 Tips for writing the short story, A definition |
Mosaic Musings...interactive poetry reviews > Prose Forums > Short Stories & Chapters for Critique -> Stonehenge  |
  Aug 10 03, 09:26
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 Mosaic Master  Posts: 18,892 Joined: 1-August 03 From: Massachusetts Member No.: 2 Real Name: Lori Kanter Writer of: Poetry & Prose Referred By:Imhotep  |
Why do some stories leave a lasting impression while others leave you thinking 'what was the point?'.
To make your short stories more effective, try to use these points while writing: 1. Have a clear theme. What is the story about? What is it's underlying message? 2. Cover a short time span. Make it a single event that proves pivotal in the life of the character(s) or setting, so that event will illustrate your theme. 3. Don't have too many characters. This is crucial to the dimensions you establish. Adding more dimension may confuse the reader or dilute the theme. Create just enough characters to effectively illustrate your theme. 4. Make every word count. Make no room for unnecessary expansions. If each word does not do the story justice toward your theme, then delete them. 5. Focus. The best stories are the ones that follow a narrow subject line. What is the story's point? Does it mesh with your theme? Sticking to the straight and narrow should meld these together nicely. Source: http://www.shortstorygroup.com/index.htm ·······  ·······"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ J.R.R Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Collaboration feeds innovation. In the spirit of workshopping, please revisit those threads you've critiqued to see if the author has incorporated your ideas, or requests further feedback from you. In addition, reciprocate with those who've responded to you in kind. "I believe it is the act of remembrance, long after our bones have turned to dust, to be the true essence of an afterlife." ~ Lorraine M. Kanter Nominate a poem for the InterBoard Poetry Competition by taking into careful consideration those poems you feel would best represent Mosaic Musings. For details, click into the IBPC nomination forum. Did that poem just captivate you? Nominate it for the Faery award today! If perfection of form allured your muse, propose the Crown Jewels award. For more information, click here!  "Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up." ~ Early detection can save your life.MM Award Winner           |
  
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