ENG101/111 Exercises: March 2025

Brainstorming and Idea Generation:

Start with a Spark: A single image, a conversation overheard, a "what if" question, or a strong emotion can be the seed of your story.
Focus on a Single Incident: Short stories typically center around one main event or conflict. Avoid trying to cram in too many plotlines.
Explore Character: Consider a character with a specific desire, flaw, or problem. What are their motivations?
Think Theme: What underlying message or idea do you want to convey? This will add depth to your story.

2. Planning and Structure:

Keep it Concise: Short stories are, well, short! Aim for a tight, focused narrative.
Choose a Point of View: First-person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient? The POV will affect how the reader experiences the story.
Outline (Optional): A simple outline can help you organize your thoughts and ensure a clear progression. It doesn't need to be extensive, just a few bullet points to guide you.
Classic Structure:
- Exposition: Introduce the setting, characters, and initial situation.
- Rising Action: Develop the conflict and build tension.
- Climax: The turning point of the story, the moment of highest tension.
- Falling Action: The consequences of the climax.
- Resolution: The conclusion, where the conflict is resolved (or not).

3. Writing the Story:

Start Strong: Grab the reader's attention from the first sentence.
Show, Don't Tell: Use vivid descriptions and sensory details to bring your story to life. Instead of saying "he was angry," show his clenched fists and flushed face.
Develop Characters: Even in a short space, give your characters depth. Reveal their personalities through their actions, dialogue, and thoughts.
Use Dialogue Effectively: Dialogue should move the story forward and reveal character.
Build Tension: Create a sense of anticipation and suspense.
Pay Attention to Pacing: Control the speed of the story to maintain reader engagement.
Create a Satisfying Ending: The ending should feel earned and leave a lasting impression. It doesn't have to be a happy ending, but it should be a meaningful one.

4. Revision and Editing:

Let it Rest: Put your story aside for a while before revising. This will give you fresh eyes.
Read Aloud: This helps you catch awkward phrasing and grammatical errors.
Focus on Clarity and Conciseness: Cut out unnecessary words and phrases.
Check for Consistency: Ensure that your characters, setting, and plot remain consistent throughout the story.
Proofread Carefully: Correct any spelling and grammar errors.
Get Feedback: Share your story with trusted readers and ask for their honest opinions.

Key Tips for Short Stories:

ENG101/111 Exercises