Writer’s Prompt: Writer’s Prompt: After years of leading a normal After years of leading a normal life, you discover you have a special life, you discover you have a special ability. ability. Afraid to share this information Afraid to share this information with anyone, you confide only in your with anyone, you confide only in your closest friend. closest friend. To your surprise, your friend To your surprise, your friend shares some information with you—he shares some information with you—he also has a super power also has a super power
Transcript
Writer’s Prompt:Writer’s Prompt:
After years of leading a normal life, you After years of leading a normal life, you discover you have a special ability. discover you have a special ability.
Afraid to share this information with Afraid to share this information with anyone, you confide only in your closest anyone, you confide only in your closest friend. friend.
To your surprise, your friend shares To your surprise, your friend shares some information with you—he also has a some information with you—he also has a super powersuper power
My blogMy blog
The Narrative EssayThe Narrative Essay
What is a Narrative Essay?What is a Narrative Essay?
► It’s a story – it can be real or imaginedIt’s a story – it can be real or imagined► It connects us to other peopleIt connects us to other people► It can raise a question.It can raise a question.► It can provide an insight.It can provide an insight.► It can offer a moral.It can offer a moral.► It can offer a challenge.It can offer a challenge.► It can provide a mirror for our own livesIt can provide a mirror for our own lives
William BlakeWilliam Blake1757 - 18271757 - 1827
►One of the first writers of the "Romantic One of the first writers of the "Romantic Period” in England. Period” in England.
►Writings from the Romantic period were Writings from the Romantic period were based on emotion, adventure and based on emotion, adventure and imagination. imagination.
► Blake was not always a poet. Blake was not always a poet. ► In fact, his only formal training was in art. In fact, his only formal training was in art. ► At the age of ten, he entered a drawing At the age of ten, he entered a drawing
school. He later studied at the Royal school. He later studied at the Royal Academy of Arts. Academy of Arts.
The Chimney SweepThe Chimney Sweep
►What do you know about the boy who What do you know about the boy who narrates this poem?narrates this poem?
►What was Tom’s dream?What was Tom’s dream?►What is the effect of the repetition of What is the effect of the repetition of
“weep” in line 3?“weep” in line 3?►What is the moral of this poem?What is the moral of this poem?
Listen to this story starring Listen to this story starring detective “Guy Noir”detective “Guy Noir”
Pay close attention to the elements of Pay close attention to the elements of the essay.the essay.
Identify some of the Identify some of the narrative elements of “Guy narrative elements of “Guy
Noir”Noir”►SettingSetting►CharactersCharacters►PlotPlot►ApexApex►Moral? Moral? ►Point of view?Point of view?
Read the essay “Small Town Read the essay “Small Town Terror” and be prepared to Terror” and be prepared to
explain the different elements explain the different elements which make this a narrative which make this a narrative
essay.essay.
Describe the narrative elements Describe the narrative elements of “Small-Town Terror”of “Small-Town Terror”
►Story?Story?►Fiction of fact?Fiction of fact?►Does it have a point of view?Does it have a point of view?►Moral? Insight? Question? Challenge?Moral? Insight? Question? Challenge?
Now, tell me a story.Now, tell me a story.
►Tell the story about the first time you Tell the story about the first time you went to the movies without your parentswent to the movies without your parents
►Tell the story about the first time you Tell the story about the first time you drove a car.drove a car.
►Tell the one about the worst trouble you Tell the one about the worst trouble you ever got into.ever got into.
►Tell the one about your first day of ninth Tell the one about your first day of ninth grade (“That was me in grade 9”) grade (“That was me in grade 9”)
What elements did it have?What elements did it have?
►Story?Story?►Fiction of fact?Fiction of fact?►Does it have a point of view?Does it have a point of view?►Moral? Insight? Question? Challenge?Moral? Insight? Question? Challenge?
PausePause
Writing the Narrative Writing the Narrative EssayEssay
What specific types of narrative What specific types of narrative reports might you write in your reports might you write in your
life/career?life/career?
As a witness to an accident, a As a witness to an accident, a crime, or some other incident, crime, or some other incident,
you might report what took you might report what took place.place.
Whenever readers need to Whenever readers need to understand understand what happenedwhat happened, ,
narrative reporting is essential.narrative reporting is essential.
NarrationNarration is a piece of writing is a piece of writing that tells a story of an event or that tells a story of an event or
experience.experience.
The ProcessThe Process
► Find a story worth tellingFind a story worth telling► Use your “Big Eye”Use your “Big Eye”► Look at life from a different Look at life from a different
perspective – find the stories in perspective – find the stories in everyday life.everyday life.
