I am happy with where I reached plot-wise before the bike trip. Not only did I reach the point in my story that I wanted to be at, but I also got a lot of writing done, especially this weekend. In two days I wrote just over ten thousand words. I am satisfied with what I have done. Some of my writing was really rough but I pushed myself to get through some of the scenes that I didn't enjoy doing.
My main focus this summer will be writing short stories. That way I don't have to concentrate on this story and it will give me a break from these characters and this world. In case I do want to continue on with this story I have stopped at a point that I could easily pick up when writing in a notebook. At the moment I am motivated to keep going but that might taper out during the trip and shorter stories might be more fun. I have few stories that I have been wanting to write about for a while now so those will be a good jumping off point so I don't have to worry about not having any ideas.
Last week I also toyed with the idea of reading a poem to get in the mindset of writing but it did nothing for me. I probably need to do it for much longer to get any effect but, honestly, if I am tough with myself and force myself not to get sidetracked I get enough motivation anyways.
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A
short story is still be fully developed, even if it is briefer than a novel.
It is generally between 1,500 and 30,000 words. Though it follows the same
rules as a longer piece of work in terms of basic story writing, it is not as elaborate. There is less room to
explore ideas so they must be presented succinctly.
There
are five key elements to recognize when writing a short story story: character, conflict,
setting, plot and theme.
Instead
of a full cast of characters, only a handful will be introduced. Therefore they
must all jump out of the page immediately as there is no time to slowly
introduce them as the story progresses. They should each have a unique voice and be vibrant on their own. But at the end of the day there is only
room for one main character. There is no time to develop any subplots so if the
story you have in mind has those I would suggest writing a novella or a novel
instead.
Similarly
there is only one major conflict. If there is an event where there might be a
man vs self and man vs society conflict, you will have to choose which is more
prevalent.
There
can only ever be a couple locations so be mindful of where you place your
setting. While you are limited in number, you are not limited in imagination.
Make those few places as captivating and original as you possibly can. Don't
settle for a nondescript room. Imagine a bedroom with glow in the dark stars
peeling from the ceiling, or toys stuffed into every corner.
A
major difference between short stories and novels is that your plot has to be
one three act structure. There is no time for multiple climaxes or other plot
devices. You can experiment about where your climax is placed throughout the
story of how you achieved it, but make sure it makes it in somehow. When you
think of that memorable way to finish your story, please keep in mind this
list of endings that have been seen one too many times.
Finally,
short stories are good to explore one theme. With a novel it can be difficult
to stick to one common theme (a problem I am always confronted with) and things are often muddled in its length. With a
short story it is easy to concentrate on one theme to explore.
A
benefit of writing a short story is that you can use unusual techniques and not
worry about the risks involved. You can try having a different perspective or
using magical realism without worrying whether it will work because you aren't
spending as much time on it as you are on a novel. This is the time to try out
all the techniques you've heard of but never attempted. You never have to worry
about tiring out your reader with an unlikeable main character because they only have to stick with it for a
couple thousand words.
Keep
in mind that a short story is meant to be read in one sitting. You are not
going to transport the reader on this huge adventure but make sure that you are
rewarding them for their time. A short story is more than a vignette into
someone's life, a quick peek behind the curtain. They need to feel satisfied
with what they have read so if nothing happens in your story then it will be boring.
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