The Short Story

There are common components of stories that have become heavily incorporated or well-known. Whether or not an individual writer chooses to write the more structured short story as compared to a more modern, Chekhovian type, is an individual, stylistic choice. As we can see from the numerous successful examples available today, the story can include all the below components or it can rely on cliffhangers, the exploration of minute details, and the subtler plot developments and nuanced climaxes.

 

1. Catchy First Paragraph

Otherwise known as the "hook," the opening lines or paragraphs must grab the reader's attention so that they are tempted and incentivized into reading the remainder of the story. While it doesn't need to be flashy or outrageous, a little mystery or surprise goes a long way in hooking the reader.

 

1. Developing Characters

In a short story, there's very little space to waste and a lot of material to cover. One of the most important components is character development and getting these players to be believable, complex, and three-dimensional. I once received great advice on character development and was told to know more about the character than I would ever need. Essentially, I created an entire character profile and knew this person down to their favorite color. If interested, you can see my profile

 

1. Point of View

Every story is told from a certain perspective, and as the author, we have complete autonomy in how we choose to write. The three possibilities are:

 

First Person:

Events in the first person take place with "I." The story is told as if the reader were in that character's head and knew everything he or she were thinking or feeling.

 

Second Person: 

The second person is a little more removed, where the main person is regarded as "You." The story addresses the main character and is not as privy to inner workings as the first person is.

 

Third Person:

Otherwise known as the omniscient narrator, this style knows everything about everyone and is in everyone's head simultaneously. It has the most visibility and awareness of the entire setting

 

1. Meaningful Dialogue

Dialogue can go a long way in developing both characters and scenes. When used well and in conjunction with setting, it can be a powerful tool to move the story forward.

 

For example:

Instead of:

"That's great," said John.

 

Consider:

Bolting upright with a light in his eyes, "That's great."

 

1. Setting and Context

A wonderful hint I came across in my research was the suggestion to always use at least two senses when describing a particular scene. It adds a level of reality and complexity that makes the setting come alive. But, of course, the setting has to be connected with characters and plot to move these short narrations along.

 

1. Plot

This is probably the most studied portion of any story, and it involves the development of the storyline. As mentioned in the introduction, whether or not this is followed to the dot is completely stylistic and depends on the story you are intent on creating. 

 

Common Components Include

• Exposition: Background information for the story

• Complication: Beginning and foreshadowing of problems

• Climax: Ultimate conflict coming into play

• Falling Action: Calm after the storm

• Resolution: An ending breath to wrap up the story

 

 

Sometimes the hardest part about writing is just starting. But our greatest source of inspiration can be the everyday events around us. The ability to capture those moments can prove to be priceless. Below are the suggestions that I've collected throughout my research, and while difficult to build into our busy routines, may be the turning point for that next plot twist or character in your story.

 

1. Freewrite everyday

Everyday. An English professor once told me to try this technique because you never know when a piece you write will become useful. There may be a lot of writing you don't ever look at again, but amidst all of those pieces, there might just be that one that makes a difference. And aside from building a collection of possible treasures, practicing everyday will undoubtedly make you more aware of your writing style and hopefully push you to try new venues. Even for just 10 minutes a day, write. Everyday.

 

1. Collect stories from people you meet

Almost all stories are some version of real life events and the every day people around us are those with the stories that turn into incredible tales. Any person can be a moment of inspiration and, in those instances where you meet someone unique and extraodinary, capturing their experiences could be the jumping board for a whole new area of thought.

 

1. Keep a notebook to jot down ideas throughout the day

I've started to do this even just on my phone. Do you ever get those moments when a thought crosses your head or an observation really makes you pause? Those are the moments that mean something, and once captured, can be landing pages for further development.

 

1. READ

Not difficult to understand why, reading allows us to explore and observe the writing of others and to decipher what we like and what we don't like. Just as excellence needs exposure in any career or industry, so too does great writing need the example of other great writing.