Timothy Hare
asked
Josiah DeGraaf:
Hey, Josiah DeGraaf! My brother read your short story collection (Visions of Grandeur) and said it was awesome! I wondered what influenced you to create such compelling stories in your short story collection, and if you have any tips or advice for aspiring authors?
Josiah DeGraaf
My fantasy influences would largely be Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, and Pierce Brown. But for short stories in particular, I've also been very influenced by Flannery O'Connor and Ernest Hemingway. While I hadn't read him before Visions of Grandeur, I also love Ken Liu's work.
My biggest advice for aspiring short story writers is to remember that short stories aren't structured the same way as novels and are often more focused on a key moment than a sweeping narrative. Only include the parts of the story that are necessary to set up and appreciate that moment for what it is.
If you're looking for further assistance, I provide ongoing support for teen writers at the Young Writer's Workshop and also speak at a variety of writing conferences around the country. You can check out my website for more information on where I'll be next!
My biggest advice for aspiring short story writers is to remember that short stories aren't structured the same way as novels and are often more focused on a key moment than a sweeping narrative. Only include the parts of the story that are necessary to set up and appreciate that moment for what it is.
If you're looking for further assistance, I provide ongoing support for teen writers at the Young Writer's Workshop and also speak at a variety of writing conferences around the country. You can check out my website for more information on where I'll be next!
More Answered Questions
Hannah Grace
asked
Josiah DeGraaf:
Hey, Josiah! What program do you use for making your cover? It looks amazing!!
Karis Anne
asked
Josiah DeGraaf:
Hi, Josiah! What would be your tips for creating good character struggles like the ones in your short story collection? I was impressed when you had your characters face extremely difficult ethical dilemmas and decisions. Sometimes they chose the "wrong path", but somehow (even through that) you still made it clear that good was good and evil was evil and didn't muddle the two. How can I mimic this in my own stories?
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