hi! I am currently working on a creative writing assignment. I find it difficult to write a lengthy story with a complex plot so short stories appeal! I am wanting to write three short "voice" based stories each on a different character and link these in some way. My tutor advised me to read 'The Dubliners' to see how a short story cycle functions. I am curious to know how stories are linked...is it by a general theme present in all tales or subtle references to the other stories and characters?
Should it matter how their linked? If there was no direct specifications use your imagination, tis fun that way. But it should be noticeable between the stories. Oh and subtle is ussually a good way to go, yet its your story so write what you feel is best.
You could always go with the same story as seen from three different points of view. If the story itself is good, I really enjoy reading those, I think it's cool to see how each character reacts and why to the same situation. Just an idea.
It's been a while since I read The Dubliners, but the stories all describe lives of middle class people living in Dublin. Perhaps you could use that an example and use a common setting for all 3 stories.
there are no rules or standards... each writer chooses his/her own method of linking the stories... some ways have been: the same location the same person an object as you write your first story, i'm sure something will come to you...
I did a similar writing piece for a class long ago. I chose to write the same setting in all the stories but each story was in a different time period.
What makes more sense to you? Do you want three tales of unlikely heros? Would you like to work in the same setting? Would a character who does not seem crucial but pops up at the right point every time be your thing? Let your imagination run wild.