for writers - short story spread

firelite

I invented this spread when I wanted an idea for a short story. I write a lot and always run out of ideas... This has been great help!
.......1.........
.....2...3......
...4...5...6...
.....7...8......
........9........


1: the narrator
2: the outer persona of the main character
3: the inner persona of the main character
4: beginning of the story
5: middle of the story
6: end of the story
7 and 8: two minor characters (you can always do more or less)
9: the major theme of the story


This can also be done with playing cards.... AND it´s great fun with friends, figuring out stories for everyone to write!
 

Imagemaker

This could work for longer pieces, too. I've done other writing spreads, but I like the simplicity of this.

And I must put in a plug for November--Novel Writing Month. Come join the fun and writing inspiration at www.nanowrimo.org

Last year over 25,000 writers signed up (worldwide) and gave this a try--a 50K novel in 30 days. Doesn't have to end or even hang together. But it will teach you a lot about writing, your imagination, and how much fun it is to create characters and fiction.
 

Aura Wolf

What a neat spread! Thanks for this firelite.
 

robynleigh

I'm working on a short story right now and this was so helpful. Thank you!
 

yipe

I love this spread, but I've made one alteration. For cards 7 and 8, instead of using those as cards for two minor characters, I use them as inner and outer personality cards, like you have as cards 2 and 3, only for a second major character. So cards two and three would talk about the hero, and 7 and 8 might be the cards for the villian, 2 and 3 is one love, and 7 and 8 are the other half of a love story, like that. Hope that made sense.
 

RYANtheBassMan

I actually modified this as a base for a music piece.

1: The underlying theme
2: Melodic theme
3: Rhythmic theme (could be an ostinato, could be complicated. Depends on the card)
4: beginning of the piece
5: middle of the piece
6: end of the piece
7 and 8: Two emotions the piece should convey
9: The overall mixture of these two emotions, what should the audience feel at the end of the piece?

It did great for a short drum corp piece, now I'm going to try a string quartet...

Also, typically my types of pieces are atonal (most of my inspiration comes from Bartók), but if you feel inspired to choose a key and stick with it, I'm sure you could find it in the cards ;)
 

alli cat

Great thread to come accross and at just the right time! I'm struggling with writing a short story for a course, but will try this approach and see what comes. Thanks! Allicat xx