Short stories can be very frustrating if not done right. Short stories are usually about something very small like one basketball game or one weekend. To do this, you must fit a lot of detail into a couple of pages. Don’t write about every little thing that happens in something very small. Instead, tell about the important parts or something the reader will need to know. If writing a short story, you probably shouldn’t include so much detail. Below are some steps for writing short stories. Most of your time should be thinking about what you’ll write about.
Step #1
Topics
When writing a short story the hardest part is to come up with a topic. The topic should be about something that would only take up about two or three pages. It should be short and to the point with detail, but not as much as you normally would.
Step #2
Making a Web
Webs are always good ideas. They show you who the characters are in your story, what materials you will need to write the story, where the story takes place, and any problems that occur in the story.
Step #3
Outline
It’s hard to make a web into the story. You want to start with the main character. At the beginning tell about him a little. Find a way to introduce all of the characters. An example is if (using characters from above) Tommy gets a ride to school from his mom and dad. He meets Maggie there and then they both run into Nick, the bully. You’ve just introduced all the characters.
Step #4
Rough Draft
ALWAYS write a rough draft. That way the final copy will go a lot faster, and you can you can change things as you go along when you write the final copy.
Step #5
Final Copy
Do not write a final copy until you have written and edited your rough draft. Feel free to change words or paragraphs as you go along.
Step #6
Oral Report
This is the most important part of writing and presenting a story. You can have a great story, but if you don’t present just right, people may not want to read it. You can have a very bad story, but if you do a fantastic presentation, people may really want to read it. Remember to include a little bit about the topic, and leave them wanting to know what happens. Here are some tips for an oral presentation:
1. Stand up straight.
2. Speak clearly and with enthusiasm.
3. Make eye contact with the audience.
4. Don’t sway or bounce.
5. Don’t fiddle around with anything (hands, pants).
6. Keep your hands at your sides, not in your pockets.
7. Smile.