Communication

Written Short Story

Here are some guidelines for your short story:

  • Your story should have ONE main character and a MAXIMUM of THREE supporting characters.
  • Your story must have a clear plot.
  • Your story could include effective dialogue.
  • Your story should include some type of conflict.
  • Length? It's a short story...so 3 - 5 pages.

Organize

Your short story still needs to have all the major aspects of a narrative! Not sure what these are...

  • Plot Structure
  • Setting
  • Character Development
  • Conflict
  • etc...

Create an outline of your story. You don't necessarily have to write out the whole story, only the main points. However, it is at this point that it is essential that you remember the main structure of the short story! Make sure you develop your characters and your plot!!!

Story Map

Now that you have your outline, you need to create a Story Map. A story map is a visual depiction of the settings or the sequence of major events and actions of story characters.

The most important part of this part of your assignment is your planning and a Story Map is a way to plan and organize your short story. You can complete your Story Map in ONE of two ways:

EITHER: Online Interactive Story Map

    1. Go to Story Mapping. [ReadWriteThink.org]  Note:This link is to an insecure server which means that your browser will probably provide a warning and ask you to approve accessing this material.
    2. Follow the instructions and complete your Story Map.
OR: Story Map Sheets
    1. Click here to download the Story Map pages.
    2. Print the pages.
    3. Complete the pages.

Create

Now that you have planned and organized your story, it is time to write it. You will need to write a draft (or two) and have some mature writers read, review and edit it for you.

You may also upload it to your teacher for review BEFORE you do your final copy. Make sure you let your teacher know that it is a draft - put DRAFT at the top of the page and/or use Notes (in the upload link) to indicate that it is a draft.

Final Review

Once you have completed your Short Story you need to look it over once more and make any changes.

Some questions to ask yourself:

  • Can the reader clearly identify my characters? Can they clearly see the characterizations?
  • Does my plot develop? Introduction, Motivating Incident...Rising Action...Climax...Resolution?
  • Is the setting clearly defined?
  • Does the dialogue make sense?
  • Is the story original and unique?
  • Does the first line of the story hook you?
  • Do the characters have unique characters rather than being stereotypical?
  • Are the events in the story real and believable?
  • Is the Point of View consistent throughout the story?

Make any changes you need to and, once you are happy with your story, you are ready to upload it to your teacher.  Don't forget to submit evidence of your planning.