Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Alicia Cook. Alicia Cook is a Professional Writer based in Newark, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience, Alicia specializes in poetry and uses her platform to advocate for families affected by addiction and to fight for breaking the stigma against addiction and mental illness. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Georgian Court University and an MBA from Saint Peter’s University. Alicia is a bestselling poet with Andrews McMeel Publishing and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Post, CNN, USA Today, the HuffPost, the LA Times, American Songwriter Magazine, and Bustle. She was named by Teen Vogue as one of the 10 social media poets to know and her poetry mixtape, “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards.
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A one-shot is a short literary work that is over 100 words and can stretch on for however long you like. However, it is only one installment, and does not have multiple chapters. Another word for it could be short story.
Steps
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Decide what to write about. It can be romantic, dramatic or whatever you want it to be.
Choose your character(s). It's easier to pick people from a fandom (for example Harry Potter) because then you don't have to describe them. If you want to write a prose one-shot you should use simple characters, but if you do and if you wanna write a description - keep it short.- Going into details about your characters would be better suited for a chaptered story, so if you find yourself heading down this path, don't be afraid to break that "one-shot" up into chapters.
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Think of a situation. It could be a first kiss, a car crash, a dream, etc. Make this situation real, and write down the emotions of your main character so that your readers can feel them.
Sometimes it helps to pick a word or a sentence you want to put in that one shot. You can build your story around it, and it can be your inspiration.
Community Q&A
- QuestionHow can I get ideas for my story?
Community AnswerYou will need to brainstorm some ideas. Write 20 different nouns or adjectives on slips of paper, and put them into a box. Pick out 5 slips of paper, and read the words written on them. Write a story based on (or including) those 5 words. - QuestionWhich person should a a one shot be written in?
Community AnswerA one shot can be written in any person: first, second, or third. Write whatever comes easiest for you. - QuestionHow do I write a funny short story?
Community AnswerThink of a funny event that happened to you or to someone else. Then draft an outline containing an introduction, a climax, and an end. While you write, be sure to elaborate on the details or even add fictional elements to the story. Refer to other published books and movies as reference or inspiration.
Tips
- It's also possible to write a one shot using only dialogue, though this can be tricky.Thanks
- Your one shot can be very short (ca. 200 words) or longer (ca. 1500 words) - but it's just one scene and mostly no changing location.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Alicia Cook.
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