Well, first, the theme among the 12 elements. Decide on a strong theme like love, loss or revenge. This will guide the whole story. Then, consider the conflict. It could be internal, like a character's self - doubt, or external, such as a character vs. another character or the environment. For instance, in a survival short story, the external conflict could be the harsh elements. Regarding the point of view, choosing first - person can make the story more personal and engaging.
To effectively use the 12 elements of short story, start with the exposition. This is where you introduce the setting, characters and initial situation. For example, in a coming - of - age short story, you might introduce a young protagonist in a small town. Next, the rising action builds tension. Maybe the character faces a series of small problems that lead to a bigger crisis. The climax is the turning point. In a love story, it could be the moment of confession. And the falling action and resolution tie up the loose ends and give the story a satisfying end.