How to Write Your Own Short Story

A step-by-step guide to help you brainstorm, draft, and finish your very own short story. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Pick your main character. Think of someone or something interesting to be your hero. Ask yourself: What do they want more than anything else? It could be a new bicycle, a lost treasure, or just to make a friend.
2. Create a problem. A story needs a challenge. What is standing in your character's way? Maybe a dragon is guarding the bicycle, or the map to the treasure is missing a piece. This is called the 'conflict'.
3. Plan the beginning, middle, and end. Start by introducing your character. In the middle, have them try to solve their problem. At the end, show how they succeeded or learned something new. Ask a grown-up to help you brainstorm if you get stuck.
4. Write your first draft. Just start writing! Don't worry about spelling or perfect grammar yet. The goal is to get your ideas out of your head and onto the paper.
5. Read and polish. Read your story out loud. Does it sound like you intended? Change any words you don't like, and fix your spelling. If you want, ask a grown-up to read it with you and offer feedback.