► Keep a notebook of your story ideasKeep a notebook of your story ideas
The ProcessThe Process
►You need a thesis or a main idea You need a thesis or a main idea sentencesentence
►Use descriptive languageUse descriptive language►Make a timelineMake a timeline►Use transitionsUse transitions►Use dialogue to advance the story – Use dialogue to advance the story –
make it realmake it real
Kinds of NarrativesKinds of Narratives
► The Narrative SummaryThe Narrative Summary►Covers large segment of timeCovers large segment of time►Writers of history, memoirs, biography Writers of history, memoirs, biography
use thisuse this►Raymond Carver used it in “My Raymond Carver used it in “My
Father’s Life”Father’s Life”
The Narrative MomentThe Narrative Moment
►Covers a limited time frameCovers a limited time frame►All details are explored for an intense, All details are explored for an intense,
comprehensive view of a flash of timecomprehensive view of a flash of time
Time OrderTime Order
►Most narratives are written Most narratives are written chronologically – this happened, then chronologically – this happened, then this, then this…this, then this…
►Can be written “medias res” – in the Can be written “medias res” – in the midst of things – where readers find midst of things – where readers find themselves in the heat of an eventthemselves in the heat of an event
►Flashbacks are used by skillful writers Flashbacks are used by skillful writers – may confuse the reader– may confuse the reader
AudienceAudience
►Who is your audience?Who is your audience?►Newspaper readers?Newspaper readers?►Fiction readers?Fiction readers?►Doctors? Firemen?Doctors? Firemen?►Write to themWrite to them
The events you include and the The events you include and the way you describe them create a way you describe them create a story that is based on your point story that is based on your point
of view.of view.
What is a Narrative Essay?What is a Narrative Essay?
►A narrative is a storyA narrative is a story►A narrative essay is a story that has a A narrative essay is a story that has a
specific pointspecific point A narrative essay strives to teach a lesson orA narrative essay strives to teach a lesson or A narrative essay strives to make a specific A narrative essay strives to make a specific
pointpoint A narrative essay is A narrative essay is notnot a diary entry – the a diary entry – the
story is linked to the purpose of the essaystory is linked to the purpose of the essay
What Should Be Included in a What Should Be Included in a Narrative Essay?Narrative Essay?►Often written in 1Often written in 1stst person – I or we – person – I or we –
because it is based on a personal storybecause it is based on a personal story► Can also be written in 3Can also be written in 3rdrd person person► Can Can nevernever be written in 2be written in 2ndnd person person►Has specific sensory details to get the Has specific sensory details to get the
reader hooked on the storyreader hooked on the story► Is developed in chronological orderIs developed in chronological order►Has verbs that help paint a picture and draw Has verbs that help paint a picture and draw
in the readerin the reader
What Else Does the Narrative What Else Does the Narrative Essay Need?Essay Need?►Since this is a story, the narrative Since this is a story, the narrative
essay needs everything a story needs essay needs everything a story needs (these are known as the story (these are known as the story elements):elements): Has a plotHas a plot Has charactersHas characters Has a problemHas a problem Has a climaxHas a climax Often uses dialogueOften uses dialogue
Planning the Narrative EssayPlanning the Narrative Essay
►Write a thesis statement, just as with any Write a thesis statement, just as with any other essayother essay
► Brainstorm for a personal story or Brainstorm for a personal story or observation that illustrates or proves the observation that illustrates or proves the thesis statementthesis statement
►Outline or web the important parts of the Outline or web the important parts of the story to be toldstory to be told
►Write an introductory paragraph that Write an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis statement, and then includes the thesis statement, and then write the storywrite the story
► Because this is a story, use as many Because this is a story, use as many paragraphs as necessary to tell the storyparagraphs as necessary to tell the story
►Write the conclusion that reflects on the Write the conclusion that reflects on the thesis statementthesis statement
Start With a Thesis Start With a Thesis StatementStatement►The thesis will depend upon the story The thesis will depend upon the story
to be proven. to be proven. ►The thesis can be something general The thesis can be something general
in the case of a narrative essay. For in the case of a narrative essay. For example, you may write, “Oftentimes example, you may write, “Oftentimes people do not follow simple directions. people do not follow simple directions. However, these campers learned just However, these campers learned just how important following directions can how important following directions can be.”be.”
What Would You Expect From What Would You Expect From This Thesis?This Thesis?►As the reader, you will expect to learn As the reader, you will expect to learn
why following directions is important.why following directions is important.►As the reader, you will expect to read As the reader, you will expect to read
a story about camping. a story about camping. ►As the reader, you will expect there to As the reader, you will expect there to
be a twist in the action.be a twist in the action.
