Short Stories

Writing a Short Story

Construct the Plot

1. GET AN IDEA for your story –

It is difficult to write convincingly about things you don’t know first hand; therefore, draw upon real experiences as much as possible. Try to think of an unusual, humourous or unforgettable event.  Perhaps you can set your story in an interesting place you’ve actually visited – or set your story around a scene you’ve witnessed.

2. Identify the main CONFLICT on which your story will be based. 

3. Decide what COMPLICATIONS you will use to add to the intensity of the conflict.  What unexpected events will interfere with the plans of your character?  What occurrences will increase the reader’s involvement in the character’s problem?  How can you create suspense?  Make sure the complications you add are believable.

4. Decide on the CLIMAX.  The reader should be anxious to know how the problem will be resolved.  Remember that the climax comes very near the end of the story.  The conclusion which follows should be brief; you will ruin the story if you drag out the ending.

Create the Characters

Your characters should be convincing and lifelike.  A character should be revealed in a variety of ways.  Do not simply describe him/her to the reader.  Let him reveal himself by what he says, does, thinks.  Or let the character be developed by the attitude of others toward him, shown by their actions and their conversation.  SHOW, don’t tell. 

Beginning the Story

Whatever way you begin your story, you must capture the reader’s interest. 

Begin with :

-         a conversation between two characters with some indication of the setting

-         a description of the main character – emphasizing the key trait that will be seen in the story.

-         Describe an interesting feature of the setting.

Remember that the mood/atmosphere should be established in the beginning.

Choose a point of View

Do you want a character in the story to tell the events (first person p.o.v)?

Do you want a 3^rd person omniscient (all knowing) narrator – who can see into the minds of the characters and describe several characters’ emotions and thoughts?

Revising

1. Is the beginning effective?  Does it harmonize with the general tone of the story?  Will it arouse interest in the reader?
2. Is the conflict sharp enough to be interesting?  Is the complication plausible?
3. Does the action leading up to the climax create genuine suspense?
4. Have you made good use of contrast in your characters?
5. Is the story unnecessarily drawn out after the climax?
6. Is there enough dialogue, or could you heighten interest by making your characters talk more?  Does your dialogue help define the character and advance the plot?
7. Have you used effective synonyms for SAID?
8. Have you employed figurative language for description where it would be effective?
9. Is your title suggestive? Is it brief?  Does it reveal too much?