Keep it simple, stupid

Every short story writer knows some essentials, because when you're working within a 3500- 5000 word count, as most webzines and publications today seem to require ,and most are happier with a 3500 or under max, a short story writer has to try to make every word count. A short story will usually start in the midst of action, or with dialogue. There's really no space for preludes and a lot of background. I know from own experiance, for example, with one story I sent out I received the same criticism almost verbatim from several different publishers "the action didn't start until the fourth paragraph." Imagine? But no rule is hard and fast, and sometimes you have to trust your instincts. Though, there's one adage I think always applies" give them a great finish and they'll forgive anything." That's a bit of a genrealization, but if your story has an amazing surprise, or a catharis, or line that brings the piece together with great clarity at the finish you may be able to get away with a little more expostion in the body of the work.