Writing a short story can be a great challenge for those who are just starting out in the world of literature, and also for those who have never ventured into this type of writing, as developing a whole story with a minimum of words and pages seems impossible. Whatever your case may be, we want to share with you the four elements that your short story should have so that you can apply them to your writing.
A short story is a work of fiction or non-fiction of between eight thousand and fifteen thousand words. You can tackle different genres and find out which one is your favourite to write.
The elements your short story should have.
#1 Theme
The theme is one of the elements your short story should have, everything starts from that central idea and will be evident in the narrative, in the dialogue, in the actions of the characters and in the goals they are pursuing. It is difficult to write about something that no one else has written, but the difference will be in how you approach it. Be inventive with the topic you choose, give it a distinctive touch that makes it unique. The theme, along with the genre, is the first thing you think of when you decide to write a book or story.
#2 Plot
The second element your short story should have is the plot. You may be wondering if the plot is the same as the theme, many tend to confuse the two, but they are not the same. The theme in a romance novel is love and the plot would be Anna Marin and her internal conflict over loving her brother-in-law, for example. The plot encompasses all the events that happen around Anna.
#3 Conflict
Conflict, another of the essential elements that your short story must-have. It is that problem that the protagonists must face, that something that generates suspense in the reader and keeps them glued to the reading until they know the solution if that is the case. Writers have the power to play with the plot and create those unexpected and surprising endings. Throughout the story, different conflicts may arise, but the main one is always linked to the protagonist.
#4 Characters
The last element your short story should have are the characters on whom the action of the story takes place and who must face the conflict. Depending on the genre you write, characters can be people, animals or things.
It is important that you build believable, strong and defined characters. Remember that a short story is not a summary but a short story.
Tips for writing your short story.
Get to the action
When writing short stories you can’t afford to be too descriptive or dwell on subplots, it’s better to focus on the narrative and the actions of the story. Choose two or three main characters, a location and describe only what is necessary. The actions will set the pace of your short story.
Create a structure
It is important that your short story has a clear structure, with a well-developed beginning, middle and end. Make an outline of what your story will contain and stick to it.
This will ensure the cohesion and consistency of the story, as well as setting the pace of the story. You can’t start at a slow pace and end in a rush, the reader will notice. The structure is as important as the elements your short story should have. Therefore, we recommend you use book writing software to manage your all writing and structure parts. Moreover, a good book writing software like LivingWriter can help you in publishing your content as well and many other things, so you can focus on your writing only.
Build suspense
Every story, short or long, must contain something that keeps the reader glued to it. This happens when you add a little suspense. Don’t tell everything from the beginning, give hints, leave breadcrumbs. Think of twists and turns that surprise, add excitement and save the best for last.
Think of a good beginning and a great ending.
What hooks the reader most is a good beginning. This, together with the elements your short story should have, will make your narrative stand out. If you start your story with something surprising or with a mystery to be discovered, you will attract attention and keep the reader’s attention until the end. Of course, before you finish, you must answer any questions the reader may have.
Choose a catchy title.
The title will be the first thing they will read about your story, choose one that captures their attention and invites them to read. It can be a phrase from the book, the name of one of the characters, a song, a city, a colour, a symbol… Think of something that represents the story and gives a hint of what it will be about.
Theme, plot, conflict and characters are the four essential elements that your short story must-have. Remember to apply the advice we have given you and sit down to write, practice makes perfect.
