Yeah, I know there are lots of these questions around...
2006-12-27 05:27:01 · 10 answers · asked by xxWannabeWriterxx 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Make sure you develop a strong central character and make sure that you have thoroughly explored the character in the setting in which you place them. Make sure that is is paced so that the reader gets drawn into your world. I find some of my best starts for short stories come from watching people and observing them, maybe try creating a back story for them in your mind, where they are going what they are doing, what kind of person are they, are they having a conflict with something? be imaginative and unique and go for it! there is no better way to learn than to start writing! One other tip for characters is to be sure that somehow they change from the beginning to end in a substantial way! Hope that helped! good luck!
2006-12-27 05:42:22 · answer #1 · answered by jons 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem with most people's suggestions is that they tell you that you have to get out your story in like the first sentence, the first page, the first PAGE...
Honestly, if you want to start writing something well and make a damned good first impression--YOU DON'T RUSH THE PROCESS OF WRITING! (lol)
Look people, this ISN'T a race to the finish where the best one wins and the last one sucks gas--like the villain does in Darkwing Duck. (For those of you old enough to remember what *that* show was.)
The classic way of doing the writing gig will most likely land you in the slush pile of either agent or publisher--unless you're the type of writer that *enjoys* writing chit-lit and "fluffy-bunny" pieces with a humorous edge--and you can prove your mettle by engaging them on a basic level which doesn't involve a whole lot of serious thinking.
The way you go about writing is to simply find your own voice and style, and what works for YOU--not what everyone else is demanding works for them and will net you a gazillion dollars free and clear.
Prompts I haven't really used since junior high (and that was awhile ago), but characters should be based on real-life examples with some creative tweaking to flesh them out as full and alive as you and I are.
I based some of mine on myself and my wife. Others from people I don't even know, and even complete strangers. (Extras--ya gotta love 'em!)
Hope this helps.
2006-12-27 10:12:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to come up with a main character for your story. Write down a description - male, female, eye color, etc. etc.
Then take this character and imagine then in some odd place or scenario – anything goes! Write down ideas on what would have to happen to your character or how they would react to the scenario you placed them in.
You can do this for multiple characters if you like.
This may seem futile, but it will help you flesh out some characters and give you insight into what you may want to happen to this type of character in a potential story. You may even come up with multiple story lines!
Strong well crafted main characters can inspire readers to love your story as well as drive you to write a great story for these imagined beings so be in! :-)
2006-12-27 05:42:35 · answer #3 · answered by Ralph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have tons of ideas for short stories but they won't work for you. Best thing is to look around and trust me anyone you come in contact with is a good subject for a story. If you think about your own life, you may find a lot fo good stuff that you can easily turn into a story.
2006-12-27 05:43:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Write what you know and what you feel that you can pass on to people clearly and quickly remember a short story can go to many pages but keep your early ones short and to the point.
Develop a thick skin because your first works may not be all that good listen to criticism and as your critics that you trust to tell you where they think you can improve then think it over if you feel that it is good use it if you can if not don't use it.
Last remeber that even Einstein failed math so keep at it and **** Luck.
2006-12-27 05:38:04 · answer #5 · answered by redgriffin728 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I get stuck, there's a game I play. I go out somewhere public like a park or a mall and take pictures of anyone who catches my eye. Then I go home, print the pictures, and try to write a story that incorporates all of them. The stories are usually crap, because I don't really do short stories, but at least they get me moving again.
2006-12-27 05:40:22 · answer #6 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When writing short stories, you have to grab the reader's attention right away (within the first two sentences) and not let go of it until the end. Make the opening evocative and colorful.
2006-12-27 05:30:39 · answer #7 · answered by jaelithe13 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you get the book, Write Your Own Fantasy Story by Tish Farrell. It gives you tips on a way to find all of the things you want.there are a lot of write your own books, depending on what genre you want to write. there are adventure, historical fiction, mystery, realistic fiction, and science fiction write your own books. I hope this helps and good luck in you endeavors.
2006-12-27 05:39:02 · answer #8 · answered by Sara 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suggest taking some ideas from famous short storie writers. Anton Chekhov, for instance. Also, if you can base characters on people you know, that helps.
2006-12-27 06:00:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think since itz short it should b kinda fast paced. and i personally like scary or romance. but you should go with wut ur most comfortable writing
2006-12-27 05:32:59 · answer #10 · answered by Summer H. 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