Category Archives: plotting

The Elements of a Short Story

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Della Galton

I often get asked if there is any sort of checklist for writing a short story.  And yes, I think there is.  Here is what I think a short story should include: A character who has a problem/conflict which must … Continue reading →

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Writing The End First – Do you write chronologically? Or not?

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Della Galton

I can’t believe how long it is since I wrote a post! It’s been mad lately. I’ve been writing the last part of my series, The Reading Group.  Part Five was the Summer Holiday. Blimey, that was definitely the trickiest. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Deals, Endings, Inspiration, plotting, The Reading Group, Tips on writing, Writing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Ideas – a poem that inspires a story

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Della Galton

Recently, a lady wrote in to my Dear Della column in Writers’ Forum and asked me about turning a poem she had written into a story.  She wanted to know how to go about it. This is something I’ve done … Continue reading →

Posted in ideas, Inspiration, plotting, Writing | Tagged , | 8 Comments

The Wednesday Writing Spot – Plotting the longer Short Story

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Della Galton

Plotting was the bane of my life when I started writing. It still trips me up now occasionally, particularly when I’m changing lengths, for example from 1000 to 2000 words. So here are some tips for writing the longer short … Continue reading →

Posted in plotting, Tips on writing, Wednesday Writing Spot, Writing, Writing problems and solutions | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Wednesday Writing Spot – Plotting the Short Story

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Della Galton

Plotting a short story is something that many writers, both new and experienced, find difficult.  I include myself in this.  It is not always easy, and I say not always, because occasionally we all have those magical days when it … Continue reading →

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To Plot or Not

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Della Galton

When you write a novel, one of the first decisions you need to make is how you are going to undertake to write it.  Will you a)  Plan out each chapter in detail so that you know exactly what is … Continue reading →

Posted in plotting, Tips on writing, Writing, Writing problems and solutions | 1 Comment

How To Get An Original Idea

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Della Galton

One of the things short story competition judges bemoan the most is that they hardly ever see an original story, or a really original idea.   Yet being original is one of the fastest ways to get into the shortlist.  Providing … Continue reading →

Posted in competitions, ideas, plotting, Tips on writing, Writing | 9 Comments