My Six-Step Formula for Writing the Short Story That Everyone Will Want to Read

        Back in 2011, I introduced my 6-Step formula for writing a short story. I published it again in 2014. Here it is once again with a few changes and a much better graphic. I thought it would be a good idea to resurrect the formula for those who may have missed it. It works the same today as it did back in 2011. This formula also works for writing other short formats such as flash fiction and even a novella.

        A short story usually contains 1,200 - 7,500 words. The short short or flash fiction usually contains between 100 – 1,200 words. Experienced non-fiction writers can usually spit out 1200 words before breakfast.

        But, when it comes to writing a short story, an experienced fiction writer knows that short fiction can be more difficult than writing a full-length novel. The brevity of the story constricts the wordsmith, depriving him of deep development of a character, the plot, and setting as he/she could carve out in a full-length novel. Every line and paragraph of the short story must be significant to carry the story forward with rapidity and terseness.

        Like a prize fighter, the author of the short story attempts to score points with each swing of the pen. To accomplish this task, it is vitally important that you plan your story well, from start to finish, long before you begin the first draft. There is no wiggle room here, no chance to elaborate, and not a word to waste.

        To help with my writing, I developed a six-step formula to guide my pen from beginning to end of the short story. I hope that you will find it useful, as well.

  1. Plan your story well, dividing it into three parts - beginning, middle and end. Write the end of your story first. What? You betcha! Knowing where and how your story is going to wind up will act as a guide for the beginning and middle parts. It will also insure that you do not veer off your story. In the short story you must keep on track.
  2. Next, write the beginning of your story. Use the Plunge Opening. This means that you must leap straight into the problem that confronts your main character. Now, with the beginning and the end written, write the middle of your story. It will practically write itself.
  3. Keep in mind that you want to allow the reader an opportunity to bond with your protagonist, be he/she good or bad. Readers want to sympathize with your main character and need to understand the motivation behind the action your main character takes. It is therefore wise to focus your precious words on characterization rather than on lengthy setting.
  4. Make certain your characters are consistent. Don’t end the story with your good guy suddenly turning bad or the reverse. Never introduce an unknown character who will suddenly come out of the blue to save the day. Readers aren't going to buy it, and they will resent you for it.
  5. Use strong dialogue to move the story along. Show, don't tell. Don’t tell the reader that your leading lady is angry. Instead, have her scream at someone, stamp her feet, throw a vase, break a figurine. You get the idea. It’s a lot more effective that way and your reader will appreciate you for it.
  6. Finally, write a story that is worth reading. Give us an ending that your reader will remember. Yes, I know, some people say, “it’s all about the journey.” However, when it comes to storytelling, that statement doesn't ring true. A surprise ending is ideal. The most read and sought-after short stories and short shorts are those with surprise endings - something with a twist. Read Guy de Maupassant's "The Necklace," or Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" to name a couple. Send me an email and I'll email back my flash fiction story titled, "About Susan," published in the January 2021 edition of Beyond Words literary journal. (gerard@gerardbianco.com) The story illustrates exactly what I'm talking about. If you can’t think of a story with a surprise ending or a plot twist, make certain the ending is strong enough to have the reader going away with the desire to read your next story, the one after that, the one after that, and so on.

 

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