: Re: How do I prevent my stories from feeling rushed? Many of the short stories that I write feel too short. Now, I know that there's nothing wrong with a (very) short story, but often I feel

@Murphy332

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First, never add anything to your story just for the sake of making it longer. If you have gone over your story and can't figure out where to add another scene. Then another scene is probably not needed.

Second, character development does not need to be gradual. If you want it to be gradual, it can happen in a few sentences rather than entire scenes. You can use terms that denote longer passages of time.

"Over the years she grew more confident."

"Day after day she endured the chaos until she reached her breaking point."

"After weeks of waiting, she decided to take matters into her own hands."

If you're not working with big chunks of time, take a second look at your description (this may be where you are lacking if you tend to rush to the ending). How does your character interact/react to the setting, other characters, herself? These are areas that character traits can be added.

If she is walking down a dark hallway is she scared? Fearless? Does it remind her of anything. Does her boyfriend's mom make her nervous? Why? How does she feel about the choices she makes?

Have someone else take look. A second or third (or more) pair of eyes is invaluable. They may notice what is missing, or what is not. Encourage them to be honest and prepare yourself for constructive criticism.

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