Ethel Said:

How can I write a short story?

We Answered:

Make the conflict pre-existing. Like, make sure your reader knows what it is but make it clear that it's been going on for a little while.

Make sure your character has momentum/motivation to solve the conflict.

Try to reduce the story to one or two scenes.

Show don't tell. Reveal character through their actions.

Shelly Said:

How to write a great story that is only two pages double spaced?

We Answered:

Basically "don't tell, but show" just means be descriptive. In other words, don't say, "he went to the store. He bought a loaf of bread." Be descriptive and elaborate (i.e. "He walked into the store, and for a second he thought he saw a familiar face. He almost impulsively asked the classic 'do I know you from somewhere?', but, in the end, he decided to walk off and forget about it, despite his desire for human interaction."

Ronnie Said:

How to write and actually finish a story?

We Answered:

Hey

Okay, it might be a good idea to begin writing short stories. The deadline is easier to meet, and then you can expand this deadline and then write novellas etc.

Also if you know what the ending is, it might be easier for you to write, all you have to do is get there.

But when writing when going with the flow - I would suggest to start small.

How to write a good story with a good plot:
- Write for yourself
- Make it as original as possible. Create interesting characters, intense emotions and suspense
- Practice writing and read a lot to naturally improve grammar, vocabulary etc
- Write out a chapter, then annotate it. Highlight the bits to improve, and highlight the bits have been done well

x

Byron Said:

How can I write a 2nd person story without overusing the word "you"?

We Answered:

I think the actual point of second person is to use the word "you". Personally, I wouldn't try to change it. Second person is meant to give the reader a view of what they are actually doing; using just descriptions makes it seem like the tense is changing. I would just keep it with the yous, because it gets a point across, like a story is meant to.

As for a longer story - set yourself up with a longer plot, something that you can't wrap up in fifty pages. And if you can't, add another plot to a fifty-pager.

Hope this helps!

Jacob Said:

How do you write a character written short story?

We Answered:

Well I would definitely start with your characters. Since character driven plots are all about them, you want to have strong developed characters. Plan them out thoroughly. Know their likes/dislikes, quirks, pet peeves, history and personality. Know them like you would your best friend. Then know your plot. What do you want to happen in the story? How is it going to start and end? How are each of your characters going to fit into them.

Character driven stories have plots that are moves along BY the characters. The protagonist does something or or even doesn't do something that causes and effect and drives the story forward.

Here is an article that depicts what makes a character driven story, it should help you get an idea of to write one.

http://www.simegen.com/school/beginners/…

Good luck.