Is there a formula when writing a short story?

One is suggested in Anne Lamott’s, Bird By Bird – from a lecture by Alice Adams:

“She said that sometimes she uses a formula when writing a short story, which goes ABDCE, for Action, Background, Development, Climax, and Ending.”

Ok.

I’ll bite.

Let’s give it a try.

1. Action
2. Background
3. Development
4. Climax
5. Ending

1. Able’s hand smashed in the door.
2. He knew his brother was angry, but he didn’t understand why.
3. Able ran to the back of the house and began crawling out the side window.
4. Cain followed him and drew his gun as he neared the bathroom doorway. He fired.
5. All that hurt was finally over. Cain would never hunt anyone ever again.

It works!

I like it.