How to Write a Short Story: For Year 7-8 Students

Want to know how to write a short story? We'll walk you through planning, writing, and editing to help you create great short stories.

Written by:
Matrix Education
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Short stories are an exciting way to express creativity. Writing short stories can help improve your writing skills and share your imagination. 

This blog will guide you through how to create a compelling story, so you can stand out in English class and, maybe even in short story writing competitions!

  1. What makes a great short story?
  2. What to write a short story about
  3. How long does it take to write a short story?
  4. How to start a short story
  5. How to write a good short story
  6. How to write dialogue in a short story
  7. Writing in short story competitions
maroon book cover titled 'short story writing guide'

Download your free Short Story Writing Guide

Learn how to craft engaging short stories with easy templates.

What makes a great short story?

Before we explore how you can write a good short story, let’s look at what makes a good short story.

A short story is a narrative that delivers a complete idea in a shorter format, usually between 500 and 2,000 words. To write one, try to:

  • Focus on a single main event or idea.
  • Create characters that feel real, even in a short space.
  • Use a structured plot (beginning, middle, and end) to ensure your story flows naturally.

The key elements of a short story are:

  1. Plot: The sequence of events in your story. It includes:
    •    A beginning: Introduce characters and setting.
    •    A middle: Build up tension or action.
    •    An end: Resolve the conflict.
  2. Characters: These are the people (or creatures!) in your story. Your main character, the protagonist, faces challenges caused by an antagonist.
  3. Setting: Where and when your story takes place. It could be a mysterious forest or your school during a stormy night.
  4. Conflict: The problem your character must solve. Stories are driven by conflicts, whether they’re internal (a tough decision) or external (a villain or obstacle).
  5. Theme: The big idea behind your story. For example, “bravery” or “the power of friendship.”

A person gazing at a scenic mountain landscape above the clouds

What to write a short story about

Choosing a topic is often the first challenge, but the good news is that there are endless story ideas to explore. Here are some creative starting points:

  • A character discovers a hidden treasure.
  • A strange creature arrives in town and seeks help.
  • A group of friends stumble upon a time machine.

In school, your English teachers will often give you prompts to spark your imagination. These might focus on specific themes, scenarios, or even a single sentence to build from. Practising with different prompts is one of the best ways to sharpen your creativity. It helps you approach stories from unique angles and develop fresh ideas.

Why practise with prompts?

  • They challenge you to think outside the box.
  • They teach you to adapt your writing style to various situations.
  • They make writing fun by giving you a jumping-off point.

Tip: Try combining two prompts to create something new, or rewrite an old prompt with a twist.

How long does it take to write a short story?

Writing time varies depending on how complex your story and planning are. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Planning: 1-2 hours (using prompts and templates).
  • Writing: 2-4 hours for a 1,000-word draft.
  • Editing: Another 1-2 hours.

With practice, you’ll write faster and improve your skills. 

How to start a short story

The beginning of your short story is one of the most important parts—it’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your tale. A strong opening should spark curiosity and make your audience want to keep reading. 

Here are three ways you can start your short story:

1. Start with action
Jump straight into an exciting or dramatic moment to hook your reader instantly.

For example: “The boat tipped dangerously as the storm raged on.”
This pulls your audience into the story’s events, making them eager to find out what happens next.

2. Introduce a mystery
Opening with an intriguing question or puzzling event sets up suspense and draws readers in. 

For example: “The letter simply said, ‘Meet me at midnight.’”
Your audience will want to know who wrote the letter, why they sent it, and what will happen at midnight.

3. Use vivid descriptions
Paint a picture that immerses your reader in the story’s world. 

For example: “The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.”
Descriptions like this not only set the scene but also establish the mood of your story.

Student reading a book at a desk surrounded by stacks of books.

How to write a good short story

Step 1: Plan your story

Every great story starts with a plan! Here’s how you can map out your ideas.

Generate ideas

Start by brainstorming. Use prompts to get inspired, like:

  • What if your character found a magical object?
  • What if a new student had a mysterious secret?

Think about what excites you. Write down all your ideas—even the bizarre ones.

Structure your plot

Organise your story using the Freytag’s Pyramid structure:

  1. Exposition: Introduce characters and setting.
  2. Rising Action: Add challenges or obstacles.
  3. Climax: The most exciting moment.
  4. Falling Action: Resolve the conflict.
  5. Resolution: Wrap up the story.

