One of the primary weaknesses in work by younger writers is lack of character development. That is, stories by beginning writers are often heavily plot-centered (usually some kind of tricky, clever, or surprise plot, or a plot made up wholly of sensational actions). The characters in these stories tend to be flat, generic, undistinguished—we really can't tell the difference between one and another except for superficial features. For a challenge, try writing a well-developed short story whose characters are fully fleshed-out, complex, distinct, and compelling as human beings. Start with an interesting character, and then develop a plot around him or her. This doesn't mean that you'll neglect other elements of the story (plot, setting, point of view, etc.), but your focus in this effort should be on character. Character Tips and Characterization What I'd like you to do now is develop a good short story based on the experience. That is, use the event as the groundwork for a story, with developed characters, setting, plot, and so on.
Evaluation CriteriaMake your story original and interesting, with a main character who is fully drawn and leaves an impression. Provide a title. Pay attention to pacing and scene development. Avoid sentimentality, cliches, and pat, closure-heavy, or twist endings. Minimum of 4 double-spaced pages with standard margins. Edit your sentences and proofread carefully. A = Exceptional. Meets all criteria very well and includes the "zing" factor: originality, memorableness, creativity. 27-30 pts. B = Good. Meets most criteria well, though one or two aspects of the story may be a bit weak. Lacks the originality or polish or "zing" factor of an A. 23-26 pts. C = Fair. Meets some criteria fairly well but is conspicuously weak in several areas. May lack editing and proofreading. 19-22 pts. D = Poor. Very weak in almost all areas, but is saved by at least minimal attention to one or two important criteria. 15-18 pts. F = Unacceptable. None of the criteria are met, or two or more areas are so agregious that the rest of the story fails as a result. less than 15 pts.
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