Phobia: A Fiction Short Story

Fiction Short Story

Please for these Guidelines For Writing The Fiction Short Story
For this assignment, write a 2000-word short story including (ie: scenes, biographies, etc). The story should involve a protagonist seeking something, tangible or intangible, and the obstacles the protagonist must overcome to achieve his or her goal. Whether or not the protagonist achieves the goal will depend on the story, but some change in the character, preferably psychological, must occur as a result of the protagonist's efforts. Use the "Short Story Checklist below" to guide you as you write, as well as during the revision process, to guarantee you've employed all the techniques.
(Make sure to focus on one issue that you want to address in your short fiction)
Also, prepare a cover memo and attach this to the story. In the memo discuss the origins of the story. In other words, what real-life episode, if any, is this story based upon? Where did the idea for this story come from? Why did you choose this story and not some other to write? Also, discuss any concerns you might have about the story itself. For example, if you think the main character might not be fully developed, point that out here. You can also use this space to draw attention to any aspects of the story you believe work particularly well. This non-graded memo represents the beginning of your side of the conversation you'll have with your instructor about this piece.
Formatting Instructions
At the top of the first page type your name, the date, and the total number of words. Approximately one-third of the way down the first page, center the story's title. Beneath this, begin the story. Double space the text.
Number every page except the first.
Attach your cover memo.
Fiction Short Story Checklist
Use the following checklist to when writing/revising your story:
• Does the title entice readers to want to read the story? Does the title offer a key to, or enlarge, the story?
• Does the story "begin in the middle" where the action starts, or perhaps just before or after?
• Does the protagonist want something (tangible or intangible), and want it badly?
• Are there obstacles (real or psychological) the protagonist must overcome in order to reach his/her goal?
• Are relevant sensory details used to develop the character(s) and reveal the setting? Have you used all the senses to describe the character(s) and the setting?
• Does the setting contribute to the story? Does the setting enlarge upon the characters' feelings, actions, and words?
• Are summary and scene used to move the action forward quickly, to provide background information (summary), to zero in on critical phases of action, or to develop character (scene)?
• Are flashbacks used to clarify and contribute to the overall depth of the story?
• Is dialogue used sparingly and only to reveal character(s) or to move the action forward? Does the dialogue add to readers' conception of the character(s)?
• Have you experimented with adding descriptive details to dialogue to further develop the character(s)?
• Have you used the dialogue of minor characters to round out the ways your readers will see your main character(s)?
• Have you used the correct format and punctuation for dialogue?
• Have you chosen and maintained a consistent point of view?
• Did you consider a range of points of view for your story, deciding on a specific point of view for a particular reason?
• Does the protagonist experience an epiphany?
• Have you proofread for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors?