How to Choose Stories for a Fiction Anthology
- 1). Make a list of the stories you want to include in your anthology and the attributes of each. These attributes include theme, story line, whether a story is primarily internal or external, dialogue- or action-based, the overall pacing of the stories and story length. This list will help keep you on track as you work to arrange the order of presentation.
- 2). Separate similar stories. The stories you include in your anthology may include stories with similar characters, themes or subject matter. Some of the stories may contain narration that is similar. Running these stories back-to-back in an anthology could result in readers becoming bored. The point of an anthology is variety. Avoid placing too many similar stories in an anthology, but when you do, keeping them apart from one another can help prevent boredom in your readers.
- 3). Vary the story length. Avoid placing too many long stories or short stories back-to-back. Too many long stories may present a drawn-out experience for readers. Too many short stories together might give your anthology the feel of something rushed. Varying the presentation of stories by length is one of the most effective ways of pacing an anthology.
- 4). Present an even collection of stories. Although you want to vary subject matter and present stories with a variety of story lines, avoid throwing together a collection that features stories from a lot of different genres or stories that come off as unfinished. This can make your anthology feel thrown together and makes it difficult for readers to invest in the reading.
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