Tips On Writing Short Stories

Image via Wikipedia

I got this from Blossom Dreams’ blog and she has given permission for me to share it.

• Your story should focus on one central idea.  Think of it like writing poetry, where you focus on only one theme.
• Are any words wasted in your story? If so, delete them.  They will not add anything to your story.
• Does every word move your story forward?
• Is your story set over a single time period?
• Has your main character identified a problem and resolved it by the end?
• Have you introduced your main character as quickly as possible?
• Have you kept additional characters to a minimum?
• Is your story written from your main character’s point of view?
• Does your story have enough dialogue?  If not, you need to add some more.
• Is any of your dialogue wasted on trivial discussions?  If so, delete it.
• Is everything said by your characters relevant to the story and does it move the story forward?  If not, why are you allowing your characters to waffle needlessly?
• Is your dialogue set out correctly?  Pick up a novel and take a look at how dialogue is presented, for guidance.
• Is your story idea original?
• Does your idea excite YOU?  If it doesn’t, how will it excite your reader?
• Is the background realistic?
• Have you provided enough information so that your reader can picture the background easily?
• Does your writing contain flowery descriptions – if so, you need to cut them down.
• Keep your descriptions brief but be as evocative with your few words as possible.
• Try to have at least one or two memorable images that will stick in your reader’s mind.
• Does your story contain conflict?  If not – you need to add some.
• Do you build up tension throughout your story?  Tension and suspense are essential ingredients for a good short story.
• Does your story have a Beginning, Middle and End?  If not, it will lack structure.
• Does your story have a satisfactory ending?  Has the problem been resolved?  If not, you will leave your reader very disappointed.

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