SHORT STORY : FLIPPING FANTASTIC BY JANE LANGFORD

SHORT STORY

A short story is a work of fiction that is usually written in prose, often in narrative format. This format tends to be more pointed than longer works of fiction, such as novellas (in the 20th and 21st century sense) and novels. Short story definitions based on length differ somewhat, even among professional writers, in part because of the fragmentation of the medium into genres. Since the short story format includes a wide range of genres and styles, the actual length is determined by the individual author's preference (or the story's actual needs in terms of creative trajectory or story arc) and the submission guidelines relevant to the story's actual market. Guidelines vary greatly among publishers.

Many short story writers define their work through a combination of creative, personal expression, and artistic integrity. They attempt to resist categorization by genre as well as definition by numbers, finding such approaches limiting and counter-intuitive to artistic form and reasoning. As a result, definitions of the short story based on length splinter even more when the writing process is taken into consideration.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

FLIPPING FANTASTIC BY JANE LANGFORD

SYNOPSIS

James

Tristan

           Flipping Fantastic is a story of two brothers, James and Tristan. Although they are twins, they are different in many ways. Tristan is physically disabled and wheelchair-bound while James is normal. Tristan appears to be smarter than James. Tristan loves drama while James hates it. However, James is good in sports and games.

In the story they have just completed primary school and are going separate ways after that. Tristan is going to a residential school with special facilities while James will join a normal day school. They go through many emotions as they battle a myriad of confusing emotions caused by the pangs of separation, the fears and apprehensions about going to a new school and the bouts of indecision. Even their mother wonders whether she has done right in separating the two boys.

Finally it is 'all's well that ends well for them. Tristan goes to Chesterlea Grange as planned while James joins Highfields. Both are happy in their respective new schools.

ELEMENT OF A SHORT STORY

1.      Plot

Plot refers to the sequence or chain connected events in the story. Plot must be interesting to maintain the reader’s  interest.

2.      Setting

Setting is where and when the story takes place and provides the background to the story.

3.      Moral Values

Moral values refer to good values or lessons one can learn and apply to everyday life.

4.      Character

Character refers to the people in the story. The people involved  are the main character and minor characters. The character gives body to the story.

5.      Point of view

Point of review refers to the angle or eyes from which a story is told. The first person point of view  means the writer  is one of the character in the story and is telling the story. The third person or omniscient point of view does not involve the writer in the story.

6.      Theme

Theme refers to the important ideas or moral ideas about life which emerge from the story. The theme is not stated directly as it has to be drawn from the story. A story may have more than one theme.

7.      Tone, mood and atmosphere

Tone refers to the attitude of the writer towards the subject of his story and readers. It can be serious, light-hearted and sympathetic. The mood is the general feel of the story. Atmosphere is the general sense of the story.

8.      Language and Style

Language and style refer to the creative use of the language to convey the message in the story. It includes all the literary and sound devices used. Each writer has their own style.