Every one of us knows how to tell a story.  Though we are unaware of that, we do it everyday. We often tell others about something that happened to us or something we did. It can be any kind of an incident—funny, sad, happy or serious. For example, you are telling a friend about a serious incident that happened at school. Now that is what is called a "story" and narrating the incidents is called "story telling".  Now, here lies the difficulty when it comes to write down the same story. It is a challenge to write a story. At the same time, when you have the interest and are ready to focus on certain basic and valuable points regarding story writing, then you can, for sure, present an effective story in writing.

Getting started initially is strenuous. You may have a tough time. But, it’s all in the mind. Prepare your mind to write and pay attention to the world around you. Gather ideas from them. Interesting incidents may happen right in front of your eyes and can inspire you to write. These incidents can give you a kick start in writing a story. You can develop your ideas by paying attention. Listening is another skill which is very essential in story writing. Listening more and more to people’s conversations (how they put words together) enables one to become a better writer. To think is the next step to follow. When you actually want to write about an incident someone else has told you, then you better think before you write. There can always be two-sides for a story. Think in the point of both the sides and bring out the fact. Don’t blindly write what others tell you. Always question yourself on the ideas that you are going to pen down. Many innovative ideas can spring on your mind, when you think. The next step towards writing a story is on getting used to writing. Only when you write, write and write you can get used to writing. You can start writing about the simple incidents that happen around you. But, make it a practice to write then and there and also frequently. The more you write, the more comfortable you will feel in writing an effective story. Another important and easy-to-do thing is reading. Reading really helps a lot in building one’s vocabulary, style, and as a matter of fact, knowledge is gained from books. Reading can be fun and interesting. Start reading lots of books. That really helps you write a wonderful story. Finally, practice writing keeping all the above basic points in mind. The more you practice the more you get used to writing. Practice helps in free flow of words required for story writing. Spontaneity comes only through practice. When you master the above said points, you can start writing your story.

The structure of a story is usually divided into three sections – a beginning, middle and an end. Some stories may end up in the same place where they started. Every story has a main character that plays a vital role in the story. The character can be human or animal or any non-living objects. While starting a story, be sure of what your main character is like, who your main character is, what are the likes and dislikes of your main character, etc. The next point to concentrate is on the setting. Setting is nothing but the place where the story takes place. Every story has a place of action around which the story revolves. It can either have a big or a little impact on the story. But, at the same time setting is important for a story to add color to it. Problem and conflict are the next elements which the main character has to face and overcome. Without a problem, the story can be dull and lifeless. A story becomes lively when there is a problem for the main character to solve. Usage of conflict in a story can be interesting. Conflict is something that stops the character from solving the problem which he/she confronts. The last thing to bring inside a story is resolution. No matter what the protagonist suffers, how much ever he/she fails to overcome/solve the problems he/she faces, resolution gives solution to the problem finally after a hard try. Ultimately, your story must have a satisfying end and has to please the readers.

Finally, to concentrate on the style of writing--reveal your artistic side and enjoy your work, be creative and choosy on your words, and give considerable importance to the dialogue and structure of the plot. Above all, develop your own style. Only continuous practice brings out your unique inner voice. Revise your work and edit it when you are finished with the story. Ensure on an appropriate introduction of the flow of the story, characters and their problems and also make sure that they are resolved properly.

The short story is the perfect medium for anyone to start with. Anyone can craft and finish a story when compared to writing a novel, which is considered a Herculean task. It doesn’t mean that short stories are easy to write; at the same time it obviously doesn’t mean that they aren’t as artistic and valuable as novels. With practice, patience, and a passion for writing, they can be as touchy and memorable like novels.