How to Write a Short Story? | Start to End Short Story Ideas

“How to write a short story? Why write a story? When is the right time to write a story? Can I write a story about my friends? Who can help me write a story? Where to find inspiration for short story writing? Is there an easy way to write a short story?” 

These are the common queries students get when they are asked to write a short story, and there is no wrong in coming up with such doubts as they will help you develop, learn, and grow. But, this is only when you find answers to your questions. Thus, our experts at Global Assignment Help Australia have brought this blog as a complete guide to writing a short story for students. Read along to find more about it. 

What Is a Short Story & Its Elements?

A short story is a fully defined theme that is developed in less than usual words. This includes the complete storyline, characters, plot, and other necessary factors to explain the meaning behind the story, but at the same time, all of this is done in a precise format. Here are a few elements of a short story- the five main elements of it: 

Character

The story has a main character/s around whom the whole plot is developed. This can be any living or non-living thing on which the actual idea of the story is dependent. And thus, character building has a strong role to play in conveying your views through the story. 

Setting

The setting of the story is the background, time, and place where the scene is being narrated. This is to provide a feel of the live experience of the story that is being narrated. This also helps a reader relate to and better understand the situation and the circumstances around the characters. 

Plot

The plot is the actual storyline of the content. This explains what the whole concept is, how the characters play a role in it, and other such details but again in brief. The purpose of the plot is to set a foundation for the actual story. 

Conflict

There is always a trigger point on which the main character reacts. In other words, we can say that there is a conflict- a situation, feeling, person, or thing that is on the opposite side or on the inside of the character that makes the main character play that particular role or take that step that makes the story proceed. 

Theme

The theme is the basic idea on which the whole story is based on. This is the overview of the whole concept in one look. It can be described in one or two words. And the actual story is completely dependent on the chosen theme for that particular story. 

These are the 5 main characters of a short story. If you manage to cover these in your content, it can be addressed as a story and sent forward for further processes. But wait, do you know that there are numerous types in these. Yes, you heard it right! Read the below section to know more! 

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What Are the Different Types of Short Stories?

There are many different types of short stories. Yes, you heard it right! And in this section, we will look into the important 7 types of these short stories that students should know. So, let's get started: 

1. Fable

When you were a kid, you used to listen to or read stories of animals that had morals, right? Yes, those are known as fables- a story with animals as characters and portrays a moral. These can be in both written and audio form. 

2. Feghoot

This can be better explained as a story conveyed through poetry in a fun contest. This is a poetic story expressed in a humorous manner. It includes enough content to explain the humorous part of the story. 

3. Drabble

Drabble is a short fictional story in up to 100 words. The main purpose of this is to test a writer's ability about whether he can concisely express his thoughts or not. This has a proper meaning conveyed through the story in a very brief context. 

4. Anecdote

You might have already heard of this many times. But, you might not have known that this is a type of short story, right? The anecdote is a type of to-the-point story/description of any particular thing, place, or person. 

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5. Mini-Saga

Mini-Saga can be called the shortest story too. This is a story that has exactly 50 words in it. And, the interesting part here is, the story is complete in this word limit and has a meaning and purpose too. 

6. Frame Story

You might have seen characters of a skit or drama or movie telling a story to other characters or writing a story to tell the audience about what happened in their life, right? This story that is developed in the actual story is known as a frame story.  

7. Flash Fiction

This is a fictional story that is too short in length. This can be any story that has a meaning and is written in fewer words. It doesn't have any word limit for minimum, and thus a story of few words to a few pages can also be called flash fiction. 

These are the important 7 types of short stories, but there are more which you can find online or ask our experts. Now, the main query which most students ask is, "How to Write a Short Story." So, read the below section and find it out by yourself. 

How to Write a Short Story?

Writing a short story is not just about penning down your thoughts on paper; there is more to it. The actual short story writing involves everything from the first step- topic selection to the last step- publishing it somewhere. So, to begin with, there are 3 main points that you need to know and implement: 

Factors That Impact

Here are the 3 main factors that you need to consider before you jump into narrating your story or penning it down as they make a huge impact on your story. 

• Genre
  The first thing to focus on is Genre. This is the theme of the story that you would follow. Some namely genres include romance, fiction, mythology, action, adventure, horror, comedy, and so on. You can choose any one of these or combine a few. 

• Audience
  The next thing to keep in mind while writing a short story is the audience. Who are you writing this story for? Who will read your story? What is your audience's average age group? These are a few questions to ask yourself before writing the short story. 

• Words
  This is known as a short story for a reason- it is short in length. You must note this point and draft your story accordingly so that it does not get too long. Also, you can try editing at different levels to maintain the word limit. 

Structure to Outline

Here is the structure that every student should follow when it comes to short story writing. Make sure you do not miss any of its section:

• Opening Exposition - This is where the narrative lead is created, the setting, situation, and characters are introduced. 
• Inciting Moment - Here, the story's main conflict occurs- a sudden problem arises around which the story is developed.
• Rising Action -This is the moment where a decision is made, an action is taken, and the story gets on the right track.
• Climax -This is the section where the main action happens. And this is the interlinking point of the conflict, and the story revolving around it.
• Falling Action - This is the moment when things are in control and are gradually resolving towards a happy ending of the story.
• Resolution - This is the after conflict situation when the situation is completely solved, and amoral is derived. 

You Might Also Like to Read About: 5 Important Tips for Writing a Short Story 

Steps to Follow

Here are a few steps that you must follow in drafting an impressive short story. So, read or take note of them carefully! 

• Decide the Theme
  The first and foremost thing to do when writing a short story is deciding what is the theme that you would cover for it. It can be anything that interests you. 

• Make an Outline
  The next thing to do is make an outline. When you have decided on the theme, it's time you prepare an outline of the story, which makes it easy to draft the entire content in one flow. 

• Plan the Introductory Hook
  The introduction is what decides how long does a reader continue to read your content. That means you need a hook to grab the reader's attention and hold it till the end; So, plan it. 

• Develop the Characters
  Now, the main part comes where you decide the character- the main protagonist, supporting characters, opposite character, features, looks, behavior, habits, and other details. 

• Set the Plot Right
  Now, get that plot done. Yes, by this time, you might have already thought of the plot. Now, it's time to finalize it, so make the final edits in it and get it ready to go for a submission. 

• Let Your Thoughts Flow
  Now, finally, it's time you let the creative juices in your mind work. Yes, let those thoughts flow on paper and build up a story that's meaningful and impressive as well. 

• Read What You Wrote
  Once you're done with the writing part, it's time you read what you wrote. This is to ensure that you edit the story and make any changes in it that are necessary to improve it. 

• Submit Your Final Draft
  The last step of this process is submission. Just before you submit it, go through it again to ensure that it is perfect in flow, grammar, writing, and presentation, and then submit. 

These are the simple yet effective steps following which you can draft an impressive short story for sure. In case you are not sure about where to publish or what to do with the short story, then read the below section; it can be of great help to you. 

Where to Publish/Submit a Short Story?

Here are a few options where you can submit or publish your short story to reach an audience. You can choose any one of them or more based on the requirements and guidelines: 

1. Publish in Book: If you have a collection of short stories, then you can publish them together as your own book.
2. Update Online: You can update it as a post on your blog or contribute to any other famous website.
3. Submit in Assignment: English assignments usually cover such topics; so, you can submit this there in class. 

These are the 3 main options where you can submit or publish your short story to reach an audience. However, if you looking for assignment help, you can contact us. We have a team of professionals to assist you at any time and on any subject or topic, from college assignment help and school homework help to university dissertations. All you need to do is just place an order with us.