I was the only person in my Extension 2 class. We had two periods a week cut back. Nonetheless, it has been one of my favourite subjects.
Researching the origins of the short story? Find a book called "Approach to Literature" by Graham Little. This book is a gem. It will give you a run down on the historical context of the genre, and sketch its general stylistic features.
(I'm suprised no one has mentioned Edgar Alan Poe for research into the short story... He was one of the most influential writers in this genre). These are Poes principles of short story writing:
"A short story should create a single impression. It must be capable of being read in a single sitting. Every word should contribute to the planned effect. The effect should be created in the opening sentence, and developed throughout the work. The story should end at its climax. Only such characters as are essential to the effect should appear."
Remember, you don't have to be constrained to these principles. Don't let stylistic nazi's tell you how to write. Take advice, but stick to your guns. My only piece of universal advice would be CLARITY (unless you are using ambiguity as a literary technique, which is different
). Ask yourself: do I know what I mean? Have I said it? But don't be afraid to be arty! People contemptuous or defensive may deride you for having ideas and feelings, and being unafraid to give them form. Ultimately, your work must satisfy YOUR OWN world view and aesthetic values. People will appreciate a work which you have obviously enjoyed, which is confident, and which is unified and insightful. On this point, I have to say that a trap that many young writers fall into is trying to force "something profound" from the end of their pen, and losing the imaginative aura which their earlier works may have possessed; earlier works which were truly more profound and enjoyable in their creative zest and sincerity. Many young writers fall into angst and nihilism in an attempt to give their work a dramatic depth; and which ultimately results in a whiny and unispiring melange of verbs and adjectives. When I read something, I read to be inspired. If a writer expresses deep woe, then I believe that that woe should be resolved. If it is unresolved, it becomes despairing - a major turnoff for me. But, this is just my opinion. I belive vehemently that if you write what is truest for you, then you will produce a work of depth and originality.
