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Top Five Tips for Writing Great Short Stories

June 9, 2023 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

 

As an aspiring writer passionate about short stories, you will want to know that a short story differs from writing a novel. Short stories are interesting and fun to read. A good short story can be a one-sentence story or as long as seven thousand words.

Here are the top five tips for writing great short stories.

Keep reading!

 

Integrate a Conflict

If you are new to writing, we suggest that you take one of the best creative writing classes to know what is expected of you – especially in connection to how to integrate conflict in your story. If you want your readers on the edge where they are dying to know what is happening in the story, you will want to focus on conflict.

By integrating conflict, you will create much-needed tension in the story, which will also be the force to drive the narrative forward. Conflict often discloses a deeper theme or meaning in a narrative while bringing to light the character’s values, weaknesses, and motivations.

When it comes to creating a conflict, you can do it in several ways. For instance, you could portray the character as having a dilemma. Or – the character could have a revelation that would fill them with tension while deciding.

A good dose of tension and conflict can keep the readers hooked to the narrative and invested from the very beginning to end.

If you have to be a sadist – don’t hesitate to do it. As a good writer, you will want to be a sadist by making bad things happen to the main characters. This way, you will reveal the characters’ motivations, weaknesses, and strengths to the readers, which will make them emotionally attached to the characters by relating to them.

We know that all humans are flawed and that perfect humans are not relatable. You get the point – a good short story needs a good dose of conflict and tension.

 

Integrate a Backstory

You can leave a little space to narrate a character’s backstory. You can also leave out the backstory – remember – you aren’t writing a novel, and you have a limited amount of words you need to use.

With that said, you will want to ensure that every sentence counts. Even if a single word looks like an extra – it has to go. Of course, you won’t be describing the backstory on paper – but – you, as the author of the short story, need to have the full picture in your mind.

You need to be aware of the character’s motivation and use it as a way to write a compelling story.

You can use dialogue, monologues, and tension to give the readers an insight into the backstory and engage all their senses.

 

Appeal to the Reader’s Senses

You will want to use words to appeal to the reader’s five senses instead of focusing only on the visual experience. You will want to use words in your short story carefully and creatively to transport your readers into the world of your characters by letting them experience the world through seeing, touching, smelling, tasting, and hearing it.

Now you get the point of what it means to show and not tell with the use of words. You will be using words to invite the readers to experience the full extent of the world’s small and big things.

You will want to make your readers feel as if they are present in the world with the characters – living the situation or event with the characters.

A short story is different from a novel – while the novel allows you to introduce one scene after the other – you will have to use words, dialogues, and characters in a way to tell the entire story and make your readers a part of the story.

 

Use Dialogue

As a first-time short story writer, you can easily fall into the trap of writing scenes and forgetting dialogues on the way.

You will want only to depend a little on the scenes because you only have limited words. You will want to reach a conclusion quickly compared to a novel where you can dive from one scene to another.

Good dialogue is crucial for character development and making the short story come to life. When you place characters in a scene, you will want to give them something to do, bring the reader’s attention to the dialogue, and eventually advance the story through dialogue.

You can also use dialogue to set up conflict and build drama through an exchange of dialogue. While using dialogue, make sure that it suits the character and that it feels real so the readers get drawn into the story.

 

Become a Ruthless Editor

Irrespective of how good you think you nailed your first draft – there is always room to make it more compelling and concise. To improve your writing skills drastically, you will want to become a ruthless editor of your own work.

You will want to understand the primary principle: edit ruthlessly – keep going despite the hurt. Editing ruthlessly is even more important in a short story because the more precise the story, the more likely your readers will read it until the end.

Initially, you will find it hard to cut out even a word – much less an entire sentence. But – if the sentence or the word doesn’t add to your overall message or story – then it is not something your readers would like to read.

With that said, feel free to edit your work ruthlessly. This isn’t about you – but it is about your readers. You will want to do everything possible to write a better and more compelling story for them to give them the ultimate reading experience.

While editing your short story, you will want to combine your characters wherever possible. You will also want to delete extra scenes and get right to the conflict of the story. Instead of telling, you will want to focus on showing.

Also, make every sentence in your short story count. No fluff is allowed. So, make sure to eliminate all unnecessary words, including adjectives and adverbs.

 

Filed Under: Books

7 Effective Ways to Support and Help Your Child with Autism

June 9, 2023 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

 

Parenting a child with autism can come with many unique challenges and opportunities. As a loving and dedicated parent, you play a crucial role in their life, and you will definitely want to do everything for your child fighting autism. 

To ensure top-quality care for your child, it is recommended to find and understand effective ways to do so. From early intervention and educating yourself about this condition to social skills training, there are a lot of things that can be helpful for your child. 

Read on as we briefly describe everything worth considering that can help support your child. 

 

1.Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power, and by gaining a deeper understanding of autism, its characteristics, and the various approaches to support, you can become a more informed and effective caregiver for your child. 

Start by consulting authority and reliable resources like books, reputable websites, and research articles, that provide insights into autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Also, make sure to familiarize yourself with the common strengths and challenges associated with autism, as well as the range of interventions and therapies available. 

Many workshops, seminars, and conferences are also held for parents, where you can enhance your understanding of the condition and ultimately help your child. 

Moreover, if you are looking for expert advice and recent statistics to help you understand the disorder, you can read these autism statistics from a reliable and reputed source. 

