Overview
This lecture by Mary Robinette covers the structure and core principles of writing short stories, focusing on the MICE Quotient, proportion, and building effective, emotionally resonant short fiction, particularly flash fiction.
The Nature of Short Stories
- Short stories deliver a focused emotional impact, unlike novels, which are immersive experiences.
- Readers seek a specific emotional “punch” from short stories, not a long, drawn-out journey.
The MICE Quotient Structure
- The MICE Quotient defines four story drivers: Milieu, Inquiry, Character, Event.
- Milieu stories: start with entering a place, end with exiting; conflicts relate to navigation or survival in the space.
- Inquiry stories: begin with a question, end with its answer; conflicts block the solution.
- Character stories: about a character’s self-change; start with unhappiness/internal struggle, end with resolution or new self-identity.
- Event stories: a disruption to the status quo; end when a new normal is established.
- Most stories are a blend of MICE threads, nested to build complexity.
Story Structure & Proportion
- Open and close story threads in a nested, orderly fashion to avoid unsatisfying or confusing endings.
- The “attention thread” (reader’s interest) builds tension the longer a thread remains open, resulting in a stronger climax.
- The length of a story can be estimated with:
(number of characters + number of locations) Ă— 750 Ă— MICE elements Ă· 1.5.
Flash Fiction Exercise & Openings
- Effective openings establish “Who, Where, and Genre” within three sentences, using concrete sensory details and character action or attitude.
- Limit flash fiction to two characters and one location to control word count.
- Introduce conflict early: in flash fiction, hint at past try-fail cycles to save space.
Conflict: The Try-Fail Cycle
- Characters attempt to achieve goals but fail, increasing stakes or complicating the problem (“yes, but” or “no, and”).
- Each action should have a consequence, propelling the narrative.
- Use at least one clear try-fail cycle in very short fiction.
Endings and Resolutions
- Endings should mirror the opening, reflecting on changes in character, location, and mood/genre.
- Close out all opened MICE elements to provide a satisfying conclusion.
Q&A Highlights
- If the character’s goal changes mid-story, signal this to the reader and ensure all opened threads are resolved.
- Even longer stories should establish genre, who, and where early (first three sentences), though not all details need to be specific.
- Urban fantasy needs to ground readers in the world quickly, balancing magical and technological cues.
Key Terms & Definitions
- MICE Quotient — Organizational theory categorizing story conflicts as Milieu, Inquiry, Character, or Event.
- Try-Fail Cycle — A character tries to achieve a goal but fails, escalating the conflict.
- Flash Fiction — Ultra-short stories (typically under 1,000 words) delivering a tight narrative and emotional effect.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Write a 250-word flash fiction story with: a science fiction genre, jockey character, and a “coaster.”
- Ensure the story has a clear beginning (setup), middle (try-fail cycle), and end (resolution).
- Limit to two characters and one location.
- Reflect on openings: establish who, where, and genre in the first three sentences.