Finish your story

Wow, you finished! Excellent work!

Whether it’s a short story or a whole novel, when you finish it’s a great feeling!

Another perspective

Most writers give their work to somebody else to read when they finish their first draft. A fresh perspective is always valuable. Find a friend that will give you honest feedback to read your story. Remember that the exercise is pointless if your reader is only going to tell you what you want to hear!

It can be hard reading somebody else’s work and giving feedback. There is however, a way to make the whole thing easier on you and your friend.

‘Tell me something I want to hear!’

When your buddy is ready to give you some feedback, tell them to give you one piece of good news with every piece of bad news. If they noticed a problem with the plot on page two, make sure they tell you something they really liked about the story FIRST!

It will make them feel more relaxed, and you won’t feel as defensive when you get your feedback!

Fame and fortune

If you’re happy with the story, and you’re ready to show it to the world, why not enter it in a short story competition? You may win some money as well as big buckets of fame!