Entries tagged with “creative” from Dennis G. Jerz

Show, Don't (Just) Tell

Don't just tell me your brother is funny... show me what he says and does, and let me decide whether I want to laugh. To convince your readers, show, don't just tell them what you want them to know.

There.  I've just told you something.  Pretty lame, huh? Now, let me show you.

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Short Stories: Developing Ideas for Short Fiction

24 May 2008 -- Dennis G. Jerz

A short story is tight -- there is no room for long exposition, there are no subplots to explore, and by the end of the story there should be no loose ends to tie up.  End right at the climax, so that the reader has to imagine how a life-changing event will affect the protagonist.

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Short Stories: 10 Tips for Creative Writers (Kennedy and Jerz)

What is a Short Story?

A short story begins as close to the conclusion as possible, and grabs the reader from the very first line. It conserves character and scenes, typically focuses on just one problem, and drives towards a sudden, unexpected revelation. (Kathy Kennedy and Dennis G. Jerz)

  1. Get Started: Emergency Tips
  2. Write a Catchy First Paragraph
  3. Develop Your Characters
  4. Choose a Point of View
  5. Write Meaningful Dialogue
  6. Use Setting and Context
  7. Set up the Plot
  8. Create Conflict and Tension
  9. Build to a Crisis or a Climax
  10. Deliver a Resolution
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