Your short story will need an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. This might look a bit different with dialogue, as each time a new character speaks, you will need to indent (like a new paragraph). You will choose just one main event to tell your story about. Here is an outline you're welcome to use to help set up your story:
Introduction
-Introduce the narrator and establish the point of view. (Who is telling the story?)
-Grab the reader's attention with a good hook.
-Set the scene, where and when does the story take place (setting)?
Body (multiple paragraphs)
-Develop the plot and characters using dialogue, pacing, and description. (Dialogue is a must - remember to change lines/paragraphs, once a new character talks.)
-Make sure the setting has been established (which can also be introduced in the introduction).
-Consider an inciting incident that starts the story, then leads to the rising action, which leads to the climax of the story, followed by the falling action and resolution.
-Will your story use figurative language?
Conclusion
-Conclude the story by giving the resolution. The reader should be able to reflect on the meaning of your story and find purpose behind it.
Introduction
I sat on the porch, watching the fiery sky as the sun dipped below the horizon. The cool breeze danced through the trees, carrying with it the fresh scent of pine and earth. It was a peaceful evening in the small town of Willow Creek, where time seemed to move a bit slower and people knew each other by name. As I gazed out at the fading light, I felt a strange sense of anticipation, as if something was about to happen that would change everything.
Body
Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching caught my attention. I turned to see my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, making her way up the path to my porch. She was a kind old woman, her face lined with wisdom and her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Good evening, Sarah," she greeted me with a warm smile. "Beautiful night, isn't it?"
I returned her smile and nodded. "It really is. Are you out for an evening stroll?"
Mrs. Jenkins chuckled, her silver hair shimmering in the fading light. "No, dear. I have a little surprise for you." She reached into her bag and pulled out a small velvet box, handing it to me with a twinkle in her eye.
I opened the box to find a delicate silver locket, engraved with intricate designs. My breath caught in my throat as I traced the patterns with my fingers, feeling a strange sense of familiarity wash over me.
"It belonged to my grandmother," Mrs. Jenkins explained. "She always said it had a way of bringing people together. Keep it close, Sarah. You never know when it might work its magic."
As I thanked Mrs. Jenkins and watched her shuffle back down the path, I felt a sense of wonder at the mysterious locket in my hands. Little did I know, its magic was about to unfold right before my eyes.
Conclusion
In the days that followed, I began to notice a change in the air of Willow Creek. People seemed to smile more, to greet each other with a warmth that hadn't been there before. And as I wore the silver locket around my neck, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to those around me.
One evening, as I sat on my porch watching the sun set once more, a young man from the town stopped by, drawn by the light of the locket. We talked for hours, sharing stories and dreams under the starlit sky. And as we gazed out at the world before us, I knew that the magic of the locket had indeed brought us together, weaving our lives in a way I never thought possible.
And so, as the night deepened and the stars glittered above, I knew that some things were simply meant to be – that sometimes, all it took was a little bit of magic to change everything.