What are you are going to write about? Who will be your audience? How much do you know about what you want to write about? What do I need to find out?
2. Write from a Specific Point of View
First person: "I"
Second person: "You" (rarely used)
Third person: "She/He" (Used the majority of time but in a "limited" way) Limited simply means that the story is told through the eyes of one particular character.
3. Starting Your Story
Your story should begin in such a way that it grabs the readers attention and never lets them go, some ways to begin are: Sound Effects, for example: Splash! Pop! Another way to begin is with dialogue, that is, two or more characters having a conversation. Using action is also another way to start. Whatever you choose, you must do it in a way that draws the reader in from the very beginning, if you fail to do this then no matter how good your story gets down the road it will be pointless as you have already lost your audience.
4. Setting
Place your characters in a setting. This is where you are to use descriptive words that let your readers see, hear and even smell the setting. The setting establishes the time and place in which the story takes place. Give your readers a snapshot view of the environment so that they can see it in their mind's eye and feel as if they are really there.
5. Characters
Characters are part of the life blood of fiction. Here are some of the types of characters you may want to create.
Main Character (Protagonist): All the action revolves around this person.
Villain (Antagonist): This person or persons oppose the main character at every turn. Villains can also become allies of the main character down the road. People change in real life as well as in stories.
Friends (Sidekicks): This person or persons helps the main character.
6. Conflict
Good conflict allows your readers to become even more involved in the plot. Conflict can arise within the characters, with other people or even with nature. The needs of characters are what drives them into action. Conflict is created when obstacles are put in the way of the characters. Here are some types of conflict that can arise in a story:
The main character vs. others
The main character vs. his /her own inner self
The main character vs. situations he/she faces in life
The main character vs. society
7. Dialogue
Finally lets take a look at the purpose and use of dialogue. Dialogue is used in conversation between your characters. The characters may also have dialogue with themselves. Good dialogue tells the reader something about the characters state of mind or personality. Dialogue should be surrounded by action and move the story along. So make every conversation count!
Yet, sometimes, that's what we do when kids ask us to read their story. We concentrate on the mistakes: 'That's nice dear, but you've spelt "elephant" wrong on the second page...'
Learning is faster with praise.
When our children show us a story, they don't want criticism - they want to share something they have worked hard on. They are often bursting with pride.
So the next time your kids ask you to read their writing, change your focus and try to ignore the mistakes that leap out at you. Look at what your kids have done right, (praise) instead.
Praise should be specific.
Not vague generalizations like 'that's great,' or 'lovely work' or even 'well done.' Genuine praise looks at real reasons. Here are some suggestions:
* I thought your character Josephine was very convincing.
* The bratty younger brother was funny, he made me laugh.
* Your tension scene was excellent, I was nervous as the fire came closer.
* The way you use dialogue really brings the characters alive.
* I like the way your hero had faults like biting his nails. That makes him real.
* Having the girl jump in the river to save her dog was very powerful.
* The ending was a total surprise. I would never have guessed it!
How does praise alone (without pointing out the faults) help children to improve their writing?
Well, now they know their strengths - this means they will keep on using those techniques you praise.
Then, after the praise, you could add in ONE gentle suggestion for improvement:
* The story is a little slow at the beginning, why don't you start at paragraph three when the space craft crashes?
* Do you think if you use dialogue in the fight between the two sisters that might make the scene more alive?
* 'And then I woke up,' is a very common ending, can you think of a better one?
* Maybe if you made the part where the kids are winning the basketball match a little longer, that might increase the tension.
Finally, always finish on a positive note.
That's right, more praise!
* I loved your idea of the green ice-cream monster, I really enjoyed reading about him. Thanks for showing your story to me.
Both Simone Mary & Jen Mcveity are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Simone Mary has sinced written about articles on various topics from Education, Writing and Education. Simone Mary is a teacher, writer and artist. She is the author of the eBook WRITING A STORY? WHAT EVERY WRITER SHOULD KNOW for more writing strategies and for a free copy of the eBook GET ON THE HONOR ROLL-TEST AND EXAM TAKING TIPS THAT WORK visit. Simone Mary's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Jen Mcveity has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dating and Romance, Parenting and Cure Anxiety. The fun Seven Steps to Writing Success program, by successful author, Jen McVeity, is in 900+ schools. Suited to the home school curriculum & gifted children, it has rapidly increased students' writing skills and enjoyment. Visit. Jen Mcveity's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.