How to Write a Story

How to Write a Story

For any writer, the short story is the perfect medium. While writing a novel is a Herculean task, just about anybody can craft and, most importantly, finish, a short story. That doesn’t mean that short stories are easy to write, though, and it certainly doesn’t mean that they aren’t as artistic and valuable as novels. With practice, patience, and a passion for writing, they can be every bit as moving and memorable as their much longer cousins.

Every time you tell someone about something that happened to you or something you did, you tell the "story" of what happened. For example, if something funny happens at office, when you tell a friend about it, you are creating a story. The trick is to be able to write it down.

There is a very scary blank piece of paper sitting there in front of you. If you do not know what to do at first, here are a few tips to help you get started developing ideas and working through them.

Short stories can be anything from 500 to 6000 words. Anything under 500 words tends to be labelled ‘flash fiction’ or ‘micro fiction’ and anything over 6000 is moving into novelette or novella territory.

Pay attention to amazing things are happening all around you. You just have to see them. Paying attention to the world around you is the first step in developing ideas.

Listen how people put words together when they talk. Point out different manners and ways of communication. Words fall into place and make stories. The more you listen to others, the better writer you will become. Get used to writing. If you never write, practice to write a diary. Put on the paper all your thoughts, impressions, events. When you see something interesting or when something happens, make a note of it in your diary. Your diary doesn't have to be fancy, either. A small notebook will do.

Your story should follow that arc by allowing your character to face obstacles, setbacks and minor victories on the way towards reaching the dramatic climax and bringing resolution.

End with a conclusion that satisfies readers. This doesn't necessarily mean a cliched "happily-ever-after" ending (although a happy ending is important in children's stories), but rather one that feels right - that answers the underlying questions posed by the theme(s), resolves the major issues and conflicts, ties up the loose ends, and satisfies the reader's innate sense of justice.