Writing Exercises

How to Structure a Story

The Fundamentals of Narrative
May 13, 2026
 

This writing exercise is Very Different from the ones we have been doing.

In this assignment, you will write a short story based on a described life situation. Your story may follow either a plot-driven or a character-driven narrative structure.

First, Click and carefully read “Life Happens to Jim and Sue.” This is the life situation that will serve as the foundation for your story.

Next, use Jim and Sue’s situation as inspiration for a short story between 300 and 1,000 words. 

Note: If you find gaining inspiration from the situation scenario difficult; I have prepared a series of suggestions that may help: Click Here for these Suggestions.

As you write and revise your story, please consider the following:

• Use Active Voice whenever possible. Use Passive Voice only when you have a specific purpose for doing so. 

• Use Cumulative Sentences to zoom in on important details.

• Use periodic sentences to build suspense or emphasize key ideas. 

• Move up and down the Ladder of Abstraction to control the level of sensory detail and specificity. 

• Use appropriate Register, to adjust your language to fit the context.

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