How to choose the right tone for a story?

It depends on the genre and theme of your short fiction. For example, if it's a mystery, a darker and more suspenseful tone might work. Know your characters and their motivations to determine the appropriate tone.

You can also get inspiration from literature or movies. For example, if you like the name Frodo from 'The Lord of the Rings', you could use a similar - sounding or themed name. Or if there's a character in a movie with a name that you think would fit your story, adapt it. Additionally, try saying the name out loud with the character's dialogue to see if it flows well. If it sounds awkward, it might not be the right name for your story.

Look for engaging characters. If the characters are interesting, you'll stay hooked for 2 hours. For example, a story about a brave adventurer. Also, consider the genre. If you like fantasy, choose a story with magic and mythical creatures. Another factor is the writing style. A vivid and descriptive style will make the two hours fly by.

First, consider the length. A shorter story is usually better for toddlers at bedtime as they may not have a long attention span. Second, look at the theme. Calming themes like love, friendship or simple daily routines are good. For example, stories about animals going to sleep. Third, the language should be simple and easy to understand. Avoid complex words or long sentences. Simple rhymes can also be great as they are easier for toddlers to follow.

Look at the theme of the short story. If it's about love, words like 'affection', 'devotion' and 'passion' are suitable. Another way is to read other short stories in the same genre. Notice the words they use and how they create an impact. For instance, in a mystery short story, words such as 'clue', 'puzzle' and'secret' are often used to build suspense.

You can start by picking a genre you like. Then, find a story in that genre, whether it's a book, a movie, or an audio tale.

Think about mythology. In Roman mythology, Jupiter is the king of the gods. Naming a planet in your story Jupiter could imply that it's a very powerful and important planet. Maybe it has a grand civilization or is the center of a large inter - planetary alliance. Another option is Neptune, which is named after the Roman god of the sea. It could be a watery, mysterious planet full of secrets in your story.

When choosing background music for a love story, you need to look at the characters. If the characters are young and energetic, modern pop love songs might be suitable. For more mature and sophisticated characters, classical music pieces like those by Chopin could be a good option. Also, the pacing of the story matters. For a fast - paced love story with lots of action and quick developments, faster - tempo music is needed. But for a slow - burning, gradual love story, slow and gentle music is better. You also have to ensure that the music doesn't overpower the narrative but rather enhances it.

Choosing the right word for a short story is crucial. It's not just about finding a big or fancy word. You need to think about how it fits into the overall narrative. For instance, if your story is about a journey, words like 'trail', 'destination', and 'hurdle' can be great choices. These words help the reader visualize the story better. Also, words that have multiple meanings can add depth. For example, 'bend' can refer to a physical curve in a road or a person's will. Using such words cleverly can make your short story more engaging.

Think about the mood of the story. If it's a happy story, choose upbeat music like some lively children's songs or fast - paced instrumental pieces. For a spooky story, music with minor keys and a bit of mystery in it, like some Halloween - themed music with soft organ sounds would be appropriate.