story starter the 'Why on Earth Would He Do That?' technique. Here's some background before we get to the exercise proper. As writers, we are often instructed to 'write what we know'. It's a frequently chanted mantra in most creative writing classes. And it's sound advice. By writing from our own lives, we are able to add depth, texture and verisimilitude to our writing. However, if we were to only write from our own experience, we would soon find ourselves in the role of biographer rather than in that of novelist or fiction writer. In order for a piece of writing to really take off, to fully engage with the reader's imagination, there has to be an element of surprise, something they didn't see coming. If we only write from our own lives, it's almost impossible to achieve that element of surprise (unless we've been fortunate or unfortunate enough to have had an unusual life). A piece of writing about a man repairing a photocopier is unlikely to seize the reader if all it does is depend upon everyday experience. The story would progress as follows: the man turns up, is taken to the broken appliance, checks it over, looks at his instruction book, opens up the photocopier, takes out a ball of tattered paper and says, "That was your problem, right there. Sign here." Not exactly a page-turner, is it? But what if the photocopier engineer did something that made you think, 'Why on Earth would he do that?' What if the photocopier repairman took a small tobacco tin from his toolbox, opened the tin to reveal a hideous cockroach and then let the horrible thing loose in the inner workings of the photocopier? Why on Earth would he do that? You tell me: you've got the foundation for a story now. A peculiar story, true, but a story all the same. This method can be applied to almost any everyday situation to generate an (inspiring story starter. It needn't be as creepy as the example above. Try these: 1. What if the driver of your bus suddenly stopped his vehicle in the middle of a hectic junction and began to weep? 2. What if the mailman, instead of posting letters through your door began posting frogs? 3. What if the woman who sits next to you at work suddenly began cutting off all her hair? Why on Earth would they do that? I hope you've found this writing prompt helpful. The very best of luck with your writing! Mike Sellars
As an author, you often don't have much control over (1) the book cover or (2) the blurb, BUT every writer knows that a sizzling story start is vital! And that you can control. That first paragraph has to grab the reader's attention instantly. Smart writers know you reveal more about your characters by showing them in action, rather than by writing long slabs of description about where they are and what they wear.
There are lots of ways to create Sizzling Starts. Here are just five suggestions.
1) Start with a bang
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
2) Make the reader curious
Let me explain about the divorce, the beach house and the bacon.
3) Create a Moment of Change
Everything was going well, until my Mum said 'I've got a job in California.'
4) Use humour
Never let your three year old brother hold a tomato.
5) Dialogue quickly introduces your characters
'It's just a rat,' I said, breathing hard. 'It's an old house.'
'Rats don't growl,' said Mike.
Share these ideas with your children. Then get them to look at the first paragraphs of books from the library or your home and see what other types of starts they can find.
Here is an Action Activity the whole family can try:
Scaffold a Sizzling Start
Start stories with action! Give your kids one minute to write a start for each of the following phrases. The one minute limit makes them think quickly and not fuss about being perfect -- and that allows the creative side of their brain freedom. (Tell students not to worry about spelling until later too.)
* 'Stop! There's a...' * It was a trap, but... * 'Get out of my way. You never...' * The chocolate was great, but then... * Suddenly he coughed and... * The car stopped. Then it turned around and started back...
If your children enjoy the activity, get them to create more story starters. Next time they can run the same activity for you (yes, YOU write, too) as well as your other kids.
Don't forget, the most effective way to teach children to write is NOT to write full stories all the time. Just practice starting stories well and let kids learn in small, confidence-building chunks.
Both Mike Sellars & 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.
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