Takeaway: We'll explore the art of writing short stories, from crafting memorable characters to developing plot twists that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Short stories are an incredibly popular form of fiction that can be enjoyed in just a few sittings. They allow authors to explore a single idea or moment in time, and they can be a great way to experiment with different genres or writing styles.
However, writing a short story that is both compelling and satisfying can be a real challenge. In this post, we'll explore the art of writing short stories, from crafting memorable characters to developing plot twists that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Creating Compelling Characters
In a short story, characters are often the driving force behind the plot. They need to be fully fleshed-out individuals who can carry the weight of the story on their shoulders. Here are some tips for creating compelling characters in your short stories:
1. Give Characters a Strong Motivation
Your character should have a clear goal or desire that drives their actions throughout the story. This could be something as simple as wanting to win a race, or as complex as seeking revenge for a past injustice.
2. Develop Character Backstories
Even though you have limited space when writing short stories, it's important to give your characters a backstory that makes them feel like real people. This is called character development, and it's an essential part of any fictional text.
Start Character Development by Asking Questions Like:
- What events in the character's past have shaped who they are today?
- What are the character's fears, hopes, and dreams?
- How does the character react to pressure or loss?
- What nuances surround their mannerisms and word choices?
3. Show Character Flaws
No one is perfect, and your characters shouldn't be either. Flaws make characters feel more relatable and human. Maybe your protagonist is overly stubborn, or your antagonist has a short temper. Use these flaws to create conflict and tension within your story.
Remember that conflicts don't just have to be about external struggles. Characters can battle themselves, their inner demons, or flaws throughout the story as well. This reminds me of the film, Wild Mountain Thyme based on the play Outside Mullingar by Patrick Shanley. In this film, the protagonist is literally his own worst enemy, and the entire plot surrounds his internal struggles with connections.
4. Use Descriptive Language
When writing short stories, you don't have a lot of space to describe your characters physically or emotionally, so it's important to choose your words carefully. Use vivid and specific language to create a clear picture of your character in the reader's mind. Use a rich amount of sensory details that describe the setting and people in the scene.
Ways to Introduce Senory Details When Writing Short Stories
- What does the air smell of?
- Is anyone wearing perfume?
- What does the object feel like?
- What is the texture of the object being touched?
- What does the dessert or food being eaten taste like?
- What does she or he in the scene look like?
- The sky, what colors accompanied the characters on the walk home?
- What does the event sound like?
Crafting a Memorable Plot
The plot of a short story needs to be tightly crafted and focused. You don't have the luxury of meandering through multiple subplots or taking your time to build up to the climax.
Here are some tips for crafting a memorable plot in your short story:
1. Start with a Strong Hook
In the first few sentences or paragraphs of your story, you need to grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. This could be a shocking statement, a surprising event, or a compelling question.
Perhaps the story can begin at the end. Work backward to reveal the plot in a process called reverse chronology. This can also be used to craft tension, which we'll discuss further below.
2. Keep it Simple
The plot of a short story should be simple and focused, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Avoid introducing too many characters or subplots that could distract from the main story. Introducing too many elements muddies the goal of what a short story is and will cause a need for excessive text.
3. Create Tension
The best short stories are ones that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Use conflict and tension to create a sense of urgency and keep the reader engaged.
Some ways to create tensions are to:
- Introduce a good mix of urgent tasks to be done or conversations to be had.
- Pit characters against each other.
- Build upon a family secret threatening to be revealed by an uncooperative character.
- Disenfranchise a character in favor of another.
- Build up chaotic scenes before resolving them.
4. Use Plot Twists
Even though your story is short, that doesn't mean it can't have a surprising plot twist. A well-crafted twist can turn a good story into a great one. Just be careful not to rely too heavily on gimmicks or twists that feel contrived.
5. Use a Story Planner
Invest in story writing software, or use a physical planner. Freya Larsen's Simple Novel Planner can be used to plan short novels, short stories, and novellas. Alternatively, you can use a tool like Canva Whiteboards to craft storyboards and build characters. Or use a simple tool like Google Docs to create your outlines.
The goal is to keep your writing organized, even if your method of writing is disorganized like mine. There should be a central place to reference your plotlines and characters along the way.
Editing and Revising
Once you've written your short story, it's important to spend time editing and revising it. Here are some tips for making sure your story is as polished as possible:
1. Remove Unnecessary Words or Phrases
In a short story, every word counts. Go through your story and remove any words or phrases that don't add to the overall plot or characterization.
2. Keep the Pacing Consistent
A short story should have a brisk pace that keeps the reader engaged, but it shouldn't feel rushed. Make sure the pacing is consistent throughout the story.
3. Read it Out Loud
Reading your story out loud can help you catch any awkward phrasing or pacing issues that you might not notice when reading silently.
4. Get feedback
Finally, get feedback from others. Share your story with friends, family, or a writing group, and ask for honest feedback. Use their comments to make your story even stronger.
Conclusion
Writing short stories can be a rewarding and challenging experience. By creating compelling characters, crafting a memorable plot, and spending time editing and revising, you can write a short story that will leave a lasting impact on your readers.
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