Writing a Short Story
A story (usually) has a plot, characters, a setting and a theme (or themes). It may be classified into a particular genre or fit several genres. A short story is between 1,200 and 4,000 words long, and must conform to the rules discussed here.
This guide mostly tackles the parts of a typical story, so all the pointers and tips here are also applicable to writing series.
Beginning and Writing the Story
Characters and Characterization
Characters can be created or adapted from the site. They can be Neopets, petpets, petpetpets, faeries, or any other creature that resides in Neopia or its universe, for as long as they are not prohibited by the Neopian Times rules. Humans are also allowed, but usually not as the main focus of the story.
Characters can have special abilities or powers, but they are more believable if they also have weaknesses or flaws to balance out their strengths. Readers generally prefer characters they can relate with -- imperfect ones. Give characters personality by adding quirks and points of view, among other things. They can fill any role -- parent, friend, hero, villain, child, sidekick, nemesis, wise elder, benevolent ruler, twisted genius -- the possibilities are just endless. Most importantly, don't be afraid to experiment with your characters by placing them in all sorts of situations to see what they can do or what could happen.
What do you mean, I'm "nice" again in this story??
Setting
Where and when will your story take place? Considering the diversity of Neopian lands and their histories, you can weave your own setting and create the ambiance you want for your story. The setting is more than just a diorama to display characters in; it is a vital part that also has an impact on your story. For example, if you set your story in Terror Mountain, how do your characters deal with blizzards? Will the snow hamper them from reaching their goals? Will some area of the land become a plot device later on? Not all these questions need to be answered or discussed in the story but they are helpful to think about as they may be the seeds of some good ideas.
As to the "when", a story may be set before or after a certain plot event, or anywhere in Neopian history, or even in an alternate timeline, or in no particular time period. But as with the "where", the "when" can have an impact on what will happen in the story.
Theme and Plot
What is your story all about -- will it be an epic adventure, or an emotional heart breaker? Are there any lessons to be learned from your story? While it's good to think about these things, sometimes they emerge on their own during the story creation process.
The plot is the general flow of your story. Usually, stories have a conflict -- something the characters seek to resolve or overcome, and a reason to cheer them on (or laugh as they crash and burn). Conflicts can either be wrapped up at the end or left to speculation. If the plot seems dull or flat, consider adding a conflict.
People say conflict is inevitable in real life anyway.
There is also a climax, the highest point of interest in the story, where the tension or action is at its peak and the characters may be tested. Depending on the length and plot, a story may have more than one climax, and this may or may not be the point where the conflict is introduced.
Plotting is one of the most fun aspects of writing; this is where it all comes together and where the imagination can really run riot. Take notes, draw flowcharts, ramble about it with friends, and watch with awe as the story takes shape. But don't just watch, grab a pen (or a word processor) and write it down!
Ending Your Story
Every story (well, at least in the Neopian Times) has an ending. Some endings are happy, others are tragic, still others leave loose ends for readers to ponder. It's up to you how to end your story, whether that conflict will be resolved or not. The ending is also the perfect place to leave a hook for a potential sequel or related story -- or a cliffhanger.
No, not that Cliffhanger!
Tricks of the Trade
Remember the Neopian Times rules. Some of them have been relaxed through the years or can be skirted past with the proper wording, but be mindful of them nonetheless.
One of the hardest parts of writing a story is not knowing where to find ideas. But one need not look far; feelings, opinions and life experiences can -- and do -- fuel a story idea. Regardless of where you go or what you do, ideas for stories are everywhere and can be found by either letting your mind wander or noticing something along the street. Then it's only a matter of spinning it into a Neopian narrative.
Hello? Any ideas out there?
Considering how long people have been telling stories, no idea is completely original, though that should not stop you from getting creative with it however you want. That's how plot twists are born -- think of your plot and all the possible directions it can take. You'd be surprised at what you end up writing -- sometimes your finished story turns out to be something you never really expected.
Be a reader as well as a writer. Always read through your work and visualize yourself as your own reader. What do you look for in a story? What makes you want to read it? When you're done, do you feel like you could add more to the story or tell it differently? Are there spelling or grammar mistakes that must be corrected? If you prefer, you can have someone else look your story over (or beta-read it) and give you feedback that will help you bring out the best in your writing.
And most importantly, have fun! Writing is not always easy especially with writer's block being a thing, but in the long run, you will learn many things that will guide you along the way.
This page was written by Kat and last updated on April 28, 2025.