Outline the Parts of the Story Outline the Parts of the Story and Write Out the Storyand Write Out the Story
An Informal Outline of the Story:An Informal Outline of the Story:►Two campers go camping and ignore Two campers go camping and ignore
rules rules ►They leave out foodThey leave out food►An animal finds the foodAn animal finds the food►One of the campers tries to scare off One of the campers tries to scare off
the animal the animal ►Campers learn to follow the rulesCampers learn to follow the rules
Let’s Read the Essay – The Let’s Read the Essay – The IntroductionIntroduction
It was a wonderful week to camp in the It was a wonderful week to camp in the great outdoors, even if some of their friends great outdoors, even if some of their friends thought it was a strange way to honeymoon. thought it was a strange way to honeymoon. Trudy and Jeff were looking forward to their Trudy and Jeff were looking forward to their week at Great Smoky Mountains National Park week at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Little did they know what a in Tennessee. Little did they know what a learning experience this trip would be. learning experience this trip would be. Oftentimes people do not follow simple Oftentimes people do not follow simple directions. However, these campers learned directions. However, these campers learned just how important following directions can just how important following directions can be. be.
Setting the Scene of the Setting the Scene of the StoryStory
After a scenic drive through the After a scenic drive through the glorious mountains, Trudy and Jeff arrived at glorious mountains, Trudy and Jeff arrived at the camping area. A ranger at the booth the camping area. A ranger at the booth handed them a map and asked, “Have you handed them a map and asked, “Have you ever camped with us before?”ever camped with us before?”
““A better question would be if we ever A better question would be if we ever camped before,” Jerry answered wryly. camped before,” Jerry answered wryly.
““You’ll be fine. Just remember, this isn’t You’ll be fine. Just remember, this isn’t a hotel. We do have bears and other animals a hotel. We do have bears and other animals in the area, so lock your food up in the car,” in the area, so lock your food up in the car,” said the ranger as he handed them a lists of said the ranger as he handed them a lists of Do’s and Don’ts. Do’s and Don’ts.
Developing the PlotDeveloping the Plot
Exhausted from their first attempt Exhausted from their first attempt at setting up a campsite, Trudy and at setting up a campsite, Trudy and Jeff crawled inside the tent that Jeff crawled inside the tent that evening, giggling and whispering to evening, giggling and whispering to each other. They doused the light each other. They doused the light inside the tent and ignored the world inside the tent and ignored the world outside the canvas. The ranger’s list outside the canvas. The ranger’s list was left laying on the tent floor. was left laying on the tent floor.
Continuing the Action – Vivid Continuing the Action – Vivid Word ChoicesWord Choices
Just before sunrise, Jerry was awakened Just before sunrise, Jerry was awakened by the sounds of metal ripping. He quietly by the sounds of metal ripping. He quietly slipped out of the tent. A fully grown black slipped out of the tent. A fully grown black bear was sitting on their picnic table busily bear was sitting on their picnic table busily prying the lid off the cooler they neglected to prying the lid off the cooler they neglected to store in the car the night before. Finding the store in the car the night before. Finding the pound of bacon he prized, the bear leaned pound of bacon he prized, the bear leaned back on his hind haunches and began to back on his hind haunches and began to devour the bacon. Jerry started screaming at devour the bacon. Jerry started screaming at the bear, “Get out of here! What do you think the bear, “Get out of here! What do you think you’re doing?” you’re doing?”
Reaching the ClimaxReaching the Climax
By this point, most of the other campers By this point, most of the other campers had exited their own tents and watched the had exited their own tents and watched the scene unfold. The bear was not amused by scene unfold. The bear was not amused by Jerry’s threatening, especially with the Jerry’s threatening, especially with the remainder of the bacon at stake. The black remainder of the bacon at stake. The black bear stood on top of the picnic table to his bear stood on top of the picnic table to his full height. While the bear actually stood only full height. While the bear actually stood only four feet tall, the extra height of the table four feet tall, the extra height of the table caused him to loom over Jerry’s head. The caused him to loom over Jerry’s head. The bear suddenly fell forward, striking the table bear suddenly fell forward, striking the table with his full weight and snarled. The table with his full weight and snarled. The table moaned in response. moaned in response.
The Climax ContinuesThe Climax Continues
Much more quickly than anyone Much more quickly than anyone anticipated, the bear reached out his huge, anticipated, the bear reached out his huge, menacing paw towards Jerry. Fear leapt into menacing paw towards Jerry. Fear leapt into Jerry’s eyes as he turned and ran back into Jerry’s eyes as he turned and ran back into his tent. Zip! closed the zipper. his tent. Zip! closed the zipper.
Now, one can only imagine how much Now, one can only imagine how much time passed before Jerry and Trudy realized time passed before Jerry and Trudy realized the futility of his preventive actions. How the futility of his preventive actions. How was a flimsy flap of canvas going to stop a was a flimsy flap of canvas going to stop a full-sized, angry bear?full-sized, angry bear?
