How to Write a Short Story in One Day
“Dear children, the class is over. But remember, you have an assignment to write a short story. The deadline is midnight tomorrow.” the teacher said.
After the teacher left, the whole classroom fell silent. Lots of confused faces filled the room. Although the basics were discussed by the homeroom teacher, most of the students still didn’t understand how to actually write a short story — especially within one day.
“Sam, how are we going to write a short story? I’ve never written one before, How are we going to complete the assignment” Anne whispered.
Sam sighed. “I don’t know either. How can anyone write a short story in one day?”
If you’ve ever felt like Sam and Anne,? Then trust me. You’re not alone. Writing a short story in one day may sound impossible — but with the right structure and focus, it is completely achievable. I’ll show you exactly how to write a short story in one day, even if you are a complete beginner.
In this guide, I am going to tell you how to create your own short story within one day by following few easy steps
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What is a Short Story? (Beginner Guide)
Before starting, let’s see what you know about short stories. Do you really know what a short story is? A short story is a brief piece of fiction that focuses on one main idea. The whole story builds up around this one central idea. But a short story is not just a shorter version of a novel. It is a concentrated burst of imagination. A short story often revolves around a single important event, decision, or one powerful emotion. It is designed to be read in one setting. Generally short stories have clear but past-paced structure with limited characters so that it can move straight to the heart of the matter. In short it usually contain
- One main roll (character) with limited characters
- One main problem
- A specific, intense moment or theme rather than a complex, full-length narrative.
- And it must have one clear Ending.
Most short stories contain between 1000 and 5000 words. some nearly goes to 7500 words. But it doesn’t matter whether the words are shorter than 1000 and above 5000 words. But remember short stories are not novels. Above 7500 word longer ones approaching novella length and under 1000 words called flash Fiction. However in those words you have to include·
- Characters
- Plots
- Setting
- Conflicts
- Resolution
I think now you have a clear idea about what a short story really is. Remember a well-written short story can be read in one sitting, yet it can stay in the reader’s mind for a long time.
Now it’s time to write your first short story.
Table of Contents
1 Preparing Yourself to Write a Short Story in One Day
2 Finding a Short Story Idea Quickly
3 Creating Memorable Characters
4 Decide the Mood of Your Short Story
5 Choosing the Perfect Setting
6 Plan Your Short Story Structure (Beginning, Middle, End)
7 How to Write Your Short Story (First Draft)
8 Adding Emotions to Your Story
9 Editing Your Short Story Quickly
10 Giving a Catchy Title to Your Short Story
11 Final Review
12 Short Story Writing Tips for Success (Beginner Friendly)
13 Common Mistakes in Short Story Writing
14 FAQ – Short Story Writing
15 Conclusion
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1. Preparing Yourself to Write a Short Story in One Day
Now you are ready to write. But once you decide to write a short story, don’t jump into writing immediately. Before starting to write, prepare yourself and your surroundings so that you can focus better. If you start writing and then get distracted by noise, missing tools, or interruptions, your creative flow will break Then and your time will be wasted.
So let’s prepare properly together. We will make your surroundings most suitable for writing your fresh short story.
i. How to choose a better place to write your short story
This place should be a quiet place where you can concentrate without disturbances. Too noisy a place can make you distracted and will make you unable to think properly. So my first suggestion is to select a place where you can pay much attention to your writing.
ii. Turn off your mobile phone
Mobile phones can disturb your focus. You should specially avoid social media when you start to write. Why? Social media can make one day to 100 days. Then your writing short story in one day will remain as only an unachieved dream.
iii. Decide a fixed time for writing
It doesn’t matter whether it’s morning or evening. But it is better not to have rushed. There is a sinhala proverb “Hadisiyata koros katewath atha da ganna ba”. That means you can’t even put your hand in a large jar when it is rushed.
iv. Keep your writing material ready
Book and pen or Laptop whatever you are going to use for your writing ready in a way you do not worry after you start writing. Because after you start those are not usable you have to find another one.
A calm environment and with trouble less materials helps you think clearly and leisurely. It leads you to write better.
2.Finding a Short Story Idea Quickly
As a beginner, it’s important to find a simple story idea. Simple ideas are usually better than deep or complex concepts when you’re just starting out. In fact, many good stories start with very simple ideas. A basic idea can develop into an interesting story as you develop it with characters, conflict, and emotion.
