Short Stories

Tips for Writing a Story

Tips for writing a story abound, not only in lists of ideas compiled by others, but from within our own minds. Each of us is a walking bank of plot material. That should be music to a writer’s ears. To repeat a very positive cliché: Write what you know.

If you made a list of the high points in your life, perhaps some low points too, you would have a list of creative writing topics so long you would never be able to build stories around them all.

In analyzing aspects of your life and those who people it, you will find enough material for writing a character analysis or two. You would definitely be writing character sketches. Not necessarily would you be writing about one person in particular. You would borrow this trait from one, that trait from another.

A perfect example of this is my fiction short story, Grandpappy’s Cows, which is posted in the Flash Fiction section.

Then...

...in a completely different genre, check out my Recipes. These are listed in this Short Story section because each one is written with a short story attached. Spice up your recipes by writing stories based on the recipes.

The first recipe/story is Ahi Steak for Busy People. It's a delicious fish recipe that takes only a few minutes to prepare.

Short stories are fun to write. The best stories are metaphors. You can use your story to make a point without saying point-blank what you wish to impart. Metaphors leave the reader thinking, keeping your story fresh in their minds.

For example, suppose you know of a young girl being led down a questionable pathway in life.

You write about her and her family but you never come right out and say she is dangerously headed in the wrong direction. You simply relate her life, as anyone would view it. Leave the conclusion to the reader to have an Aha! experience when they realize the underlining message.

One of the best teachers of writing to get you started is to read the writings of others. Not just read, but study the tips for writing a story. Think how many books you’ve read and wished to emulate. The same holds true for short stories, your unique stories that you are ready to write.

Several short stories are presented and discussed. Tips for writing a story, or that particular story, are included.

I remind that my multi-genre writing covers myriad topics. They run from soft and fuzzy to covering the harsh realities of life. If anything offends you, it’s not meant to. Simply click into another story.

NOTE: If you have some completed writing that you would like edited, try:

Audrey the Editor Helper. An editor's Web site offers resources for all writers. Have a professional edit on a sample of your writing.

As a self-publishing author you may be in a hurry to get your words into print or on-line. Publishing houses hire editors to make sure their authors produce the best books possible. As an independent writer you are on your own to find your own professional support.

Click on the book cover to learn more.

In time, more stories will be added and analyzed. For now, see which story sparks your interest according to the title, because titles are important, but peruse them all.

Boy at the Crossroad

The Take-Out Queen

Life Support (Not for the squeamish)

Publishing Recipes - Ahi Steak