To write a short story means to put down a piece of prose that does not take long to read. Most of them require a maximum of fifty hours to write and should not be more than 6000 words. On the other hand, a piece of prose that is more than 6000 words and need up to two weeks or more of consistent writing can be better classified as a novel. It is good for writers who want to submit short stories to know these basic features before they begin.
Every good writer starts with a premise. By the end of the day, it gives a good feeling when what the reader saw at the beginning of the page is exactly how the writing is concluded; this is what a good premise does. The premise does not need to be long but it is important that it carries a powerful message which the reader understands as he goes through the write-up.
Writing requires some tools for those ideas to flow. These tools include a table, chair, pens, books, dictionaries and jotters. Your sitting posture should be good to prevent early fatigue. Try to organize your ideas before sitting down but do not be too apprehensive about it since you can always edit.
Once you decide you are going to participate in a story competition, you need to carry along a jotter and a pen with you everywhere. This is to enable you put vital points down and perhaps a good opening sentence when you are inspired. With many few notes gathered within some days or weeks, you may need just a few more hours to write down something perfect.
Character development is perhaps the most critical moment of a story teller. Not defining them well will make the piece of prose difficult to understand and the reader may find it boring. The actions they take should be consistent except when another lesson should be learned from the story.
There should be a confinement when writing to win a story contest. Unlike novels where different scenes are allowed, a story is not supposed to take up more than one scene even though two scenes may be permitted. The characters should also operate within a specific time frame or season.
Choosing the narrators for the story is also critical. There are pros and cons for any narrator you chose so you should weigh them appropriately based on what you intend to write about. The first person style is easy for new writers but it does not tell much about the characters. On the other hand, third person usage is more difficult but can better explain the purpose of the prose.
It is awkward to let your fears prevent you from writing. Every expert once had the same experience of not knowing how to start and the only way they overcame was by writing something down even if it meant editing it later. Only make sure your first line can grab attention and the rest of the matter becomes easier.
Every good writer starts with a premise. By the end of the day, it gives a good feeling when what the reader saw at the beginning of the page is exactly how the writing is concluded; this is what a good premise does. The premise does not need to be long but it is important that it carries a powerful message which the reader understands as he goes through the write-up.
Writing requires some tools for those ideas to flow. These tools include a table, chair, pens, books, dictionaries and jotters. Your sitting posture should be good to prevent early fatigue. Try to organize your ideas before sitting down but do not be too apprehensive about it since you can always edit.
Once you decide you are going to participate in a story competition, you need to carry along a jotter and a pen with you everywhere. This is to enable you put vital points down and perhaps a good opening sentence when you are inspired. With many few notes gathered within some days or weeks, you may need just a few more hours to write down something perfect.
Character development is perhaps the most critical moment of a story teller. Not defining them well will make the piece of prose difficult to understand and the reader may find it boring. The actions they take should be consistent except when another lesson should be learned from the story.
There should be a confinement when writing to win a story contest. Unlike novels where different scenes are allowed, a story is not supposed to take up more than one scene even though two scenes may be permitted. The characters should also operate within a specific time frame or season.
Choosing the narrators for the story is also critical. There are pros and cons for any narrator you chose so you should weigh them appropriately based on what you intend to write about. The first person style is easy for new writers but it does not tell much about the characters. On the other hand, third person usage is more difficult but can better explain the purpose of the prose.
It is awkward to let your fears prevent you from writing. Every expert once had the same experience of not knowing how to start and the only way they overcame was by writing something down even if it meant editing it later. Only make sure your first line can grab attention and the rest of the matter becomes easier.
About the Author:
Submit short stories online and get recognized for your writing skill. To find out more, visit the following website now at http://pressvue.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment