Writeropolis Media

Short stories offer a unique lens to explore the complexities of the human experience.

Seasoned short story authors — or those looking to jump into the form — should consider improving their skills by evaluating short stories. The process often involves critically examining various characteristics, including character development, narrative structure, and stylistic choices, among other elements.

Learn how to evaluate a short story that resonates with audiences.

A 3 part formula

Break your story into three parts, the same as any other story. These three parts are crucial as they form the backbone of your story’s structure. If the story lacks these three elements, consider adding more words to make it so.

1. Beginning: Your story should immediately show intent. How does the story start? What is the central event?
2. Middle: Your story should show growth or conflict on the page as you move the reader forward. Due to the inherent brevity in the form, lean on growth and cultivating a conflict to your advantage. What is the subtext? What events happened in the past that provide backstory? Does it influence the central event?
3. End: Your story should have a resolution. You don’t have to spell it out for readers; it could immediately end on a surprise event. But think about what kind of ending the story has and how impactful you want it to be.

If you’re reading someone else’s short story, examine the text for these elements. If they’re not immediately clear to you, how would you section the story so that there was a beginning, middle, and end?

The five elements that every short story needs

A reader should be able to identify the following elements when reading your short story. As a writer, it’s your job to ensure that they’re present in the story.

1. Plot: Describe the plot in a few lines.
2. Characters: Identify the protagonist, the antagonist, and supporting characters, if any.
3. Goal: What is the main character’s goal, and what conflict hinders that goal?
4. Theme: Write down the theme in a single sentence. What is the big revelation, opinion, or message?
5. Setting: Where and when does the story take place? Does it influence the story?

The art of subjectivity in short story evaluation

Your thoughts and perspectives are invaluable in the evaluation process. When formulating your opinions, elaborate on your reasoning and any personal experiences that might have influenced your views. Use the list below as a starting point:

1. Author’s style.
2. Tone of the story.
3. Use of the senses.
4. Do you like the story?
5. Is it coherent?

Is it time for an appraisal?

If you still find short story writing to be challenging, an appraisal might be helpful. An appraisal is an opportunity to receive valuable feedback about the story from a qualified, third-party individual. Finding someone to read your work depends on how far along you are on your writer’s journey.

For authors on a budget, there are options to find beta readers or join a fiction workshop group.

The question of ‘why’ is not just about posting content; it’s about the purpose and intent behind your messages. Creating consistent and fresh content is a challenge and a significant opportunity for brands and businesses looking to stand out. It’s a chance to inspire, connect, and engage with an audience in new and exciting ways.

A strong ‘why’ can be the driving force that inspires creativity, shapes your story, and, most importantly, connects you with your audience. Let it be the compass that keeps you focused and determined in your content creation journey.

Brands and businesses should strive to build stronger connections with their audience by encouraging meaningful engagement. Understanding and meeting your audience’s needs should be the driving force behind the types of content you create.

10 types of content to explain your ‘why’

It can be hard to figure out how to express your brand without some idea of how to shape your content. The following ideas can be an excellent starting point:

1. Educational

Share how-to guides, tutorials, and tips on how to use your product effectively. For example, if you’re promoting a clean beauty brand, show people how to apply your makeup. Or suggest products that can help remove it without contributing to environmental damage. The purpose is to build trust and position yourself as an expert.

2. Customer testimonials

Showcase reviews and success stories from happy customers. You can collect testimonials at the time of purchase, or even send out a Bat signal at a regular cadence via social media that you’re collecting them. The purpose is to build trust and social proof.

3. Behind-the-scenes sneak peeks

Take the audience behind the curtain and show them your creative process. Show them how you come up with ideas, your design plan, or your creative thinking process. Use photos in a slideshow or have some fun filming a day in your life. The purpose is to build a personal connection.

4. Interactive quizzes or polls

Engage your audience with fun quizzes related to your niche. The purpose is to build engagement and gather insights. The more you know about your audience, the more you can create content that appeals to them.

5. Limited-time promotions

Create urgency with limited-time discounts or special offers. The purpose is to drive sales and create a sense of exclusivity.

6. User-generated content

Encourage customers to share photos of their purchases in action. The purpose is to a community and showcase real-world use.

7. Storytelling

Share your brand’s story, values, and mission. Include a little bit of your story in your emails, social media channels, or product deliverables. The purpose is to build an emotional connection with your audience.

8. Frequently asked questions

Address common queries about your products. No matter what niche or product you sell, your customers will have general questions. The purpose is to provide valuable information and reduce purchase barriers.

9. Collaborations and partnerships

Highlight collaborations with other creatives or brands. This could be posting on each other’s blogs, conducting webinars, or hosting summits together. The purpose is to expand your reach and credibility.

10. Seasonal or holiday-themed content

Tailor your content to current events or seasons. The purpose is to stay relevant and boost sales during peak times.

The reason behind your content is essential for creating meaningful and impactful communication. This understanding is a compass for your message, guiding your audience’s engagement and fostering connections.

As you continue to develop and refine your content strategy, remember that a clear and compelling “why” can set your work apart, leading to greater brand loyalty and audience retention.

Embrace this principle, and let it guide every content you create.

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Raconteuse Radio

Show notes and other necessary promotional material for our companion podcast.

Site Updates

Any sweeping changes about the site are here.

Tsundoku

Our long-form book, movie, and TV reviews.

I’ve got some great news! I’ve reverted the podcast’s name to Raconteuse Radio, which I feel is a more fitting title. To celebrate, I created a trailer using free clips on Pexels.

Take a look at it below:

Transcript

Here’s a transcript of the text and credits to the creators whose clips I used.

• Typewriter video by Miguel Á. Padriñán.
• Voiceover: “In a world overflowing with mesmerizing tales that transport readers and listeners alike…”
• Women talking video by Los Muertos Crew.
• Voiceover: “Join Writeropolis Media for an unforgettable journey through the aural delivery of the written word.”
• Microphone video by Melissa Cofie.
• Voiceover: “The Raconteuse Radio podcast: where every story has a voice.”
• [Closing shot of the podcast logo and podcast player promotional buttons for SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PocketCasts, and Spotify]
• Voiceover: “Tune in and let the power of creativity captivate you. Raconteuse Radio is available now on all major podcast platforms.”