A good story shares something that is important or interesting to the writer.

Here are some ideas, but remember the most important thing is to tell what you have to say!

All stories have a main character. The character faces a problem, or conflict. The character solves the problem. Quite often, the bigger the problem, the stronger the story is.

A short story can only describe one, or two, main characters. It has few scenes, and usually takes place in a short time span. It deals with one problem or idea. There might be only one main event, something important in the life of the main character. 

There can be other characters in the story. These characters might be villains, friends, wise helpers, and a joker. The characters who might be the cause of the problem, or who help the main character, or add a touch of humour and lighten things up.

A good author knows his or her characters really well. How old are they? What do they look like? Where are they? What they do? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What do they do when they are angry, happy or sad? What is the greatest thing they ever did? Do they have a secret that nobody knows about? What is their problem?

Every writer needs to have a clear idea of the problem, plot, setting and point of view. Who is telling the story? What type of story is it?

Direct speech, or dialogue, brings a story and its characters to life. What the characters say, think, and feel, keeps a story moving. It does not have to be perfect grammar. Dialogue gives readers a break from narrative and description.

Planning and Writing

There is a lot of planning to do before writing.

The main steps in planning a story are, 1, thinking about story ideas, 2, building character profiles, 3, deciding what the problem, conflict or main event is, 4, planning the plot, 5, planning the setting and scenes, 6, writing the story, and 7, revising, editing, and checking punctuation.

It is a good idea to use storyboards, planning sheets and writing frames.

Stories can start in different ways. They can go straight into the action, or begin with dialogue, or setting the scene, or a description of the main character or problem.

A strong opening makes the reader want to read on. It is best too keep the opening and closing paragraphs short.

The build up, climax or main event, and the solution to the problem, all happen in the middle of the story.

The characters might have to try a few different solutions to their problem, before they find one that works.

All the loose ends are tied together at the end of a traditional story. What do the characters think and feel now? Alternative endings can be a twist in the tale, or a cliffhanger. 

Good luck with your planning and writing

Visit this website with LOTS of information about writing a story.