Draft a section
Draft a section of a short story by planning characters and setting, then write a short scene using dialogue, action, and vivid details.
Step-by-step guide to draft a section of a short story
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Step 1
Pick one idea for your short story section and say it out loud in one sentence.
Step 2
Create your main character by writing their name and one sentence about what they want.
Step 3
Create a second character or obstacle by writing one sentence about who or what will make things interesting.
Step 4
Describe the setting in one short sentence that tells where and when it happens and the mood.
Step 5
Decide the scene goal by writing one sentence that explains what must happen in this short scene.
Step 6
Plan three quick beats by writing one sentence for the beginning hook one sentence for the middle problem and one sentence for the ending change.
Step 7
Write the opening lines of your scene including at least one line of dialogue from a character.
Step 8
Add one sentence of action that shows what a character does right after the dialogue.
Step 9
Add one vivid detail using a sense such as sight sound smell taste or touch to make the scene pop.
Step 10
Read your scene aloud and make one small change to improve a line or fix a mistake.
Step 11
Give your scene a short title and share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a device or DIY.org to share the finished scene?
If you don't have a device or DIY.org, print or photograph your page that includes the title, the three beats, opening lines with dialogue, and the read‑aloud change, and share it in person with a parent, teacher, or friend.
I'm stuck on the three quick beats—how can I fix that?
If you get stuck planning the beginning hook, middle problem, and ending change, try asking 'How does the scene start?', 'What makes it worse?', and 'What small change finishes it?' and act each beat out aloud to find action and dialogue.
How can we adapt the steps for different ages?
For younger kids, turn each step into a single spoken sentence or a drawing (name, want, obstacle, setting, goal, three beats, opening line, action, vivid detail, read aloud), while older kids can expand each step into several sentences, add extra dialogue, and revise more before posting on DIY.org.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize our short scene?
To extend or personalize the scene, add an illustration for your vivid detail, write an extra paragraph that continues the middle problem, or record a short performance of the opening lines with sound effects and upload it when you share on DIY.org.
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Facts about creative writing for kids
✂️ Ernest Hemingway was famous for short, punchy sentences and using concise scenes to create big feelings.
✍️ Short stories are often between 1,000 and 7,500 words — perfect for practicing a single scene!
🌍 A vivid setting can use smells, sounds, and textures as well as sights to make a scene come alive.
🗣️ Good dialogue sounds like real talking but is shorter and reveals character, emotion, or conflict.
🎭 Memorable characters usually have clear goals and at least one small flaw that makes them interesting.
How do I help my child draft a short story section by planning characters and setting, then writing a scene with dialogue, action, and vivid details?
What materials do I need to guide my child when they plan characters and setting and write a short scene?
What ages is this character-and-setting planning and scene-writing activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of having my child plan characters and settings and write short scenes, and are there safe variations?
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