Short Story A Day Framework

SHORT STORY FRAMEWORK
Use the StoryADay Short Story Framework to plan a story that:
• stays on track, with a beginning, a middle and an end

• is satisfying for the reader
• you can finish in one day
Even if you don’t normally plan your stories, don’t be afraid of this framework. It
simply contains all the elements you need to start and finish a short story.
• Stories live because of a character who wants something, but can’t have it.
• The middle of the story is where you complicate things. Every incident grows
out of the previous actions of the main character.
• You’ve finished your story when something has changed (or the opportunity
for change has arrived and your character has dismissed it).
• Finish with a closing image/thought that reflects the theme of the story.
Use the framework to plan, then write your story today. You can do it!
On page 2, you’ll find the framework. Print it out and use it. 
On page 3, you’ll find my example. Notice I haven’t decided on then ending yet. I’ll
see how I feel when I start writing.
On page 4, find typical short story length and my #1 tip for delighting readers.
For more short story tips, be sure to check out StoryADay.org
WANT MORE LIKE THIS? VISIT STORYADAY.ORG 1

A ________________________________________(adjective) _________________________________________(noun)
__________________________________________(strong verb)_____________________________________(subject)
so they _______________________________________________________________________________________(verb),
and because of that___________________________________________________________________________(verb),
and because of that __________________________________________________________________________(verb)
until _________________________________________________________________________(something changes)
and___________________________________________________________________________(what has changed?).
Closing question/statement/image: ________________________________________________________________.

ambitious mommy
A ________________________________________(adjective) _________________________________________(noun)
is pursuing acceptance at a prestigious college for her kid

__________________________________________(strong verb)_____________________________________(subject)
hires a tutor (but it doesn’t help)

so they _______________________________________________________________________________________(verb),
hires someone to take the test, but he gets caught

and because of that___________________________________________________________________________(verb),
hires a hit man to take out the ringer before he testifies

and because of that __________________________________________________________________________(verb)
her husband/kid intervenes and tries to talk sense into her

until _________________________________________________________________________(something changes)
a, she decides to turn herself in OR
b, torches her house and prepares to flee to Mexico
and___________________________________________________________________________(what has changed?).
a, sipping a last, oversized glass of white wine in her vast kitchen OR

Closing question/statement/image: ________________________________________________________________.
b, standing outside the smoking ruins, passport in hand…

Short Story Lengths My #1 Tip For Delighting Readers
Make them feel clever
Micro/Nano: 140 characters- 250 words I. Don’t spoon-feed them. Don’t be afraid to leave gaps in
Drabble: 100 words the story (or backstory). People who like short stories, like
filling in the gaps. It makes them feel smart.
Flash Fiction: 250-1,000 words
Sudden Fiction/Short-Shorts: II. Give the title a double meaning, something that only
becomes clear after they read the story (for example, Steve
1,000-2,500 words
Almond’s story “Stop” is about a highway rest stop, and a
Short Story: 1,000-7,500 words girl who won’t. He ends the story with “She persists”.)
Novelettes: 7,500-17,000 words
III. Create an opening image then echo it, at the end. Allow
Novellas: 17,000-40,000 words the contrast to remind the reader something has changed,
Novel: 40,000+ (but probably around or come full circle. If characters are eating breakfast at the
start, and sipping a nightcap at the end, the reader feels like
90,000) 
the story is balanced. If we see them on the run at the start,
and safely behind closed doors at the end, it feels
Sweet spot for magazines that publish intentional.
new writers: 2,000-3,000 words When the reader notices these touches they (say it with
me) feel clever…which makes them like you and seek out
more of your writing!

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SHORT STORY FRAMEWORK

Use the StoryADay Short Story Framework to plan a story that:

• stays on track, with a beginning, a middle and an end

For more short story tips, be sure to check out StoryADay.org

WANT MORE LIKE THIS? VISIT STORYADAY.ORG 1

and because of that___________________________________________________________________________(verb),

and because of that __________________________________________________________________________(verb)

until _________________________________________________________________________(something changes)

and___________________________________________________________________________(what has changed?).

Closing question/statement/image: ________________________________________________________________.

WANT MORE LIKE THIS? VISIT STORYADAY.ORG 2

is pursuing acceptance at a prestigious college for her kid

hires a tutor (but it doesn’t help)

hires someone to take the test, but he gets caught

hires a hit man to take out the ringer before he testifies

her husband/kid intervenes and tries to talk sense into her

a, sipping a last, oversized glass of white wine in her vast kitchen OR

WANT MORE LIKE THIS? VISIT STORYADAY.ORG 3

WANT MORE LIKE THIS? VISIT STORYADAY.ORG 4

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