Short Stories:Short Stories:Because reading and writing is good for your brains, and

possibly also for your skin.

The Rules: A Short Story Should…The Rules: A Short Story Should…

What is in a Short Story?What is in a Short Story?

A storyline or plot – what happens?Point of view – who is telling the story?The characters – who is involved in the

plot?The setting – when and where?A theme – a message about life…

Identifying the ThemeIdentifying the Theme

1. Analyze and understand the main character

2. Figure out the conflict – it will always involve the main character (with self, others, society or nature)

3. Decide how the conflict is resolved – did good triumph over evil? What is implied?

4. Make a generalization – what do the above three aspects imply to us about life?

Theme…Theme…

Is the “larger vision of life that the story seems designed to convey”

In other words, it’s the message about life that the writer wants to share

All bits and pieces of the story should be based off of the theme

Why do Writers Write?Why do Writers Write?

To entertainTo inspire questioning and thinkingTo take a position or share an opinionTo push a reader to feel

Write for Me…Write for Me…

Your nameYour thoughts on reading and writing…