Tuesday 17 June 2014

How to plan a short story

If you are thinking of writing a short story, pick a strong idea that can work over short period. Sounds obvious but it is amazing how many short story ideas are really novels in disguise.
I suggest you:
* Create a plot skeleton A plot outline will help you choose a complication and the steps to resolve it

* Flesh out your plot Fleshing out your plot with colourful characters and a vivid setting will enhance your story and grab your readers’ attention. Be sure to spend time on the little details and stay focused; nothing is worse than a good plot idea that grows ever more chaotic because it is overwritten or poorly planned

* Plan your story in short episodes (little chapters)

* Keep the story moving

* End your story at a natural stopping place After the climax, wrap up the story as quickly as possible. Don't be tempted to drag it out; your readers won’t like it and your plot and characters will suffer. Remember, the end of the story will be the freshest thing in readers’ minds once they put the book down.

John Dean

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