I haven’t been writing short stories for very long, but I must say, when you begin it can become very addictive. Even though it’s your story, and you know what’s going to happen, you still want to see how it turns out on print.
There are many different sorts of short story ... Read review
Advantages: Achievement, It could sell Disadvantages: Can be very difficult
I haven’t been writing short stories for very long, but I must say, when you begin it can become very addictive. Even though it’s your story, and you know what’s going to happen, you still want to see how it turns out on print.
There are many different sorts of short story writers. Some plan the whole story, with character analyses, set out different locations, picks good metaphors, etc. The other type is the spontaneous ... ...be the hardest part. After writing all the character analyses, etc, writing the actual thing will be a doddle.
The first thing to do is get a piece of paper, and plan a plot. No names have to be mentioned at this time, just a plot – a beginning, middle and an end. It doesn’t have to have a twist, it doesn’t have to be very thorough, just a simple plot in about 300 words.
I haven’t been writing short stories for very long, but I must say, when you begin it can become very addictive. Even though it’s your story, and you know what’s going to happen, you still want to see how it turns out on print.
There are many different sorts of short story writers. Some plan the whole story, with character analyses, set out different locations, picks good metaphors, etc. The other type is the spontaneous one, who doesn’t plan anything, and just starts writing. The third is the one who writes down the plot, but changes it whilst writing.
In this review, I plan to give each “type” different advice on trying to write a short story, trying to edit it, and also maybe trying to sell it.
THE PLANNER
How do I start?
If you’re the type who likes to plan everything before starting, the beginning is going to be the hardest part. After writing all the character analyses, etc, writing the actual thing will be a doddle.
The first thing to do is get a piece of paper, and plan a plot. No names have to be mentioned at this time, just a plot – a beginning, middle and an end. It doesn’t have to have a twist, it doesn’t have to be very thorough, just a simple plot in about 300 words.
After doing that, you can start shaping the characters. How many will there be? What will their names be? If there were a family in the story, it would be an idea to do a family tree, saying when everyone was born, and if anyone dies in the story, adding their death dates as well.
In my opinion, it would be a good idea to have a type of interview with each character. Having set questions, like, do you agree with abortion? Then, answer for the character, giving reasons why they do or don’t agree.
This could really let you get to know the character well. Even though you are inventing him or her, it would be a good idea to know what his or her beliefs are, and actually realizing what kind of person they are.
After analysing every main character (it can be as many or as little as you want) you could add the different settings in the story. Whether it’s a rich house or a grotty old flat, add the address and the destination.
Then start describing the inside. This will come in handy when you want to describe the place. You can think up good similes or metaphors and jot them down to use them later on.
Also, if you were good at doing sketches, a quick sketch of the room would be a good idea. If you did this, you could easily picture your characters in the room, and it would make it much easier to use descriptive narrative.
If you’re planning on writing about a 3,000-word short story, it’s not very likely that you’ll have any chapters or volumes in it. But if it’s longer, the next thing to is set out the chapters.
The last thing to do is look over the plot you did, add the different characters names, where it is happening, and change some of the plot if you wish. Now those 300 words can be changed to what some of the characters would do, and if you feel a character wouldn’t do a certain thing, you can take that out.
Again, the plot doesn’t have to be large, it can be the same size as the first draft, if you wish, just make sue the whole plot is down there, and what the characters do is like their personality.
I suggest then, you leave it for two days, just in case you come up with any new ideas, and then you can add them into your plot. If, by then, you are totally and completely satisfied with what you have written, you may begin.
What do I do when I’m writing?
As you’ve planned everything you will find writing the story the easiest out of all three of the stereotypical writers. You can look back at the character analyses and you can add the metaphors you’ve already thought up.
What will be the strongest part in your writing is descriptive language. Try your best to use your knowledge of the places and the characters that took you so long to do, and make a story that really describes every way in an interesting way.
But, mind you don’t overdo the descriptive language. There is such a thing as too much describing, which can make it boring. Try to find a happy medium between descriptive narrative, and descriptive speech. Use your knowledge of the characters to add brilliant and captivating speech.
Try not to rush past the plot with the descriptive language either. Remember to focus on the plot as well as the other things you’ve studied, and USE the sheets you’ve made, or they are completely useless.
