Dynamics of Short Story Writing: Four Critical Elements in a Short Story

Short story writing is a literary art that many freelance writers struggle to master. Not every writer succeeds in mastering the dynamics of short story writing, but it is possible.

“The Crafty Writer’s Creative Writing Course” offers suggestions that may help you to “release your creativity” in short story writing.

There are a number of secrets to short story writing that include how to get and keep the reader’s attention. 

Consider first, the four basic, critical elements in a short story, which include the title, introduction, body and conclusion. Each one serves its own purpose. 

The title:

An intriguing, dynamic title should attract a reader’s interest, immediately. Does it entice the potential reader? It should awaken, excite or challenge him or her to read beyond the title. It should also be appropriate for the proposed short story content.

The introduction:

The introduction to a short story is important, as it is what captures the attention of its reader with thoughts, words and visual imagery. If it does not accomplish that in the first couple of lines, as it should, the rest of the short story may be lost forever. If the introduction to the short story veers off in an unexpected direction, the potential reader may not be able to follow its story line. Its readership may be lost immediately. Proactive dialogue is often a good way to introduce a short story, as it brings characters to life and instill reality in the picture.

The body:

The content in the body of the short story has a number of different elements that include things like clarity of thought, sequence of events, timeliness, excitement, drama and adventure. If what you write does not have clarity of thought, your reader may not be able to comprehend it. Be aware that few readers will continue to read something that is not clear to them.

The sequence of events is vital in the body of your short story. Without a correct sequence of events, the story line will likely become confusing to the reader. Is it chronologically correct, in such a way that the events are clear?

Timeliness can be everything. The era or timing of a short story is a major factor with respect to its success. Is it pertinent for its era? Will others be able to relate to its time frame? Does it need to taken further? Is it appropriate for the designated reader?

The element of excitement in a story line entices the reader further and causes him or her to become and to stay interested. You should be able to sense the heart of the reader beating faster and faster, as he or she reads on.

Adventure in a story appears difficult to write at times, but it brings life into the short story. This kind of writing genre does not allow many words, or much time to elaborate details. It does challenge the reader and holds his or her interest.

Drama intrigues the reader’s imagination, as it brings the short story to life. At times, the drama in a short story can cause the reader to relate to it on a more personal level, as it is full of emotion.

The conclusion:

Perhaps it is the conclusion or ending of the story that makes a short story worth reading. Ask yourself whether your reader will remember your short story and why.  

Does the conclusion contain an element of mystery or surprise? Does it tie all of the loose ends together, or did you leave that task for your reader? Is he or she refreshed, astounded, amazed, excited and thus, enthused about reading more of your other short stories?

How you write your short story determines a great deal of its success. Writing short stories is an art, one that you can master with practice.