From Character to Short Story Plot

By Rayne Hall, @RayneHall

Part of the Focus on Short Fiction Series

JH: Not every story starts with plot—some start with character. Rayne Hall shares tips and exercises to develop your short story idea by developing your character.

Today, I want you to pick out one of the short story ideas dancing around in your head. Most writers have a lot of half-formed ideas, all demanding to be written. Choose one of them, and I’ll show you how to refine your idea by focusing on the main character

1. In the scenario of your vague idea, who wants or needs something?
Choose her as the main character, and write the story from her perspective character. (I use the female pronoun; you can of course choose to write about a male.)
Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com