Finally, when it reaches the end try to ease out of the descriptive mode, and leave it with simple words and language. There’s nothing worse than the last words in a story to be - “ and then there Garry walked slowly with his limp pulling him aback. He turned around reluctantly and waved with his large hands at Camilla who was crying; crying with a river flowing down her face. Garry, her beloved lover had gone, and she had to get back to her husband. The husband she didn’t love.”
To me, even though it’s a good ending, its description overload! Maybe that would be good for the middle of the story, but the end needs to kept simple like this – “Garry rushed onto the train and turned immediately round to Camilla. Camilla knew he’d tried not to. She watched the train go, and kept the tears flowing. She’d let her only love leave, and know she had to return to her husband. Return to the husband she didn’t love.”
This in my opinion is a much better and simpler ending. It still uses descriptive narrative, but not as much as the first one. Also, there isn’t as much use of their names, and that’s a good thing. After a couple of pages into the book, try to use “he” or “she” instead of” Garry” and “Camilla”.
THE THINKER
A thinker is a writer that puts down a plot, and a few characters, but doesn’t go into depth. Just a short thing to help them along the way to improve their writing.
How Do I Start?
Usually the first thing to do when you plan to be a thinker is to write down a plot. This plot can be 100 words or 500 words. Whichever you are happy with. Make sure you’re happy with the plot, and then go on to the characters in the book.
You should list the characters and add their age. That’s mostly what is needed for the preparing bit. You can then go back to the plot and add names, and change something you don’t like.
Then, after a few days, if you think of something new to add to the plot, add it, and then begin to write with the papers you’ve prepared next to you.
As you can see, you don’t really need to do much to be a thinker writer. You only prepare to make sure you don’t add something twice, or you don’t get a name wrong at anytime in the story.
It’s usually people who don’t have a good memory who go with this type of method, and it’s a very good one really, because you’re sure of not having any mistakes, and you can still be a bit spontaneous!
What do I do when I’m writing?
Well, a lot of the plot will form in your head when you’re writing. The way characters react to different things will come to you when you’re describing a certain thing, and then you can jot that down, and you can use it.
What you’ve got make sure you do properly in the story is to get the plot right. Make sure you make no mistakes at all, and keep the piece of paper you’ve prepared next to you, or it’ll be worthless to have done that.
Unlike the planner, the writing part isn’t the easiest part, because you’ve still got loads of gaps in the story. You’ve got the plot, but you still don’t know how everything’s coming about, where and when.
So, whilst writing, do take breaks, and try not to write too much at a time, and when you come back to writing it, try to read over it, to remind yourself what you’ve written, and what you’ve conquered!
Also, a handy thing to do is to cross out the parts of the plot you’ve added. Then, you can know what you’ve got to do. The problem with this is, though, that you might write a large beginning, medium middle, and short end.
That would makes the story look silly, so make sure you have enough of the plot left to take into the middle and end. The middle always has to the longest, and preferably, the end the shortest.
What you’ve got to make sure you do properly is describe well enough. As you haven’t prepare anything about describing the places and the characters, you’ll have to add the odd descriptive thing here and there to make the story interesting.
The ending will be an important part for the Thinker. It’s so important, as you’ll have to use what you’ve used in the plot summary to write it. Make sure you don’t go overboard on the spontaneous part, though, because it might end up the ending doesn’t make sense, and doesn’t add up!
Then, once you’ve finished, read over it a couple of times, adding or taking away things, and making sure everything adds up and makes sense, then you’ve written a short story with no hassle at the start!
SPONTANEOUS WRITER
Being a spontaneous writer is the worst one to be out of the three. Some people can be whoever they want to be, and choose what suits them best. If they fall into the spontaneous category that’s unlucky for them, because it’s the most difficult out of the three!
How do I start?
Well, starting is probably going to be very difficult. A spontaneous writer will have a clue of the plot, but only in his or her head. He or she will not write anything down, and some might not even know the ending.
A Spontaneous writer will have to be very quick as well, and will have to do a lot of re-reading, and a bit of re-writing. If you want a question to the answer, how do I start, well I’ll give you one? Nothing.
You won’t need to write anything down. You won’t need to really do anything, just think of a good plot and sit in front of your computer and start writing straight away.
Usually spontaneous writers have a twist in their stories, because then they at least know where the story is going, and how it’s going to end. For example, it highly unlikely someone like Emily Bronte was a spontaneous writer, as she had a very non-twist ending.
But, on the other hand, Agatha Christie could be a spontaneous writer, as she knows whom the murderer is, and she can build around that, and manage to write without knowing anything about any of the characters.
