How to start a really good short story?

To start a good short story, you need a captivating idea. Maybe it's a unique situation, a mysterious character, or a twisty plot point. Just something that grabs the reader's attention right away.

Start with a captivating idea. Build interesting characters and a compelling plot. Keep it concise and focused.

First, think of an interesting idea. It could be based on your own experiences, something you've dreamed of, or a unique concept. Then, plan out the main events and characters. Make them compelling and relatable.

To start writing really short flash fiction, begin by observing the world around you. Notice small details, like the way a leaf falls or how a person looks at their phone. These can be the seeds for your story. Then, decide on a feeling or emotion you want to convey, such as curiosity or sadness. For instance, if you choose curiosity, you might start with a line like 'She saw the strange mark on the wall and couldn't resist touching it.' Next, build on that initial idea very briefly, adding just enough to make it a story.

To write a really good short story, you need to engage the reader's emotions. You can do this by creating characters that the reader can care about. Build tension in the story. This can be achieved through conflict, whether it's internal (a character's struggle with themselves) or external (a character against another character or a situation). And use language in a creative way. Use metaphors and similes to make your descriptions more vivid. For example, 'Her eyes were like stars in the night sky' gives a much more vivid image than simply saying 'She had beautiful eyes'.

Just start with an interesting idea or a character. Let your imagination flow and don't worry too much about making it perfect at first.

Starting with a bunch of backstory or exposition is a no-no. Jump right into the action or an interesting moment that hooks the reader's attention and makes them want to know more.

A really short story usually has a simple plot and few characters. It gets to the point quickly without a lot of background or subplots.

First, think of an interesting idea or concept. It could be something like a unique character, a strange situation, or a fascinating location.

Start with an idea. It could be something you've experienced, a dream, or just a random thought. For example, if you once had a strange encounter at a train station, that could be the basis. Then, think about the main character. Who are they? What do they want?