 

2.Ensure Early Intervention

Early intervention refers to the systematic and targeted support provided to young autistic children during their crucial developmental years. This early intention can have a profound impact on a child’s overall development, communication skills, social interactions, and cognitive abilities. 

Early intervention will allow you to access appropriate services and therapies for your child as early as possible. This way, you can provide your child with the best opportunities for growth and progress. To ensure early intervention, make sure to search for intervention programs specifically designed to address the unique needs of autistic children. 

These programs often involve a multidisciplinary approach, with professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educators working together to create individualized intervention plans. 

 

3.Create a Structured Environment

Children on the autism spectrum often feel good in organized settings, as it provides them with a sense of security and reduces their anxiety. So, make sure to create a structured environment for them by including clear routines, consistent schedules, and visual support. 

Develop a daily routine with regular mealtimes, playtime, learning activities, and rest periods. You can also use visual schedules or charts to visually represent the sequence of activities. Paste these charts in their rooms to help your child anticipate and understand what comes next. 

Whatever you do to improve your child’s condition, make sure to work with consistency. Try to maintain a consistent daily routine and ensure that expectations and rules are consistently reinforced. This will provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be comforting for children with autism. 

 

4.Utilize Social Skills Training

Social skills are vital for building meaningful relationships. These skills can help your child in navigating social interactions and participating fully in everyday life. While socializing may be challenging for children with autism, targeted social skills training can make a significant difference in their social development.  

This training will involve teaching and practicing specific skills, such as turn-taking, making eye contact and initiating and maintaining conversations, and problem-solving in social situations. Social training skills can be delivered through various methods, including structured therapy sessions, group interventions, and role-playing activities.  

You can work with professionals to tailor skills training based on your child’s unique needs and evidence-based strategies. However, in addition to this professional training, ensure to make your child’s lifestyle inclined to learn social skills like communicating and problem-solving.  

 

5.Avail Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

An IEP is a personalized document for your autistic child that outlines specific goals, accommodations, and support services tailored to meet their unique needs. To form this document, you can work with a team of professionals, including teachers, special educators, therapists, and administrators. 

This document will help you ensure that your child receives appropriate educational support and services. It considers their strengths, challenges, and learning style, providing a roadmap for their educational journey in the future. 

However, make sure to have regular meetings with the IEP team, so you can follow the ongoing evaluation and adjustments to ensure that your child’s educational plan remains effective and responsive to their evolving needs. 

 

6.Consider ABA Therapy

ABA helps autistic kids with learning social skills and avoiding hurting themselves. This therapy has also shown significant benefits in improving behaviors, communication skills, and overall quality of life. 

It is a systematic and evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding and modifying behaviors through positive reinforcement and shaping techniques. This therapy can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each child with autism. 

You will have to meet trained therapists and get them to work closely with your child to overcome autistic behaviors in them. This can be done using techniques such as discrete trial training and behavior management techniques to address social skills, communication, and behavior challenges faced by your child. 

 

7.Embrace their Strengths and Interests

Every child possesses unique talents and passions that you may be unaware of. By nurturing and celebrating these strengths and talents, you can provide them with a sense of identity, purpose, and self-confidence, which can ultimately help them overcome autism symptoms. 

If you are unable to identify their talents and strengths, take the time to understand their behavior and what they are attracted to. It can be a fascination with animals, studies, or art. These interests can then serve as powerful motivators for learning. 

Now once you have known their interests and strengths, you can then use these in various aspects of their daily life. For example, if your child loves animals, consider incorporating animal-themed books, toys, and educational materials into their learning environment. 

Utilizing this approach will help you give the right career direction to your child, which will help them in the long run of life. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Power of Google Finance Apps for Managing Your Money

June 5, 2023 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

Google has introduced a range of innovative finance apps that provide Spin Ace users with the tools they need to effectively manage their money. Let’s explore the benefits of these apps and how they can revolutionize your financial management.

Simplifying Budgeting and Expense Tracking

Google Finance apps offer powerful features to help you budget effectively and track your expenses effortlessly. By connecting your accounts and cards, you can gain a holistic view of your financial transactions. With this information at your fingertips, you can set realistic budgets, monitor your spending patterns, and make informed decisions to achieve your financial goals.

Real-Time Stock Market Updates

For those interested in investing or monitoring the stock market, Google Finance apps offer real-time updates and analysis. Stay informed about the latest market trends, track your favourite stocks, and receive personalized news alerts. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, these apps can be invaluable tools for making informed investment decisions.

Safeguarding Your Financial Security

Security is a top priority when it comes to managing finances, and Google understands this. Their finance apps employ robust security measures to protect your personal and financial information. From encryption to multi-factor authentication, your data remains secure, giving you peace of mind while managing your finances on the go.

Personalized Recommendations and Insights

One standout feature of Google Finance apps is their ability to provide personalized recommendations and insights. Based on your spending patterns, these apps can offer suggestions to help you save money, reduce unnecessary expenses, and improve your financial well-being. With tailored insights at your disposal, you can make smarter financial decisions and maximize your money’s potential.

Integration with Google Ecosystem

Google Finance apps seamlessly integrate with other Google services, enhancing your overall financial management experience. You can access your financial data across multiple devices, sync your accounts, and receive timely reminders. The integration allows for a seamless flow of information, ensuring you’re always up to date with your finances.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, managing your finances effectively is vital. Google Finance apps provide a user-friendly and comprehensive platform to help you stay in control of your money. Embrace the power of Google Finance apps today and take control of your financial future. Play online baccarat casinos nz games today and make your deposits using bitcoins.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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