So, what do you need? Yourself. Simple, eh? Well, not really…
What do I do when I’m writing?
When you’re writing you’ll have to think the whole plot through. You’ll have to get to know the characters, know the settings, and know you’re writing style. You’ll have to work really hard whilst writing.
Some spontaneous writers write the story with no descriptive narrative, and then write it later with some added in it. In my opinion, this is making it harder for yourself, and it’s better just to go with the flow and write what you feel is needed.
Also, you’ll have to read your work back a lot during writing, reminding yourself of some of the characters, and getting to know them by seeing how they react to things, and what they say at times.
It’s more likely that the characters in a spontaneous writers’ story would be kept quite secret, and then everything about them would be brought out in the end. Hence the not having to write anything down, and the twist in the end of the story.
You’ll have to keep your mind fully on the story when you’re writing, in case you make an error, or you write something that’ll later have to be changed. I advise you write in a quiet room, and have no telly on, or having anyone else in the room, because typing and saying it out aloud can make it easier for a spontaneous writer.
When you’re writing you should really concentrate on trying to use good words and descriptive narrative. Try to add the description about the characters in the beginning, so you get to know them as well, and try to describe the settings early on as well, to create a picture in your mind.
When you’ve finished, really try to see what can be changed for the better, and try to re-write parts you are not happy with. Also, make sure you haven’t rushed it, and if it has been rushed, re-do it, because it will always be there annoying you!Conclusion: Which writer is the best to be?
In my opinion, all three writers are brilliant. All have good approaches, and have good ways of writing. It totally depends on the sort of person you are, though. If you fit into that category, you’re that writer; if you don’t, you aren’t.
If you’ve never written a short story before, I suggest you try each approach. Try to be all three, and if you begin and aren’t happy move onto the next, until you find the one you like writing like.
If you haven’t got the time or the patience to try all three, choose one you’d like to be like, and see how it works. Or try an approach of your own, and see how that works.
So, there isn’t really a better writer out of the three, so you whichever one you choose, if you’re good at writing, you will succeed in any of them.
Thinking of a name for your story.
Thinking of a name for your story can bet he most difficult part of writing, and it depends on your writing style.
The planner would probably think of the name of the story just before beginning, and then he or she can add it in parts of the story, to make the name more personal, and to make more sense of it.
The Thinker would probably think of a name whenever they feel right. It would be a good thing to think about it when they’re busy, and doing something else, it will probably just pop into their head!
The Spontaneous writer would probably think of the name at the beginning, and then it would be a good thing to work around. It would really work well, and then the name of the story can really be a part of the short story.
The name of a short story can be really important, so if you don’t like, change it. And, obviously, if you’re a planner you don’t have to think about it at the start, or vice-versa with the other two types of writers.
Make sure it’s suitable and makes sense, because the name is the first thing the reader sees. So, if it doesn’t work, don’t use it. If it’s boring and irrelevant to the story, not only will it not attract, but it will be thought of as stupid after the short story has been read.
Applies to all:
What do I do when I’ve finished?
When you’ve finished immediately read over it, and change the errors you see, and something you might like to take away or like to add. Then, I suggest you ask a friend or relative with good English skills to read over it and correct the grammatical errors they can see. Sometimes, you can’t see your own errors even though they stare others in the face.
Then, it depends what you want to do with it. Whether you want to get it published into a book or have it in a newspaper/magazine or whether you just want to keep it for yourself.
I’ve never sold a story, so I can’t really advice you, but the best thing to do is send a copy to different magazines. £20 from a few can be a lot, and you may even be asked to write one especially for the magazine.
If you want it published into a book, it’s probably more likely to happen if you pay the publisher to publish it, then waiting to be asked to get it published. It will cost money, and I think it would be better to add more than one short story to the whole book.
If you want to keep it, and cherish it, share it with others. Lend it to help to read, and get feedback off them to improve your next. Unless you’ve done it, you really don’t know what finishing a story can be like!
So, Whatever you plan to do, only do it to enjoy it; that’s what I do! I’ve written 9 so far, and I only do it when I want to. If you feel like it’s a chore, don’t write, because it probably won’t be a good one. A short story is harder to write than a novel, and can be written if true passion is put into it. And I bet you’re wondering which sort of writer I am, aren’t you? Well, I’m the spontaneous writer to a t!
