What are the key elements of short story writing?

Well, first of all, a short short story needs a concise idea. It can't be too complex. Then, the characters should be distinct. You might only have one or two, but they need to stand out. For instance, a kind old man in a story. The action should be focused. Maybe it's just the old man helping a stray cat. And there has to be some sort of resolution, like the cat finding a new home thanks to the old man. This makes the story feel complete in a short space.

First, there's the character. A character with a distinct personality, like a grumpy old fisherman. Second, the plot which should be straightforward. The fisherman loses his lucky fishing rod. Third, the setting, say a small fishing village by the sea. In a short short story, these elements need to be combined tightly. For example, 'The grumpy old fisherman in the small fishing village was in despair when he lost his lucky fishing rod. But as he searched the shore, he found something even more valuable - a message in a bottle.'

Character, plot and setting are key. Characters drive the story, plot is what happens, and setting gives the context.

Characters are key. They should be well - developed, even in a short story. Give them distinct personalities, goals, and flaws. Another element is the plot. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. There should be some sort of conflict, like a character against another character or a character against a situation. Setting is also important. It can influence the mood of the story.

Character is crucial. You need to create a character that readers can relate to or be interested in. For example, a unique detective or a curious child. Plot is another key. There should be a clear beginning, middle, and end. Maybe a problem at the start, like a missing treasure, and a solution at the end. Setting also matters. A spooky old mansion or a bustling city street can set the mood. For a 500 - word short story, you have to be concise with these elements. You can't waste words on long descriptions. Every word should move the story forward.

A clear plot. For example, in a short story about a detective solving a case, the plot should be straightforward like he gets a case, follows the clues, and catches the criminal. Also, interesting characters. They don't have to be complex but should be engaging, like a curious child in a story about a mysterious attic. And a setting that helps set the mood. If it's a spooky story, a dark, old house as the setting works well.

One key element is the proper citation of sources within the text. This means using the author's name and page number when referring to the short story. Another is the correct formatting of the works - cited page at the end.

One key element is setting up expectations. For example, if you introduce a character as very lucky, the reader expects things to go well for them. Then, you subvert those expectations, like the lucky character losing everything in a sudden turn of events. Another element is the use of irony in the plot. This could be situational, like a fireman's house burning down. Also, the characters should be believable. If they are too outlandish, the irony may not land well. For instance, if a character is a world - class chef but can't cook a simple meal for himself at home, the believability of the character makes the irony stronger.

The key elements in a good short story include a strong conflict. This could be a person against another person, like in a rivalry, or a person against nature, say, a sailor fighting a storm. Also, the use of vivid language helps. Descriptive words make the story come alive. For example, instead of just saying 'the tree was big', you could say 'the ancient oak tree towered over the small clearing, its gnarled branches reaching out like twisted arms'. And a satisfying ending is crucial. It can be a happy ending, a sad one, or an open - ended one that makes the reader think.

Well, first of all, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to exaggerate. It could be a character's trait like being very lazy (saying they haven't moved in a century). Then, the setting can also play a role. You can make the setting seem more extreme with hyperbole, like a town so small that you can sneeze and cover it all. And finally, the story should have a point. Whether it's to make people laugh or to teach a simple lesson, the hyperbole should serve a purpose in the short story.