Steps in Writing a Short Story

Writing a short story is not as easy as just writing in a diary what your mind wants to say. To write a story that comes out sounding well written and interesting, there are steps that should be followed. Even the professional writers followed these steps when they were just starting to write.

Here are some steps that will help you create your own style in writing your short story. Read a lot of good short stories. Choose the stories that you enjoy to read and take notes of how the authors constructed the story. Collect ideas for the story you’re writing and choose the best ideas from what you’ve gathered. It is a good idea to always have a notepad with you for jotting down ideas any time that they pop up in your mind. Start your short story with the basics; having dialogue, setting, characters, and plot, consisting of rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Know your characters and limit the width of your story. Start to write and have confidence that what you have to say is worth reading. Let your story tell its story. When you are finished with your story, revise, and correct errors. Allow your trusted friends or relatives to read your edited and revised story to get second opinions. Combine whatever suggestions, edits, and revisions you want to accept for your story.

Considering constructive criticism will make your short story writing better. However, not all suggestions or advice you get are relevant. It’s up to you to decide what is best; after all, it’s your story.