Write Right
using the right ingredients for your writing:
Short Story Ingredients:
You also will need: Conflict, Characterization (indirect/ direct), and maybe dialogue.
Direct/ Indirect Characterization:
STEAL = Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks
Authors can directly tell their audiences about their characters. They can come right out and tell you that the character is a shy nerd with lopsided glasses and hates his parents because of their poverty.
OR
They can indirectly tell you. Authors can let you come up with the conclusion that a character is shy or creative or defensive based upon that character’s actions, thoughts, speech, effect on others, actions, and looks.
Elements that taste good (when used correctly):
SIFT= Symbols, Imagery, Figurative Language, Tone/ Theme:
Symbol: Stands for itself, but also has a deeper meaning.
Example: The American flag is a visual representation for our country, however for many it is visual symbol for freedom, liberty, and many rights we hold as Americans.
Imagery: How does the author paint a picture as you read? What words is she using?
Figurative Language:
Simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, etc.
Tone/Theme:
Tone- the author’s attitude towards a subject.
Theme- the author’s message about life.
Leading Into your Short Story:
- Big Potato Lead= Jump into the middle of your story and give reader a taste of your action
- Snapshot lead= Create a picture in the reader’s mind; use 5 senses
- Talking lead= Begin with a line or two of dialogue
- Thinking lead= Begin with a thought inside a character’s mind.
- Surpirse Lead= Set up expectations, then surprise the reader