Notes on Short Story Writing Lecture

Introduction

• Discussion on a method to construct a short story shared by Antonya Nelson, a renowned short story author.
• Personal experience with short story writing and success in contests.
• The method offers flexibility in creativity with a structured framework.

Nine Steps to Writing a Short Story

1. Write about Personal Experience

• Utilize personal experiences for deeper story material.
• Real-life events can be a starting point but alter them for narrative purposes.
• Examples from famous authors: James Baldwin, Philip Roth, Tim O'Brien, Alice Munro.
• Personal example: Story about a chess tournament stemming from personal interest in chess.

2. Rewrite from a Different Point of View (POV)

• Experiment with various POVs to find the best perspective.
• Choose a POV with a character who has stakes in the story.
• Examples: Jorge Luis Borges' unusual POVs.
• Personal example: Strong female lead as the narrator.

3. Create a Ticking Clock

• Introduce a deadline to create suspense and anticipation.
• Examples: Cinderella's midnight, "Run Lola Run", TV show "The Bear".
• Personal example: Chess tournament as the ticking clock.

4. Develop Props or Objects

• Objects should have sentimental value and drive the plot.
• Should appear throughout the story (beginning, middle, end).
• Examples: Frodo's ring, the top in Inception, shirts in "Brokeback Mountain".
• Personal example: Father's championship football ring.

5. Create a Transitional Situation

• Identify a pivotal change in the character’s life.
• Could be a major life change or a subtle shift.
• Examples: "A Good Man is Hard to Find", "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty".
• Personal example: Character deciding to enter a chess tournament.

6. Add a World Event

• Connect the story to known historical events or figures.
• Enhances realism and marketability.
• Example: Hillary Mantel's "The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher".
• Personal example: Cheating in a chess tournament reflecting current events.

7. Incorporate Binary Forces

• Create tension through opposition or contrasting characters.
• Examples: Hunter vs. prey, innocent vs. experienced.
• Enhances narrative conflict and interest.

8. Use Freytag’s Pyramid

• Structure the story with rising action, climax, and resolution.
• Consider alternative structures but adapt as needed.
• Personal example: Chess story with rising action and climax.

9. Experiment

• Encourage creativity beyond the structured steps.
• Try unconventional formats or metafiction.
• Personal example: Open creativity without specific formal experimentation.

Conclusion

• Encourages experimentation and creativity in short story writing.
• Invites feedback and interaction from the audience.