To win short story competitions, you need to pay attention to character development. Make your characters relatable and complex. Also, polish your writing style to make it clear and vivid.
No, a journal entry usually isn't considered a short story. Journal entries are often personal and spontaneous, while short stories are crafted with a plot and literary elements.
Well, writing a journal entry short story is all about capturing a moment. You can begin by thinking about what you want to share. It might be something small but meaningful. For instance, if you're writing about a visit to an old bookstore. Write about how you entered, the smell of old books, and the way the shelves were stacked. 'I walked into the bookstore, and the musty smell of aged paper hit me immediately. The shelves were filled with books of all shapes and sizes, like a treasure trove waiting to be explored.' Include details about your interactions, like talking to the owner or finding a rare book. Then sum it up by saying how that visit made you feel or what you learned from it.
To write a diary entry short story, first, choose a memorable event or feeling. Then, start with the date and a brief introduction like 'Today was an extraordinary day.' Describe the events in a chronological order. For example, if it's about a trip, talk about the journey, the people you met, and the places you saw. Use simple and vivid language to make it engaging. End with your thoughts or emotions related to the day, like 'I can't wait for the next adventure.'
Sure. A short story can be a diary entry when it focuses on a specific event or period in a character's life and is written in a diary-like style. It might have personal thoughts, feelings, and observations presented in a chronological manner.
Start by reflecting on the key elements of the story - characters, plot, and themes. Then, express your thoughts and feelings about them in a clear and organized way.
As someone who loves reading novels, I don't have any real-time updates to answer your questions about the short story contest. However, you can follow the relevant novel websites or social media accounts to find out if they are holding a short story competition or essay contest and participating. Some novel websites would also regularly publish essay questions and competition requirements. You could read them carefully and participate in the competition if you met the requirements.
One popular one is the Young Writers' Award. It offers great opportunities for YA writers to showcase their talent. There's also the Teen Ink Contest, which gets a lot of entries each year. Both provide good platforms for young writers to get noticed.
One key element is the personal perspective. Since it's a journal entry short story, it's about your view of things. For instance, if you're writing about a concert you attended. You'll write about how you felt when your favorite song was played, not just a general description of the concert. Another element is the sequence of events. You need to tell the story in a logical order. So if at the concert there were opening acts before the main performance, you'd describe them in the right order. Also, emotions are a big part of it. Whether it was excitement, disappointment, or awe during the concert, it should be clearly expressed. And don't forget the details of the setting. The size of the venue, the lighting, all these add to the story.