So, where can you find these simple ideas for your short story?
- From your previous experience
- From your daily life
- From the things around you
- Else you can take random thoughts
But after you select any idea do not go to write but question it. How we are going to do it. Ask yourself what if this does not happen as it happened or thought. As example
By post you got a birthday present from your best friend for your birthday. Think what happens if it doesn’t receive to you. You can think about whether it was lost in the post or your best friend forgot your birthday and didn’t send a gift.
However, to write a short story you have to choose a strong idea and you can focus only on that. If you have several focuses it will be hard for you. Therefore, avoid using several ideas in one short story.
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3. Creating Memorable Characters
In a short story, characters are its heart. So carefully you have to select characters according to your idea. We will see step by step how we do it.
i. Decide your main character
First you have to give this character a proper name. Decide his age, what the goal of this character is and how it builds your problem.
ii. Decide sub character or characters
This sub character should play to develop your main character and story. What is that? If you add a character that does not support your main character and focused idea it is a waste..
As well as do not add too many characters. It may confuse readers. One or two characters are enough for a short story. But those characters are strong enough to build your idea into a story.
4.Decide the Mood of Your Short Story
First, ask yourself how you are going to write your story. Is it happy? Sad? Scary? Romantic? Mysterious? Fear? Hope? Inspiration? Suspense? Excitement? Your answer will guide everything else. Whatever you choose, you should know that the mood is the emotional atmosphere of your story. As well as in a short story, it is better to focus on one dominant mood.
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5.Choosing the Perfect Setting
Did you know that setting is one of the most important elements that shape your story? Setting strongly influences the mood, character behavior, and conflict in the story. Setting typically includes the place, time, and environment in which events take place. These elements help your readers imagine the world of the story and understand how the characters react to their surroundings. In other words, the setting is closely related to the mood of the story. So be careful when you choose your setting. Let’s see how?
i. Place
This is where your story happens. It can be a country, village, school, hospital, bus stop, small room or even road. You can use the place to match your story mood.
Ex:
Mood Good place Setting Ideas
Horror Abandoned house, dark forest, road in a jungle
Romance Beach at sunset, café, small village road
Mystery Train station, rainy night city
Adventure Jungle, mountain, desert
ii. Time
In this setting you are going to decide when your story happens. What era do your characters belong to? It may be
Time effect to
iii. Environment
In the environment we are focusing on weather, culture, social condition, and atmosphere. For example a love story in a quiet village feels different from a love story in a busy city.
But remember sometimes the best stories happen when a character is placed in a strange or difficult environment. For example a rich person trapped in a poor neighborhood can create a story rather than the person trapped in a rich supermarket. However it all develops by your story idea.
Not only do mood fix with place but also with time and environment. For example a sad story fits well with a rainy evening.
Since short stories are short and this is your first short story, you should avoid too many locations and keep time limited. I suggest focusing on one main place in the exact time period and build up your story.
6.Plan Your Short Story Structure (Beginning, Middle, End)
Now that you have a basic idea of the characters, setting, and mood of your story, you’re ready to start writing. However, before you begin, it’s helpful to create a simple outline. Planning your story makes the writing process easier and more organized. A good way to do this is to divide your story into three main parts: a beginning, a middle, and an end. The beginning introduces the characters and the setting, the middle develops the conflict or problem, and the ending resolves the story.
i. Beginning
Here introduce your main character and story setting. You should show the main problem as well. This helps you tell your audience what this story is about.
ii. Middle
In this part you have to build your conflict and character struggles. How they are trying to solve problems.
iii. Ending
In the ending part you have to solve the problem and give a lesson, surprise or emotional ending for your readers.
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7.How to Write Your Short Story (First Draft)
When you start writing do not worry about grammar or mistakes. You are still a beginner. Time will correct your mistakes. So just start writing freely and only focus on completing the first draft. If you worry about grammar and stop correcting every sentence you have to spend more than one day to complete the first draft. Hence set a timer for two or three hours and write continuously. Your goal should be to finish the story first.
8.Adding Emotions to Your Story
A good story makes readers feel emotions for their readers. In several ways you can show feelings. Such as: through action, through words, through thoughts. You can start to express emotions by using simple descriptions to explain places, situations and how a character feels in that situation. Do not worry if you can’t write very well. Simple is best at the start. Add dialogs to make these situations and characters more natural.
