How to Write a Short Story

1
How to Write a Short Story

• By Shawn Ross

2
Characteristics of a Short Story

• Gets off to a fast start
• Has a limited number of characters and scenes
• Starts close to conclusion and covers a brief
  period in time
• Usually deals with only one problem
• Uses limited detail, only what is necessary for
  understanding the situation

Seton Hill
3
Prewriting Exercises

• Make lists- sketch out characters, plot,
  emotional tone without slowing down to organize
  your ideas into sentences or paragraphs
  (brainstorm).
• Develop a list of events- Think about your own
  personal experiences. Good literature is
  universal.

4
Open with a bang

• The first paragraph of a written work is without
  question the most important because it draws the
  reader into the story. Use emotional or
  descriptive language to capture the readers
  attention and draw them into the story.

5
Develop Characters
Its also important not to have too many
characters. An abundance of characters will
confuse readers, and water-down the story.

• List characters, and characteristics of each (for
  example name, ethnicity, appearance, residence,
  etc.)
• Also, make sure the dialogue between characters
  is meaningful. That will save time and cut out
  the fluff.

6
Setting and Context

• Incorporate the setting of the story with
  characterization and plot.
• Be descriptive use two or more senses to
  describe the setting.

7
Sources

• Kennedy, Kathy. Short Story 10 Tips for Novice
  Creative Writers. Seton Hill. http//jerz.setonhil
  l.edu/writing/creative/shortstory/index.htmlresol
  ution
• Short Story Group. lthttp//www.shortstorygroup.com
  /storytips.htmgt

8
Set up the plot

• The plot is the action or storyline. Its the
  meat and potatoes of the story.
• Story Elements
• Explosion or Hook
• A gripping even that grabs reader attention
• Conflict
• Climax
• Resolution

9
Create Conflict and Tension

• Conflict and tension are correlated in that
  tension is a result of conflict.

• Tension- created by opposition between the
  character or characters and internal or external
  forces or conditions.

10
Build to a crisis or climax

• Just as in a movie, the most important event of
  the story should feature a dramatic turning point
  that climaxes in an event that engages the reader.

11
Find a Resolution

• The resolution is basically the solution to the
  aforementioned conflict. In the resolution, you
  should document the changes in the character or
  characters as your story winds to a conclusion.

12
Other tips

• Dont waste time with characters or events that
  arent pertinent to your theme. A short story is
  just that-short. Be sure to stay on focus and
  stick with your theme. A short story is meant to
  cover a very brief time span.