Common perception: Short stories seem difficult to write.
Key issues: Short length, character development, and impactful endings.
Goal: Simplify the process into a four-step method.
Four Basic Parts of a Short Story
Character in a Particular Predicament
Essential component: A character (human, animal, or setting).
The predicament forms the heart of the story (conflict).
Conflicts can be:
Internal (character flaws)
External (situational issues)
Theme: The unspoken core idea that relates to the character's change.
Example: "Jasmine's Brows and Cuts" - Jasmine lost her job, leading to her starting an eyebrow waxing business.
Event that Disrupts the Predicament
Identifies an inciting incident that causes the story to unfold.
Example: The arrival of Sada, a confident woman, disrupts Jasmine's world view about beauty standards.
Disruptive events are often external conflicts exacerbating internal struggles.
Event Peaks
The climax where the predicament begins to shift due to the disruptive event.
It acts like a tipping point, leading to progression or regression of the character.
Example: Sada's confidence challenges Jasmine's ingrained beliefs about beauty.
Final Revelation
A crucial moment where the character’s perspective changes in relation to their predicament.
Important for recontextualizing the story.
Example: Jasmine reflects on her own beauty and self-perception during her interaction with Sada, realizing she has a choice about how she views herself.
Conclusion
Emphasizes the necessity of character change in short stories.
Encourages new writers to ensure their character experiences some transformation, whether positive or negative.
Final thoughts: Short stories are manageable and can be learned through practice.
Invitation: Share favorite short stories; links to recommendations provided.