Here is some Example for you:
“Although you neglect, I try my best,” she said softly, with tears in her eyes.
These types of lines can bind readers to your story.
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9.Editing Your Short Story Quickly
After you complete your first draft do not think you have done. Please wait a little more and take a short break. It is good you focus on another thing. Then read your story carefully. Think you are not a writer but a reader. Remove unnecessary sentences and unrelated words if available. Improve weak parts and remove over rated content. Balance as per your mind. Make sure the story flows smoothly from beginning to end. Now it’s time for you to correct spelling mistakes and grammar errors. Editing makes your story clear and professional.
10.Giving a Catchy Title to Your Short Story
Now you have already written your short story. Don’t you want a title? Yes. The title is the most essential part because it is the first thing readers see. So choose a short and sweet name. What is a short and sweet name? This name should be short and meaningful. Remember the title that you choose should match your story theme.
Here is some Example for you:
A good title can attract readers’ attention at first glance. It means a good title is a golden attraction.
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11.Final Review
Now you complete your story. You have edited the story and a title that fits your story. But before you think totally, read it again and see if it fits your taste. If it does not satisfy you how it could satisfy another one. But don’t take any decision to write away because it is your first short story. It is your golden feeling.
You can ask a friend to read and give feedback. After that you can share it on your social media platform, writing website or your blog. Sharing helps you to get confident and improve your skills. But remember if you continue to write with reviews it will be a grate benefit to you.
12.Short Story Writing Tips for Success (Beginner Friendly)
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13.Common Mistakes in Short Story Writing
i. Want to write a Very Big Story
Trust me as a beginner I also tried to include too many ideas, characters, and events in my very short story. I inserted many beautiful locations for each scene and I have created several conflicts at the same time. It makes my story totally chaotic. So I recommend that the better approach focus on one main idea or one important event.
ii. Too many characters
Based on my experience when I start to write I insert too many characters in my short story. I wanted to make at least 10 friends as characters. But in the middle of the story it confused me and my reviewers. So I recommend that you use 1 main character and 1–2 supporting characters.
iii. Boring Beginning
Here I tell you the most thinkable mistake all beginners do. Many first stories start with very ordinary sentences. Once upon a time. Now it is old and sometimes suitable for fairy tails. think fresh and start it in an attractive way. An attractive start is a key to attract your readers.
iv. No Clear Conflict
Remember without a proper conflict story is too boring. Most beginners choose a main character and then write he goes somewhere, talks to someone and comes. The story is complete. You are going to write a short story right? Then do one thing. When you find your idea, make a clear conflict that can clear flow. Like a mystery, a danger, a difficult decision, and so on.
v. Suddenly end the story
This is also a major mistake beginners make. They suddenly end the story and it can feel unsatisfying for readers. If readers are unsatisfied it affects your fan base. So remember to give a clear and meaningful ending to your story.
Q1. Do I need to use difficult words in my short story?
Some beginners think that good writing must use complicated vocabulary. They consider it as a quality of professionalism. But the thing you keep on your mind is that great storytelling is about clarity and emotion, not too difficult words. So I strongly advise as a beginner that a better approach is to use simple, clear language.
Q2. Do all short stories need a conflict?
Yes. Without conflict short stories are nothing. So include a conflict or problem to your story. You can freely decide what conflict you are going to use. But I can give you some examples. Such as when a secret is discovered, a difficult decision, a danger or challenge and on. However, keep in mind that conflict makes the story interesting.
Q3. How often should I practice writing?
Daily of course. A good routine for beginners is to at least write a short story for a week and read 2 short stories for a week. Regular practicing is the secret of improving writing quickly.
Q4. Where can I publish my short stories?
As a beginner you can publish your stories on your own personal blog, or writing websites like wattpad and webnovel. Online magazines are another digital platform where you can publish your very first Short story. Some writers are self-published eBooks. You can try it as well. These days Social media platforms are also very popular among new writers. Especially facebook.
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15.Conclusion
Writing a short story is not too difficult. But you can overcome writing a short story within one day with proper planning and dedication. You now know how to do it. By choosing a simple idea, creating strong characters, following a basic structure, and editing carefully, anyone can become a story writer. But you have to believe in yourself first. Then practice regularly and never give up. Every great writer is once a beginner. So never give up. Write your short story and share it with me.“Subha Pathum”
