A Washington Post reporter was assigned to cover a mundane event — a parade — and delivered a memorable, 590-word story with strong writing, vivid characters, powerful quotes and details.

In Chapter 19 of “How to Write Short,” I take on perhaps the most famous pep talk on short writing ever delivered. Here is, appropriately, a short version of that chapter: Cut it short.

Here are four of the most romantic short stories by Chekhov short stories, plus quotes that summarize what makes these stories (and love) so powerful. 1. The Lady with the Dog (1899) ...

Myth #3. Short writing takes less space. It seems like simple arithmetic: Fewer words equals less space. But smart editors realize that great short writing creates room for other story elements.