Short Stories - Writing an Outline

Ideas and Techniques for Planning a Story.

Jun 18, 2008 Elaine Walker

The compact form of the short story requires different writing techniques to the novel. Reading and planning can form a foundation for success.

A short story offers brevity and readability in the same package. But this deceptively simple form is not the easy writing option it may seem. To achieve a satisfying read with a convincing resolution in a short form involves careful structuring, insightful development and economy of style. Identifying the techniques a skilful writer uses to engage a reader can be very helpful.

Reading as Research

Reading is the best way of learning about writing, though the learning is often unconsciousness. Indeed, the more skilful the writing, the less noticeable the techniques behind it are likely to be.

So, for a writer wanting to perfect the short story form, reading widely from a range of short story authors is vital, preferably across eras and genres. From among the many anthologies of short fiction available, The Story and Its Writer: An Introduction to Short Fiction by Ann Charters (Bedford/St. Martin’s: 1999) is particularly useful.

Going Beyond Personal Preference

This sort of research should not be limited to personal favourites in terms of genre or style. Writers can learn a great deal by developing the ability to step back and see the skill in another writer’s work, even if it has no appeal at all. Reading outside our comfort zone can make us alert to techniques that are easily missed when the story is written in a familiar or well-loved style.

Starting to Write

However, that familiar or well-loved style must appeal for a reason – starting to identify that reason can be useful for a new writer in getting their own first short story written.

Make a list of favourite short stories and sort them by theme and author noting any patterns that emerge. These may be obvious, such as having the same genre, in which case look a little deeper at the plot and characterisation or the style of the writing.

Choose two from the list and read them twice. The first time just go straight through then note down features which stand out. Are there strong characters, a neat ending, a deep message? Are they straightforward entertainment or more thought-provoking?

Then read them again and this time note down the structure and techniques. Are they first or third person, present or past tense? Is the story linear, retrospective, straightforward or complex?

Developing an Outline

While storylines can develop as the writing progresses, working from an outline can be especially useful in short fiction where ideas need to be contained in a restricted word count.

Write the outline for a short story using the structure identified from one of chosen stories. Then write an alternative outline which is a deliberate contrast.

Try using the following list as a writing prompt: a man; a dog; a long journey; an incident; a summer meadow; an expensive pen; a lost book; a very old tree; a death.

For more writing prompts, look at What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers by Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter (Harper-Collins, 1991).

Creating a Working Storyline

Now, refine and revise both outlines then either choose one to work on, or merge them to create a third as working model.

With a complete outline to use as a starting point, a finished short story is within reach.

The copyright of the article Short Stories - Writing an Outline in Writing Fiction is owned by Elaine Walker. Permission to republish Short Stories - Writing an Outline in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Read as much short fiction as possible!