Short Story Submission - The First.

Copyright © Mark R Kelly 2025

The title is slightly inaccurate, as the story I submitted is classified as a 'Micro' story — 400 words or under. If memory serves, mine clocks in at 303 words — a tadpole of a tale.

It was only after much deliberation, a fair bit of web searching, and eventually harnessing the speed of AI in the form of ChatGPT, that I opted for a site in the USA under the title of: Fracturedlit. 
Clicking on the site name will take you to the website.

The downside is that once submitted the wait is up to three months to hear back. Sometimes you never hear back. A clear indication of your submission having failed. On a positive, it does state that there are times when submissions receive a quicker reply when successful. Though it seems a bit of a 'don't hold your breath' kind of deal.

My only course of action now is to forget it. I liken that to being told, "Ah, forget about Christmas coming, even though it's only four weeks away!" Fat chance of that. I'll just have to see if December brings any good news.

SHORT STORIES:

On the topic of short stories, I will be frank and honest, I like them. I enjoy that aspect of hitting the ground running, dragging the reader along by the scruff of the neck and suddenly screeching to a halt with a triumphant, "Tah-Dah!" as they arrive at the climax of the piece.

I suppose it is a writer's version of the adrenalin high certain sporting / hobby activities give those partaking, like your rock climbers, high divers or Isle of Mann TT Riders. It's a rush - pure and simple.

I also think it's lazy writing - skilful, no doubt, but a little lazy in spirit. Why? There's no character development, a miniscule story arc and plot, research - if required - is 'research lite' and low on the calories, and the time sink is negligible. Novels can take twelve months to get to a decent first draft. FIRST DRAFT.

A short story can be knocked out in under thirty minutes. Yes, then you refine, cut, add, tweak and polish, but still, compared to novel writing, it's a micro time sink.

And that's why I find it so appealing. The near-instant gratification upon completion of a micro/short/flash fiction. I'm sure if there are any writers reading this they'll be ruining my thought process with their prose and intellect. Which is only fair. Doesn't mean they are right. Nor does it mean I am right. We just have differing opinions. And that's fine and dandy.

So yes, I love them. Those short little tale-tubbies that waddle into our imagination, all eager to please, and full of energy. Like little children, but without the noise - and they don't cost a penny, or require feeding.

For any reading this who are starting their writing journey into the craft - and it is exactly that, my friend, a craft - I cannot recommend delving into the choppy, restless waters of the Sea of Short Stories. You'll have to get your proverbial feet wet, but what the hell, that's just one tiny aspect of the fun you'll have. 

Give it a go - you'll thank me later. Until then, sit back and enjoy Pink Floyd's, "Learning to Fly".