A Simple Formula for Writing a Short Story
Learn how to write a short story with this simple formula. Cut out the mistakes and follow a clear, practical approach to crafting a short story from start to finish.
I was asked to judge five creative writing competitions in a period of 18 months. One of them was a short story competition for a popular writer’s group. The theme of the yearly competition was Almost Strangers. The stories ranged from ghosts of the past to children of the present and machines of the future.
Which made me wonder, ‘What do people want to read?’ If I were any judge, readers want to be amused and entertained. They want authors to include observations of the ridiculous. The character, who is empathetic and flawed, should have an AHA moment. What readers don’t want is the rehashing of old dramas. They do not want clichés, the obvious, and silly twists in the tail.
Problems With Writing a Short Story
Most common mistakes in the entries:
- Lack of pacing.
- Misuse of viewpoint.
- Too much telling.
- Not enough use of the five senses.
- Switching tenses.
- No plot.
- Not enough dialogue.
- The ‘too’ obvious twist in the tail.
- Long, convoluted sentences.
- The omission of the image that makes a good story.
Why did I choose the winners?
The stories:
- Were well paced.
- Were clever.
- Made full use of dialogue.
- Used all five senses.
- Had clear beginnings, middles and ends.
- Contained good characterisation.
- Had great settings.
- Were based on a good idea.
- Were easy to read.
- Contained the magical image that makes or breaks a short story.
If you want to write a short story, I have a simple formula you may want to try.
A Simple Formula for Writing a Short Story
You obviously need a clear beginning, a middle, and an end, but this will equip you with a slightly more refined plot recipe, which you could use repeatedly. If you have a clear understanding of scene and sequel, you will understand this.
Please note: this is not the only way you could plan and write a short story. There are probably as many methods and plot structures out there as there are writers and stories. However, this works. If you follow this structure, you will have a completed, rounded story with all the necessary elements.
It’s as simple as this….
1. Dramatic Start (Scene)
2. Decisive Sequel
3. Surprising Middle (Scene)
4. Satisfying End (Scene)
(Numbers 3 and 4 can be combined if you only want three scenes.)
Remember that sequels are less than half the length of scenes.
If you want to learn how to write a short story, sign up for our online course.
by Amanda Patterson
© Amanda Patterson
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