How to Write a Great Short Story
Read a short story or two, or three., Identify components like the climax, main character, and conflict while reading., Think of a main character,conflict, climax, setting., Start with a catchy beginning, but don't get deep into detail and action...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Read a short story or two
Some examples:
The Lady and the Tiger, The Confidence Game, The Emperor's New Clothes. -
Step 2: or three.
This will boost your knowledge in short stories. , Using worksheets or just thinking a lot about your story is good. , When you just hint and foreshadow, it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
Make sure that as you go, start sprinkling in more hints, and start adding good detail about small features of the main character.
Like this:
Her aquamarine eyes glittered like brilliantly shined gemstones in the shadowy half-light. , That's when characters are introduced and setting is introduced.
Short stories usually follow the format in these steps. , Think about the climax while you write it. , Readers love details.
But don't go overboard.
If you go down to the very fibers that make up the rotting rug in the old shack, then your audience will think you're trying too hard to impress them. , You lose your readers, and that's not good for you or them.
Have your story be about five or six pages long.
Think of it from the audience's perspective, and cut out some of the extra details, like a couple of details describing something of the past, or of the present scene. , Make your climax dramatic and interesting.
It should be the turning point in your story! , This should consist of only a few, less dramatic events. , This should tie up all loose ends, or at least leave the reader happy! , Listen to all constructive criticism. ,, Show it off to everyone! -
Step 3: Identify components like the climax
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Step 4: main character
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Step 5: and conflict while reading.
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Step 6: Think of a main character
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Step 7: conflict
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Step 8: climax
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Step 9: setting.
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Step 10: Start with a catchy beginning
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Step 11: but don't get deep into detail and action.
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Step 12: Write the exposition of the story.
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Step 13: Transition to writing the rising action.
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Step 14: Put plenty of juice in your writing.
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Step 15: Don't have your story go on forever.
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Step 16: Write the climax.
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Step 17: Continue with the falling action.
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Step 18: Write your conclusion/resolution.
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Step 19: Let family/friends/teachers read and edit your writing.
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Step 20: Read your story often to ensure it is how you want it to be.
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Step 21: Type up a final copy.
Detailed Guide
Some examples:
The Lady and the Tiger, The Confidence Game, The Emperor's New Clothes.
This will boost your knowledge in short stories. , Using worksheets or just thinking a lot about your story is good. , When you just hint and foreshadow, it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
Make sure that as you go, start sprinkling in more hints, and start adding good detail about small features of the main character.
Like this:
Her aquamarine eyes glittered like brilliantly shined gemstones in the shadowy half-light. , That's when characters are introduced and setting is introduced.
Short stories usually follow the format in these steps. , Think about the climax while you write it. , Readers love details.
But don't go overboard.
If you go down to the very fibers that make up the rotting rug in the old shack, then your audience will think you're trying too hard to impress them. , You lose your readers, and that's not good for you or them.
Have your story be about five or six pages long.
Think of it from the audience's perspective, and cut out some of the extra details, like a couple of details describing something of the past, or of the present scene. , Make your climax dramatic and interesting.
It should be the turning point in your story! , This should consist of only a few, less dramatic events. , This should tie up all loose ends, or at least leave the reader happy! , Listen to all constructive criticism. ,, Show it off to everyone!
About the Author
Denise Harris
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow DIY projects tutorials.
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