Keys to Good Short Stories

Nothing is wasted - don't throw anything away

short stories from 800 - 7000 words

the "magic in your mind" is the ingredient that will add quality to your work

the idea must excite you - your theme

believable characters

first or third person? first person is easier

dialogue is essential

a good opening

conflict

suspense

stick to the main story line

let the story speak for itself - no long explanations

a satisfactory ending (not necessarily a happy one)

What to Watch Out For

Incorrect grammar and punctuation

Cliches

Sentimentality

Clumsy phrases

Use of adjectives - sometimes deaden rather than enhance

What makes a believable character?

* authentic language
* clothes
* lifestyle
* history/background - good character profiles
* eccentricities - behaviour

Tips on Creative Writing

1. Find a hook to grasp the attention of your reader, listener, viewer

2. A short story is more compact than a novel so you will need to be more eco- nomical with description.

3. There is no need to reveal the ending - let the reader anticipate
focus on one event

4. A short story requires conflict whether it's just in the character's mind or not. There needs to be a build up of dranatic tension

5. The plot is like the skeleton - it's a series of events that happen

Ways to reveal character traits:-

* through dialogue

* by putting them into a situation - how do they respond to that situation

* Names/nicknames tell the reader about the character

* how they reveal their emotions tells the reader about the character

* their possessions, their job, etc.