Short Story
In a 2800 to 3500 word paper, write a short story. This story may be on any topic but it should have the following components:
1. It must contain at least two characters.
2. The story may be told from a single point of view (first person, third person limited, third person omniscient, and so forth) throughout.
3. It must contain correctly formatted dialogue.
4. Setting must be clearly defined.
5. All stories must have titles, and the titles should fit the story's content.
As you develop your stories, consider the following questions:
1. Have you chosen the best elements of the story to deliver through the narrative?
2. Have you chosen the best elements of the story to dramatize through dialogue?
3. Have you described the setting in a way that also develops character?
4. Have you described characters in ways that show their inner psychologies? Their values? Their motivations and backgrounds?
5. Does each character speak in an individualized fashion so that all statements reveal his or her character?
6. Is the dialogue correctly formatted?
7. Can readers always tell who is speaking?
8. Can the reader tell what the main character wants?
9. Does the main character face a sufficient challenge to make the story interesting?
10. Does the main character have to change to over come this challenge?
11. Is the point of view chosen appropriate to the story?
12. Does the story stay in one point of view throughout?
13. Did you remember to show not tell (to dramatize key story elements, rather than relate them through exposition)?
Have all excess words been cut from the story?