Focus on building interest and depth in a main character or else in plot, so that the story will be either character or plot driven (like the sample stories you read). Be sure to have one main conflict (internal or external).

The story should feel full or complete, that is, that it has a beginning (even if it begins in medias res — in the middle of something — such as war, or a discussion, or at a train station), a middle, and an end. You should consider a climax as well. What is the point of greatest tension? This should come organically as you write.
Keep in mind that very few writers outline their entire story before they write. Many don’t know where they’re going with a story until they are writing it. It’s like driving in the dark with your headlights on; you follow your headlights, and so you follow your characters — that is what Stephen King has to say about writing. Also, if you’re not discovering something new then you may not be creating interesting characters for your readers — Andre Dubus III.

Keep in mind that you should title your story – centered, and be sure to include the opening line under where you put the course info., to the left corner. Do not use first or second person (I/me/my/you/your) but use third person and a character or characters’ names, as doing so provides greater opportunity for depth in an objective narrator. Be sure that what you include in your story is essential to moving along the plot or bringing to light the conflict/tension.

When writing please make sure the story will be able to answer the following questions

1. Can you summarize the story in one or two sentences. If not, why not? With a good story there should be no struggle.
2. Is there a clear beginning, middle and end? Does the story start in the right place, both for the time line and for delivery of story content in the most effective way? Does the story end so that the conflict essential to every story is resolved satisfactorily. Is the middle focused and well paced?
3. List characters. Identify protagonist and antagonist (antagonist does not have to be another character and may be environment, conscience, fate, etc.). Identify major conflicts and resultant actions. Are they reasonable and interesting?
4. Are, at least the major, characters easily visualized and are their actions based on a strong core desire (essential for meaning)?
5. What is the ratio of in-scene, dramatic development, and narrative telling, and are these elements in proper balance?
6. Is there dramathat is conflict, action, and resolutionor is the story static?

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