You might want to develop deep character backgrounds with a huge cast of characters, amazing settings, and have at least two subplots. Writers like you struggle with this all the time. Do you need to apply certain elements of a short story in order for it to be great? If you’d like more specific guidance on crafting story, contact me to discuss how I can help you as your editor and writing coach.If you're new to short story writing, it can be intimidating to think of fitting everything you need in a story into a small word count. Elements of a story series#If you’re interested in knowing more about writing a novel (or any kind of fiction), check out The Novel Series I wrote last year. If you’re writing a series, you’ll want to ensure some loose ends are tied up (aka resolved), but that there is a continuing problem that will come up in the next story. This might take place in something as simple as a conversation or as dramatic as a giant battle for the fate of the world. It’s the action characters take to solve their problem. ResolutionĪs mentioned in the “plot” section of this post, conflicts in your story need resolutions.Ī resolution is simple. If you want to read more about types of conflict, read this blog post. This is where subplots, or those side problems characters encounter and solve, come into play. There are seven main types of conflict you might include in your story, and you can blend and layer them for a truly engaging read. Stories involve multiple problems that build on top of each other. Keep in mind that there is never just one conflict in a story. In essence, conflict is some kind of problem the character must solve, and the plot revolves around this conflict. ConflictĬonflict is different than plot, though it feeds back into the plot. To learn more about weaving secondary plots into your story, listen to Episode 11 of the Writer’s Nook Podcast. Within that structure, conflicts and tension build, readers learn about the world, and they experience the story with the characters. It intertwines the sequence of events, the numerous conflicts, and characters into one cohesive story from start to finish.Įvery plot needs a beginning, a middle, a climax, and a resolution. Plot is the story your writing revolves around. You can also listen to Episode 15 of the Writer’s Nook Podcast to learn more about worldbuilding. You also want to ensure your world is well-developed and engaging to make it feel real to readers. These are, of course, just two examples of how you can tie the setting back into the character’s life and the story. For example, a character may revisit their childhood bedroom and have a flashback of a conflict parallel to their current situation. You can also consider how the emotional connection a character has to the setting may impact their reaction. That adds an extra layer of conflict, because now they must not only battle zombies but also the environment. The setting can impact the character(s) and plot in some way.įor example, in a post-apocalyptic zombie story, maybe the character(s) are stuck in a snowstorm. However, setting can and should be so much more than just where the action takes place. Your story can have multiple settings, as setting is just where the action is taking place. Even objects and settings can serve as a character within a story. The good news is that characters aren’t exclusively people/humanoids in fiction, which gives you more room to be creative.Ī character can be a person, animal, or other being. If readers love your characters, they’re going to be more emotionally invested in your story. Well-developed characters can really drive a story for readers more so than the actual plot. CharacterĮvery element we discuss in this post is important for your story, but I think characters are especially important. Today, let’s look at the five basic elements of any story you might write. Whether you’re just starting out with creative writing or a seasoned pro, sometimes it’s good to go back to basics.
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