ESSAY: WRITING A SHORT STORY Instructions:
Construct a plot outline. Place the presentation of actions to accommodate temporal, special, and dramatic mood changes. Locate scenes and incidents in specific places. Include a sequence of events and communicate their significance to the audience. You may use a storyboard illustration to depict the events or scenes of your story. Storyboards may be used to plan a video or map out the events in a story. The boxes in a storyboard contain drawings as well as text. Your text may appear outside or under the box. Be sure that your plot has a dilemma, at least one complication, a climax, and a resolution.
Example of a story board:

Write a short story using the plot outline and character sketches you have prepared. Use dialogue, narration, and description in developing the four short story elements. Briefly state the theme of your story. Make effective use of descriptions of appearances, images, shifting perspectives and sensory details. Describe scenes with concrete sensory details (sights, sounds, smells). Include specific actions, movements, gestures and feelings by using interior monologues. Your story should be at least 500 words long.
When a story has been completed, it should be reread carefully. Mechanical errors should be corrected and any inconsistencies or shortcomings noted. If you find that the plot does not flow smoothly, recheck your plot outline. Make sure that no steps were left out and that your story has no loose ends. Be sure that the style of your story suits the subject matter. Tone should not clash with atmosphere. Check your characters' diction as carefully as you check your own to be sure that the dialogue is realistic, appropriate to the character, and easy to follow.
Revise your story. Make any needed corrections on your rough draft. When you are certain that it meets all stylistic and technical requirements, copy it and turn it in.