What is a Short Story?
A short story begins as close to the conclusion as possible, and grabs the reader from the very first line. It conserves character and scenes, typically focuses on just one problem, and drives towards a sudden, unexpected revelation. (Kathy Kennedy and Dennis G. Jerz)
More details: http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative/shortstory/
1. Get Started: Emergency Tips
Is your short story due tomorrow morning? Here are a few emergency tips. Good luck!
Answers the questions below together with your partner(s).
1. Who is your protagonist, and what does he or she want?
2. When the story begins, what morally significant actions has he or she already taken towards that goal?
3. What unexpected consequences ? Will the unexpected consequences force your protagonist to make yet another choice, leading to still more consequences?)
4. What details from the setting, dialog, and tone help you tell the story?
5. What morally significant choice does your protagonist make at the climax of the story?
(Your reader should care about the protagonist's decision. Ideally, the reader shouldn't see it coming.)
2. Write a Catchy First Paragraph
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3. Developing Characters
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4. Choose a Point of View
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6. Write Meaningful Dialogue
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7. Use Setting and Context
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8. Set Up the Plot
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9. Create Conflict and Tension
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10. Build to a Crisis or Climax
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10. Find a Resolution
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