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Writing a short story

It pays to read plenty of short stories to see what other writers do if you want to learn how to write an effective short story. It is a useful way to learn some of the techniques writers use. The more stories you analyse, the more it will benefit your writing.

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Features of short stories

What are the features of a short story? Use your readings of the two stories 'Going Home' and 'Johnny Blue' to help you.

A short story:

  • can be read in one sitting - there is no room for wasted words
  • has a limited number of characters
  • has a main character who will face some conflict, problem or dilemma. He or she may not overcome this problem but may learn something as a result of this problem. Even if the character fails to learn anything from this experience the reader will usually come away with a lesson learnt
  • usually has only one setting
  • has one conflict, problem or dilemma
  • has one plot line
  • has a title.
Check your answer

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Write the introduction to a short story. You can use one of the ideas from the link below.

Story ideas