Short Story Tip Time

It is time for our afternoon dose of Short Story Tip Time.  We will learn a little more about what you need to remember before writing your Short Story.

Make sure you have your Journal on hand for this Session so that you may take notes.

In our last Short Story Tip Time Session, we talked about ten (10) different types of Short Stories.

We also discussed the importance of having a Journal for your Writer's Notes in relation to your ideas for your Short Story.

We also discussed seven (7) items you need to have listed in connection with your Short Story in your Journal.

In addition, we went over fourteen (14) Short Story Basics.

All of the items we've discussed so far are one Blog Post back.  You may scroll down to view, or click on the link in the far right column entitled, "Short Story Time Wake up everyone, its time..."

This afternoon we are going to present you with the Elements of a Short Story so that you may make a note of all of them in your Journal. 

Let us go over all of the elements of a short story . . .

1)  Setting ~ The setting is the environment in which a story or event takes place.  Setting can include specific information about time and place (e.g. Chicago, Illinois, in 1908) or can simply be descriptive (eg. a gorgeous mansion on a bright sunny day). Setting: The time and place of a story.

2)  Characterization ~ A good use of characterization always leads the readers or audience to relate better to the events taking place in the story.  Dialogues play a very important role in developing a character because they give us an opportunity to examine the motivations and actions of the characters more deeply.  Character: A person, animal, or imaginary creature in a story, play, or another literary work. 

3)  Plot ~ There are Five Elements of Plot Structure.  Every story must have a beginning.  The start, or exposition, is where the characters and

setting are established.  During this part of the novel, the conflict or main problem is also introduced.

4)  Conflict ~ Conflict aka "the Hook":  A struggle between two opposing characters or forces.

5)  Climax ~ The CLIMAX of the story is when the conflict of the plot is resolved.  It is often the most exciting part of the story.

6)  Resolution ~ In order to tell a story, you need three basic elements: conflict, climax, and resolution.  In layman's terms, you present the problem the characters must contend with, work the problem up to a peak, and then offer a fitting conclusion.

7)  Theme ~ The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea.'  In other words, what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem?  This belief (or idea) transcends cultural barriers.  It is usually universal in nature.

8)  Point of View ~ Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told; the narrator's position in relation to the story.  Point of view may be first person, third person, or less commonly, second person.  In addition, third person perspectives may be third person limited or third person omniscient.

Hopefully, those eight points give you more information for you to think about as you prepare to write your fabulous Short Story.

We will return tomorrow with more Short Story Tip Time!

~ See you tomorrow back here with your Journal ~

Be ready to Write at all times!

Peace, Love & Light,

  René

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved