serial killer. I wrote them out of chronological order and always wondered when I finished the overarching plot could i publish them in a book.

[@ShaelinWrites]

You totally can! These are often called interlinked collections if you want to look into them further.

[@nerdmommy7114]

Shaelin, when you write, do you have an “ideal reader” in mind?

[@alexelizondo7207]

She’s said before that she doesn’t and that she writes selfishly, only thinking about creating the story she would love because it’s impossible to please every reader.

[@nerdmommy7114]

@@alexelizondo7207 Awesome of you to respond, even if it has been a year! Thanks!

[@eepmeep8550]

I've only read short stories by one author, Garth Nix, because he includes a story from his Old Kingdom series in his collections. Of course, the book cover is designed to fit in with the series! It's definitely a trap!

[@mayaray2257]

I was curious what you thought of getting degrees at schools where they're essentially an english degree but with a concentration in writing? did you take basic creative writing and fiction workshops or did you take more specified classes in different writing topics?

[@ShaelinWrites]

I took both workshops and more specified writing classes, but my degree wasn't an English degree with a focus in writing, it was a writing degree specifically, so maybe I had more course options than some. But, english degrees with concentrations in creative writing are great options for people who 1. want to graduate with an english degree rather than a writing degree or 2. this is the only available option at their university.

[@mayaray2257]

@@ShaelinWrites thank you so much for your response! I appreciate it!!

[@mariavalente6304]

WHERE IS THE PROOF COPY WITH A CUTE COVER?

[@Диана-я5э1к]

the only type of short fiction i write is fanfiction lol

[@rev6215]

I JUST came home from my cousin's wedding and missed my First yet again

[@ShaelinWrites]

oh no your crown is slipping!! it's ok you can recover!!

[@nahyanameen1992]

Congratulations on completing your short stories! With a lot of your stories published I am sure I will have the pleasure of buying your books one day in Canada! Did you write your stories for your university? I want to go to Canada for Creative Writing MA or MFA. Can you talk about these programs, good Statement of purposes, essay writing etc. It would be so helpful! I love the videos where you talk about your experience in studying creative writing in university. I am sure BC has some great programs. Did the university have any relation to the great prophet of dystopia Margaret Atwood?

[@ShaelinWrites]

Like I talked about in the video, I did write many of the stories for university. Unfortunately I don't think I will make any videos on specific programs in Canada since I only have experience in my own, and it wasn't an MFA, it was a BFA. I do plan to do my MFA but I hope to do it in the UK!

[@unholymetaphor]

@@ShaelinWrites amazing! I love English Literature! Such an interesting place to study literature, they have such a rich history. I would love to read your essays lol I bet they are so good lmao

[@listenup2882]

You're quite prolific.

[@nejdalej]

Hey are you okay? You're pretty quiet in the video and you sound like you're losing your voice a bit. Great video though!

[@sazmarie1281]

Will you be self publishing?

[@ShaelinWrites]

I plan to traditionally publish. Self publishing is great! But there are several factors that made me decide on traditional publishing for this particular book and the other books in my foreseeable future.

[@sazmarie1281]

@@ShaelinWrites oh, I was just asking because some of the stories have been published before and I thought once a story is published you can’t query it. Idk if that’s true but that’s why I asked! Btw love your videos!

[@ShaelinWrites]

@@sazmarie1281 That's actually not true! Once a story has been published, in most cases you can't submit it to another literary magazine (applies to most magazines, a handful accept previously published work but it's rare). But, for most short story collections, somewhere between half and 2/3 of the stories will be published in magazines first. It's actually an expectation that debut short story collections will have multiple of the stories published in magazines already, as this shows you have an existing and viable audience!

[@sazmarie1281]

@@ShaelinWrites ohhhh, I’m sorry I didn’t realise!

[@ShaelinWrites]

@@sazmarie1281 no worries!