Advantages: Tips from a writer and editor Disadvantages: Reflects his own personal foibles
...character the writer is comfortable writing about into a fantasy situation where said character could never otherwise exist. Edgar Rice Burroughs liked it so much he even had it happen to Tarzan on occasion. And it still happens, the most obvious modern examples being Thomas Covenant and the various present day characters that Stephen King has recruited into his Dark Tower series. Maybe your hero could be someone from another dimension who gets transported ... ...everything changes around him? The multi-race bar room
The "Inn at Bree" gambit. It happens a lot in science fiction a-la Star Wars, but it is just as common in the fantasy genre. After a thirsty day on the road our heroic stable-boy and his companions will visit an inn. Inside, there will be representatives of different races from the world created for the story. The innkeeper will always be fat and jolly, there will always be a silent stranger ...
williemeikle 03.09.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Writing short stories
Advantages: getting published, getting paid Disadvantages: those rejection slips
...I hope will help ciao writing enthusiasts.
Know your Audience
Study the magazine. What age of readers does it appeal to? What style and tone is taken in the magazine - is it homely, funny, contemporary, sexy? What kinds of issues do readers write to the problem page about? Importantly, study the style, content and length of other fiction in the magazine.
If you're writing for a teen magazine, notice the kind of language that is used in other parts ... ...year to the day from writing my first story that I first got one published. I must have sent off 40 stories in that time and got rejections on all of them. Even when I was geting published regularly I was still getting rejected just as often. Don't give up! Rejection does hurt but it's all worth it in the end, especially if you look upon it as an opportunity to learn. ...
sandrabarber 24.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Writing short stories
Advantages: the most versatlie writing form. Disadvantages: It takes time to perfect any skill.
...is more to short story writing than putting down in a few pages the outline of a tale that would make a good film or novel. Most people who hope to be writers and who are just starting out tend to asusme that a short story is like a tiny book, but this isn't true. The forms and conventions of short stories are very different and need to be properly considered.
If you want to read around, there are plenty of good anthologies you can pick up - The ... ...but it must be said. Writing is a skill that it takes time to learn. You wouldn't expect to pick up a paintbrush and suddenly be doing lifelike portraits - don't assume that you will be able to write good fiction straight away. As we use language all the time, we all tnd to assume that we have the skills to be good writers. Largely this just isn't true. Having legs does not make you a good runner, having a pen does not make you a good writer. Expect ...
Bryn_Pearson 13.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Writing short stories
Advantages: CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT Disadvantages: NA
“I have called my new Rabbit Rusty,” said Rupert.
“My golly,” said Rebecca, “oh well; if you must.”
“My rabbit is rather boring; it just sits their sniffing and chewing lettuce all Day long.” Rupert chuckled.
“That’s funny replied Rebecca, I have a boyfriend and he too chews all day long and he just sits there sniffing; He’s boring too.”
“Well, what name did they give him?” Rupert Asked.
“Well bizarrely enough he’s called Rusty.”
Rupert laughed, ... ...“I shall invite him for tea said Rebecca.”
“Good idea!” replied Rupert; “he will be able to see my rabbit.”
Rebecca tried to explain to Rupert, her boyfriend had been attacked by a Rottweiller dog and it had made him a little nervous of animals.
“It’s not exactly a Rottweiller though is it?”
“Really was he,” replied Rupert. “Well he doesn’t have to worry because I Have Already Fed rocky and Rusty the rabbit their dinner and rocky loves his lettuce.” ...
halk 08.07.2007 (14.08.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Writing short stories
Advantages: TESTS YOUR WRITING SKILLS Disadvantages: CAN BE TRICKY TO GET RIGHT!
The FOUR main things you need to look at are:
PLOT/STORY
Get that 'burning' idea down on paper. 'Just write it down'! Don't stop to think at this first stage. You've probably had this idea running around in your head for a while. Once it's on paper, with a very rough beginning, middle and end, you'll be thinking ' great what a relief. I'm on my way.
CHARACTERISATION:
Next, look at what characters' need to be in your story. What kind of characters' ... ...are character driven, so above all it's very important to have well developed rounded people in the story. Try not to think TOO much about the the things in life they enjoy. The essance of any story/script is CONFLICT! You're more likely to get this when a persons DISLIKES are brought up in your work. It's important to know your main characters' inside out. You should know even what they're THINKING. In real life, we often say something, but mean ...
paulyvous 24.07.2009
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