I feel stupid asking this... - Comments

Huh... This is kind of a strange request. I guess, basically just don't tell the whole story and don't go overboard with details. When I do a one shot, I keep the plot pretty basic and just write what needs to be there. Like, I never describe any of the characters unless needed and I never really describe places. My one shots are pretty much all about what the characters say and do. Keep the plot simple. Don't do subplots unless they can be incorporated right into the story. You have less than a thousand words most of the time to tell a story so don't waste it on random stuff. Don't waste words on what the main characters little sister is doing unless you need it. Don't waste words on detailing everything. Just get the bare story down.

... I don't think I'm very helpful. Sorry. I guess there's an art to one shots... I dunno. I think most of all, just keep the plot simple and focused.

I've seen one-shots be up to 5,000 words, so really it's just a story summed up into a certain amount of words. Try to pick out a plot line that won't need a whole story to explain, something simple. I also find looking at pictures can give you some good inspiration.

You just have to limit yourself. The word count helps, so you have to cut off some detail. And then once you're done with that one-shot, forget about it. Then you won't be tempted to continue it