A short story collection is harder to sell than a novel. That is one of the sad facts of life. One of the problems many publishers cite is while each story might be a gem in its own right, generally with a single author collection, there isn’t a theme…something that marries the stories together.

Thematically linked collections seem to have a better chance of getting published. You will most often find the thematic approach used in anthologies comprised of short stories by several authors, presented under a title designed to set the scene. I personally have several stories either in publication or to be published in thematic anthologies in 2010. In fact, all but a few of my published short stories fall into that classification.

Occasionally I think about those stories, some published—some not, as well as ones yet to be written. Is it possible I have a book?

I’ve always wanted to do a collection of my own stories, because I’m a fast track person and short stories are instant gratification for me. I write them quickly, then it’s on to the next one, unlike my novels that take a long time to write. Since readers are usually drawn to novels more than short story collections, if and when I ever embark on this project, I picture it as a puzzle, comprised of stories that fit together piece-by-piece to create a whole. Realizing I’ve written several stories that actually do have a common thread, it won’t necessarily be an ongoing saga. Instead I envision a book called “Women on the Edge.”

There are many facets to “being on the edge” and all of my women will fall into some situation that takes them there. Viola! A collection of stories with a theme. It won’t be that different than writing chapters, but each one would have a beginning, middle and end. In other words each “chapter-story” will be able to stand on its own, but they all have something in common.

Things to consider when putting together this type of collection, include:

• Consider your best story, then the unpublished ideas or pieces you still have the rights to republish. Select the ones that fit your theme.

• Do you need new tales, still in your head or even some yet to be conceived, to flesh out the collection?

• Make sure you aren’t inserting something just because you like it, even if it isn’t in keeping with your direction.

• When picking the lead story, make it a “grabber.”

• Is there a way to create some link between the stories? Remember, voice and theme can also act as a link.

• Use subtle tools to unify the stories. Think about those quiet echos of other pieces of the collection. Sometimes it isn’t what you say, but how you say it. Even something as obscure as dialogue style.

• Consider the order of the stories for the maximum impact. Drama, tension, anguish. In other words, intense emotions are great for starting and finishing a book of this type.  Keep the reader in your grip, allowing them to enjoy some moments of sweetness in the middle before delivering the “take it home” punch.

• Finally, satisfied that you have a strong body of work, zero in on a title that sums it up. One that is provocative enough to create reader curiosity.

As for me, I WILL write “Women on the Edge” someday. I’ve got a good start. Now all I need is the time.

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