Entry for the 2014 FOBISIA Short Story Writing Competition with the theme of ‘Magic?’ is now open.

Once again there are 2 divisions, running in the same format as previous years.

Primary (Year 3-6)  600 word limit

Secondary (open)  1000 word limit

Shrewsbury International School Senior entries are due on March 21st.

See your teacher for details.

See this Blog’s posts on last year winners. You can also download the  2010 and 2011 Ebook.

30 Tips for Short Story Writing

1. Read good short stories by good short story writers. Ask a librarian or your teacher for suggestions.
2. Write in the third person unless a really distinctive first-person voice is irresistible.
3. Never use the passive where you can use the active. The man was bitten by the dog. (passive)The dog bit the man. (active). The active is better because it’s shorter and more forceful.
4. Give your story a title sooner than later. Change it later if you wish. Consider a title that is surprising or creates mystery.
5. Try to use fewer words than more when describing something. Don’t go into great detail. Make every word count. Don’t give detailed descriptions of characters, especially their physical appearance. You can reveal more about character in dialogue.
6. Don’t open the story talking about the weather.
7. Write about what you know, things you’ve experienced – but don’t be afraid to use your imagination to help bring the reader into your world.
8. Don’t use anything other than ‘said ‘to carry dialogue or be very sparingly with alternatives. “Donna,” I said, “I’d better go.”
9. It is vital that the opening sentence and paragraph grab the reader’s attention.
10. Avoid overly long sentences, although variation in the length of sentences can be effective as well.
11. Never modify ‘said’ with an adverb. For example ‘said admiringly’.
12. Don’t use exclamation marks or if you do, use only one!
13. Avoid clichés and common expressions such as ‘all hell broke loose’, ‘he went ballistic’ etc and words like ‘suddenly’ and ‘dramatically’.
14. Use dialogue as a form of action and to advance narrative (the story).
15. Read your story aloud to be sure of the rhythm of the sentences. Listen to what you have written. If it doesn’t catch your imagination, only your mum will want to read it. Write a story you’d like to read.
16. Don’t edit until you have finished your first draft – just write it. Have a complete break between completion and editing.
17. Reread, rewrite, reread & rewrite again. A well written story is seldom found in the first draft. Cut until you can cut no more Less is always better. Always. What is left often springs to life.
18. Never use ‘then’ as a conjunction – use ‘and’. Don’t use too many ‘ands’.
19. Interesting verbs and adjectives are seldom interesting.
20. Use metaphors and similes sparingly. Use one you’ve never heard before.
21. Trust your reader. Not everything needs to be explained.
22. Try to capture the reader’s interest and, empathy for, your characters.
23. Don’t repeat a distinctive word unless you want to create a specific effect.
24. Pay attention to names of characters and places (Dolores Haze), although don’t make them improbable either (Renesmee).
25. Try to build your story around a key question.
26. Every sentence should do one of two things –reveal character or advance the action.
27. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.
28. Almost never use a long, technical, or obscure word if a short word will do.
29. Take a notebook to somewhere public, like the library, a sports field or canteen: Listen to how people really talk, what they say. Write down your favourite sentences you hear and use them in your story.
30. Follow all, some or none of the above. Have your own style.

For further information see this short video http://video.openroadmedia.com/b7ai/authors-on-writing-short-stories/