What do we need to know before we start to write our Short Story?
Codes and Conventions of a Short Story MELS
A short story can usually be read in one sitting. Unlike a novel, it is very concise and contains only information that is relevant to the story being told. A good short story will create a single impression or effect and is most often, though not always, built around one character, place, idea or act.
A short story will contain most, although not all, of the following elements:
1. an engaging opening
2. a significant theme(s) or message(s) about important aspects of life that is/are clear to the reader
3. a well-structured plot with tension created by suitable action(s), some complication(s), unexpected development(s) and a positive or negative resolution
4. a clearly recognizable climax
5. an effective ending that may be either positive or negative but which fully reveals/explains the significance of the elements of the story
6. a setting that situates the story and enhances the atmosphere, mood, action, plot
7. a well-developed central character who experiences some change, growth or new knowledge of self, the world, and/or life situation(s)
8. supporting character(s) that are not fully developed but increase the reader’s understanding of the central story line and/or character
9. an arresting, consistent, narrative voice/point of view, e.g. first person, third person, interior dialogue
10. dialogue that develops the plot and/or characters
11. effective stylistic devices and imagery that describe the characters, setting or action of the story, e.g. irony, juxtaposition
12. skillful use of language conventions, e.g. word choice, punctuation and grammar
A short story can usually be read in one sitting. Unlike a novel, it is very concise and contains only information that is relevant to the story being told. A good short story will create a single impression or effect and is most often, though not always, built around one character, place, idea or act.
A short story will contain most, although not all, of the following elements:
1. an engaging opening
2. a significant theme(s) or message(s) about important aspects of life that is/are clear to the reader
3. a well-structured plot with tension created by suitable action(s), some complication(s), unexpected development(s) and a positive or negative resolution
4. a clearly recognizable climax
5. an effective ending that may be either positive or negative but which fully reveals/explains the significance of the elements of the story
6. a setting that situates the story and enhances the atmosphere, mood, action, plot
7. a well-developed central character who experiences some change, growth or new knowledge of self, the world, and/or life situation(s)
8. supporting character(s) that are not fully developed but increase the reader’s understanding of the central story line and/or character
9. an arresting, consistent, narrative voice/point of view, e.g. first person, third person, interior dialogue
10. dialogue that develops the plot and/or characters
11. effective stylistic devices and imagery that describe the characters, setting or action of the story, e.g. irony, juxtaposition
12. skillful use of language conventions, e.g. word choice, punctuation and grammar
Now to get more specific about "Scary" Short Stories
A Scary Story has all the above ingredients but focuses even more on building a creepy atmosphere with details. Add Suspense and probably a Villain. You might want to go with some supernatural elements as well. If it is a Mystery, don't forget to give clues but don't reveal the end.
5ws.pdf | |
File Size: | 102 kb |
File Type: |
web2.pdf | |
File Size: | 89 kb |
File Type: |
writing_scary_stories-1.pdf | |
File Size: | 222 kb |
File Type: |
rubric-writing.pdf | |
File Size: | 84 kb |
File Type: |
scarystoryassignment.pdf | |
File Size: | 1859 kb |
File Type: |