Short Story Writing Made Easy

I always wanted to write short stories, but I didn't have a clue how. So I read books on the subject and experimented. Eventually, I discovered how to do it.
The first step is to decide the genre you want to write in. Is the story a mystery? Is it science fiction? Is it romance?
Next you must come up with an idea. The important thing about the idea is that it must have conflict. As a fun example, perhaps your idea involves an alien that comes to earth because on his planet cheese is very valuable and they've run out. The conflict would come when he tries to steal some cheese on earth and the police catch him.
A short story consists of three parts--a beginning, middle and end. The beginning is where you introduce the main character and tell us all about him or her. Make us like your main character. That way, we will be more likely to follow his adventures. There are, of course, stories where the main character is not likable, but these are harder to write.
The middle is where the conflict comes into play. In our example, this is where the alien steals cheese from a store, and is apprehended by the police.
Finally, there is the ending. This is part where the conflict is resolved. The alien explains his need for cheese and the people feel sympathy. They give him some Gouda and send him on his way.
Once you've written the story you must go over it again to make sure it's as good as you can make it. One tip is to remove most of the "ly" words such as quickly or gently. Too many of these are regarded as being amateurish. Also, you may want to cut down on the number of times you use the word, "was." You should look for more interesting words.
When your story is as good as you can make it, send it out. If you write, 'markets for short stories' in your internet browser you will find many markets that will publish your story.
Be prepared to wait for a while to hear back. This will give you time to work on your next story.
Good luck and keep Writing!

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Mattson

Easy Speech Writing

We all want to deliver a great speech, but many people find it difficult. I have developed a logical approach that I think you'll find easy and very effective. I have used these techniques for everything from a corporate talk to a best man speech at a wedding.
Let's say your topic is Global Warming. Your first step would be to go to the library and do some research. I'd suggest you do this, even if you are an expert in the field. You may learn some interesting nuggets of information that will upgrade your speech from the ordinary to the spectacular.
The next step is to divide your topic into several subtopics, such as the following--
1) Introduction and overview.
2) When and how we first become aware of Global Warming.
3) The reasons some scientists say it doesn't exist.
4) Scientific proof it does exist.
5) Things we can we do to stop it.
If you're writing a best man speech for a wedding, the technique is the same. You'll still need research, but that would involve asking friends for information. Your subtopics might include things like, 'What I thought about the groom when I first met him,' and 'What the groom has to change now that he's married.'
Get five pieces of paper and write each of the subtopics on a different sheet. Under each one, write as much as you can, based on what you know and your research. In the 'introduction and overview section,' write why this is an important area to discuss and what your credentials are to discuss it. If you don't have credentials, talk about your great interest in this subject. In the best man speech you would tell everyone who you are and how you know the groom. In both cases, you are giving the audience a reason for listening.
When you finish writing, you may find the speech is too long or too short. If it's too long, obviously you can cut it. But if it's too short, then add more information to each of the subtopics. You can also add more subtopics.
The human brain tends to tire after listening to someone speak for a while. So to refresh your audience, I suggest that every ten minutes or so you add in a joke, question or interesting bit of research.
When you've finished writing the speech, let it sit for a few days. Then look it over and make any changes you think you should.
When you read it again, I think you'll be very pleased. Good Luck!

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Mattson