We all have stories to tell. Stories waiting for the right audience. Sometimes, we share them verbally, and at times, we pen them down. The stories (fiction) evolve from our imagination. However, they are based on our experiences, expectations, and observations.
The story could be short or long. A short story demands focus as there is a word limit. But, it still needs five basic elements; A compelling plot, believable characters. Natural and honest life-like dialogue, strong and believable imagery, and a pace to keep readers engaged.
PAHAADI, the English Short Story writing contest is for writers from Uttarakhand. The word limit is generous 1500-2500 words. The winning stories will appear in an anthology, which will be published by 9th November 2021- the Uttarakhand day. Three winning stories will win a 3N4D stay for two at Cottage Nirvana, Mukhteshwar, Uttarakhand. All winning entries will get goody bags from Bhuli Design Studio.
TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SHORT STORY CONTEST FOR FICTION ENGLISH WRITERS FROM UTTARAKHAND- CLICK HERE.
Here are 10 tips on how to write an engaging short story.
1- A SHORT STORY IS NOT A NOVEL.
First thing first, the short story has a word limit. Hence, it demands focussed writing. It works best with a single issue, conflict, relationship or event. The readers have a restricted attention span. Hence, the opening must set up the expectation for the reader to decide if it is worthwhile to proceed further. The opening line or the paragraph is also your first impression.
2- CREATE THE STRUCTURE.
Before you start penning down your story, invest time to define the flow of your story. Use a mind-map or fishbone or a simple process flow. It will help you to keep the continuity and focus. Check, if you can state the idea in a sentence or max two.
3- UNHINDERED FIRST DRAFT
Write the first draft without evaluating. Don’t worry about the length and the language.
4- DON’T SLOW DOWN.
A short story need to engage the reader and needs to be pacey. It should always be simmering and built towards the climax. A twist that catches the reader unaware is always welcomed.
5- DON’T CROWD THE CHARACTERS.
The more characters you have, the more space you need to introduce and develop them. It is difficult to justify all the characters. Moreover, it makes it tough for the reader to keep track.
A short story needs a character that readers love or hate. It becomes easier, if the character is nearer to reality, and the reader can relate to it. So, borrow character traits from your surrounding and your experiences.
6- KEEP IT SIMPLE AND FOCUSED.
A short story typically needs a strong single issue or a point of conflict. A problem, weakness, passion, favor, pressure, decision, or an act. The more focussed it is, the more is the space to develop the main character and engage the reader. However, a short story is not an eyewitness account or description; it must evoke emotion in the reader’s heart and mind.
7- KEEP THE BACKGROUND OUT OF FOCUS.
Keeping the background reader engagement and word limit constraints. Keep the things that help in moving the story further. Always, question, if it is relevant and if the story can do without it. Some backgrounds are better presented by using dialogues. Now, all the information may not be part of the final story, but you must have the background clearly in your mind.
8- DON’T JUST PAINT THE PICTURE. MAKE THEM FEEL IT.
One of the best tests for a short story is reading it aloud. Check if the listener can visualize the place character and the scene. Use the five senses creatively to bring the story to life.
9- RUTHLESSLY EDIT.
Edit and re-edit till the story unwanted words. Many writers fail to do so and even a good then fails to engage the reader.
Edit and re-edit is also a trap. You may like something when you write it and may not like it when you reread it the next day. Chances are you will try redoing it and the process may become too iterative. Best give yourself a deadline after which stop tinkering.
Give your story to a nonbiased reader. someone who will be ruthless with feedback. Once you get the inputs, take your call on which one to act upon.
Make every word, sentence, situation, character count. Merge scenes and drop characters wherever required. You will be surprised to note that writing a short story is much tougher to write a long one.
10- Title.
Before you close your short story after the many re-edits, focus on writing an inviting title. Your title is as important as the first paragraph, if not more. Sometimes, it is the real pull for the reader to decide to read your story.
BLOG/048/2021
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