Tip: Use our downloadable Short Story Writing Guide’s templates for this step!

Step 2: Write your first draft

Now that you’ve planned, it’s time to write. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect!

Start with a hook

Grab your reader’s attention with an intriguing opening. For example:

  • “Lila’s diary started writing back to her.”
  • “The sky was green, and Sam knew something was wrong.”

Develop conflict

Make things interesting! Show your character facing challenges. How do they react? Do they make mistakes or learn something new?

Create natural dialogue

Dialogue makes your story come alive. Follow these rules:

  • Use quotation marks: “What is this?” she asked.
  • Start a new line each time someone speaks.
  • Keep it realistic—how would someone talk in real life?

A laptop screen showing a short story script.

Step 3: Add detail with descriptions

Your descriptions should make readers feel like they’re in your story. Use sensory details:

  • Sight: What does the setting look like?
  • Sound: Are there noises in the background?
  • Smell: Is the air filled with fresh rain or the scent of flowers?

Instead of saying, “It was dark,” write: “Shadows stretched across the forest as the moonlight struggled through thick branches.”

Step 4: Edit and polish

No story is complete without a little polish. Here’s how you can improve your draft:

Check for clarity and flow

Does each sentence make sense? Do the events follow a logical order? Smooth transitions make your story easy to read.

Use the editing checklist

  • Are there spelling or grammar mistakes?
  • Is your dialogue punctuated correctly?
  • Does the story have a clear beginning, middle, and end?

Get feedback

Tip: Always ask a friend, parent, or teacher to read your story.

Use their feedback to make improvements. Our downloadable guide includes a peer review checklist to make this step easy!

How to write dialogue in a short story?

Dialogue is a powerful tool in short stories. It gives your characters a voice, reveals their personalities, and keeps the story engaging. Well-written dialogue can make your characters feel real and immerse readers in their world. Here’s how to craft effective dialogue:

1. Use quotation marks correctly
Always enclose what your characters say in quotation marks. For example:

“It’s too quiet,” he whispered.
This helps readers clearly identify spoken words, making your writing easier to follow.

2. Start a new line for each speaker
When multiple characters are speaking, start a new line whenever the speaker changes. This keeps conversations organised and avoids confusion. For instance:

  • “Let’s go inside,” Anna said.
  • “Are you sure?” replied Ben.
    Clear formatting ensures the dialogue flows smoothly for the reader.

3. Keep it realistic and purposeful
Dialogue should sound natural and serve a purpose. Ask yourself: Does it reveal something about the character? Does it move the plot forward?

Avoid unnecessary chit-chat or overly formal language unless it suits the character. For example:

  • Natural: “I can’t believe we’re doing this!”
  • Unnatural: “I am quite astonished by our current undertaking.”

A person arranging story planning cards on a wooden table.

How to write for a short story competition

Entering a short story writing competition is a great way to show off your creativity and improve your writing skills. To make your story stand out, follow these tips:

  1. Read the rules carefully
    Make sure you understand the competition guidelines. Check the word limit, theme, and formatting requirements. Stories that don’t follow the rules might be disqualified.
  2. Stick to the theme
    If the competition has a theme, make sure your story fits it. Think of unique ways to explore the theme and make your story memorable.
  3. Start with a strong hook
    The beginning of your story should grab attention. Use a dramatic moment, mystery, or vivid description to make the judges want to keep reading.
  4. Edit your story
    Take time to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. A polished story shows effort and makes it easier for judges to enjoy your work.
  5. Use the competition as practice
    Even if you don’t win, entering helps you improve. You’ll gain valuable experience and learn how to meet deadlines.

Want more detailed help? Download this guide for free

It includes:

  • Writing prompts to spark creativity.
  • Templates to help plan your story.
  • A checklist for editing and peer reviews.
maroon book cover titled 'short story writing guide'

Download your free Short Story Writing Guide

Learn how to craft engaging short stories with easy templates.

Written by Matrix Education

Matrix is Sydney's No.1 High School Tuition provider. Come read our blog regularly for study hacks, subject breakdowns, and all the other academic insights you need.

© Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au, 2023. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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