Tips for Writing a Short Story

Narrative Writing Skills

Conclusion•Resolves the conflict

•Tells the last event

The Basics of a Short Story

Introduction

Gives necessary background information by:

•Introducing characters

•Describing the setting

Body•Introduces the conflict

•Develops main characters

•Tells a sequence of events

•Builds towards climax

A Successful Short Story Should…

• Use the elements of character, setting, and plot to develop the storyline

• Use vivid language, concrete details, and dialogue

• Develop and resolve a central conflict

• Present a clear and logical sequence of events

Before you Write: Things to Think About

• Characters: Who is the main character? Who is the narrator?

• Setting: What is the setting? How will this affect the plot?

• Mood: Is your story funny, sad, dramatic?

• Organization: What happens first, second, last?

• Plot: What is the problem? Why did it occur? What will solve it?

The First Step: A Catchy Hook• Just like a traditional essay starts

with an attention grabber, your short story should start with a “hook” that engages your reader.

• There are many different ways to “hook” your reader. Let’s look at a few ways with the handout “Little Red Riding Hooks”.

• Now you try. Use one of the techniques we just discussed and write a catchy hook for your story.

The Second Step: Developing Your Conflict

• Your “body paragraphs” should continue to develop the characters you introduced in the beginning, and develop the central conflict.

• Separate your events clearly into paragraphs (most likely in chronological order)

The Final Step: Resolution

• After you have developed your plot and characters, had your story reach a climax of events, and resolved major conflicts, you need a resolution

• Make sure to resolve any conflicts, and don’t leave your reader asking “Then what?”

Writing Tips: DO….• Use vivid language. Don’t just tell

the reader how angry your character is, show them by his/her thoughts and actions.

• Use dialogue. Let the character’s words fit their personality. This is one of the few times when slang is ok.

• Use description. Pay attention to the details you use to show the reader what is happening.

• Use interesting adjectives & lively verbs

Writing Tips: DON’T…

• Change point of view in the middle of the story. Whether you write in first-person or third person, stay consistent.

• Be too wordy. Write clearly and concisely, and combine sentences to avoid repetition.

• Use vocabulary you are unfamiliar with.

A Final Note on Dialogue

• If you use dialogue in your story, remember– Use quotation marks– Start a new paragraph each

time you have a new speaker.

Show vs. Tell Details

• When writing a story, you always want to have for “show details” vs. “tell details.”

• A “show detail” is a concrete example or detail that shows the reader what is happening, vs. simply telling them.

• Use sensory details and specific examples as well as good diction.

Show vs. Tell Details

• “The man was distracted” (Tell detail).

• “The man stumbled on the bottom stair as he frantically read the text message he just received” (Show detail).

Now you try!

• Write a short paragraph where use strong “show” details based on one of the following sentences:– The girl wore an interesting

outfit.– It was an unbelievable

game/concert.– I took the stage.