Finding the SolutionFinding the Solution
Fortunately, the bear was much more Fortunately, the bear was much more interested in the left-over bacon than in Jerry interested in the left-over bacon than in Jerry and Trudy. The bear cautiously turned and Trudy. The bear cautiously turned around, climbed back on top of the table, and around, climbed back on top of the table, and continued to eat his early breakfast. He continued to eat his early breakfast. He carefully examined the remaining contents of carefully examined the remaining contents of the cooler. Finding nothing else as delectable the cooler. Finding nothing else as delectable as the bacon, the bear jumped off the picnic as the bacon, the bear jumped off the picnic table, grunted, licked his paws and mouth, table, grunted, licked his paws and mouth, and then lumbered off into the deeper woods and then lumbered off into the deeper woods that surrounded the campground. that surrounded the campground.
The Concluding ParagraphThe Concluding Paragraph
The audience that had gathered The audience that had gathered applauded spontaneously, then slowly applauded spontaneously, then slowly returned to their own campsites, shaking returned to their own campsites, shaking their heads in disbelief. Meanwhile, inside their heads in disbelief. Meanwhile, inside the thin canvas tent, Trudy and Jeff had the thin canvas tent, Trudy and Jeff had lit their lantern and were carefully lit their lantern and were carefully studying the items listed on the Do’s and studying the items listed on the Do’s and Don’ts list. The rest of their trip was Don’ts list. The rest of their trip was blissfully peaceful as they made sure to blissfully peaceful as they made sure to follow all the rules at the campsite. follow all the rules at the campsite.
Additional Ideas for Your Additional Ideas for Your ThesisThesis► Without a thesis, or a point, you are not Without a thesis, or a point, you are not
really writing a narrative essay but a really writing a narrative essay but a narrative – make sure to have a point. You narrative – make sure to have a point. You can get help finding a point when you:can get help finding a point when you: Think about sayings or quotes that teach a Think about sayings or quotes that teach a
lessonlesson Think about lessons learned from Aesop’s fablesThink about lessons learned from Aesop’s fables Think about a time when you learned something Think about a time when you learned something
valuablevaluable Read quotations to spawn ideasRead quotations to spawn ideas Read your own journals for a time something Read your own journals for a time something
happened worth telling others abouthappened worth telling others about
A good NarrationA good Narration
►Reveals something of importance to Reveals something of importance to you (your main point)you (your main point)
► Includes all of the major events of the Includes all of the major events of the story. story.
► Uses details to bring the story to life Uses details to bring the story to life ►Presents the events in a clear order, Presents the events in a clear order,
usually according to when it usually according to when it happened.happened.
► LaterLater► At lastAt last► LastLast► EventuallyEventually►MeanwhileMeanwhile► SinceSince►NowNow► SoonSoon►whenwhen
Guidelines of a Narrative Guidelines of a Narrative ParagraphParagraph
►Write out the topic sentence and circle the Write out the topic sentence and circle the point of view.point of view.
► List any background informationList any background information► Briefly summarize the incident (write several Briefly summarize the incident (write several
sentences telling what happened in your sentences telling what happened in your own words)own words)
►Do all of these sentences support your point Do all of these sentences support your point of view?of view?
► Are the events in the story in chronological Are the events in the story in chronological order?order?
Read the following paragraph.Read the following paragraph.My twelfth birthday was originally a disappointment My twelfth birthday was originally a disappointment
that turned into my best birthday ever. For five or six that turned into my best birthday ever. For five or six months preceding the big day, I begged my parents months preceding the big day, I begged my parents
for a certain new bicycle. I had seen one in a medium for a certain new bicycle. I had seen one in a medium price range that I figured my folks could afford. I price range that I figured my folks could afford. I
hinted and even pleaded outright, promising to do hinted and even pleaded outright, promising to do extra chores if I got it. Pointing out that the only bike extra chores if I got it. Pointing out that the only bike I had ever had was a hand-me-down from my older I had ever had was a hand-me-down from my older brother. I showed them how rusted the frame was. brother. I showed them how rusted the frame was. Meanwhile, my brother was begging for a set of tires Meanwhile, my brother was begging for a set of tires for the car he had bought. When my birthday finally for the car he had bought. When my birthday finally
came, my hopes were so high. Instead of the bicycle, came, my hopes were so high. Instead of the bicycle, though, I got a new shirt, a pair of sneakers, and an though, I got a new shirt, a pair of sneakers, and an envelope. At first, I thought it was just a card, but it envelope. At first, I thought it was just a card, but it
turned out to have enough money for the bike in it. It turned out to have enough money for the bike in it. It also contained five “contracts” for extra work around also contained five “contracts” for extra work around the house that I could do to earn enough money for a the house that I could do to earn enough money for a much nicer bicycle. My parents gave me the gift of much nicer bicycle. My parents gave me the gift of
upgrading from the bike I settled for. I ended up upgrading from the bike I settled for. I ended up getting a great new bicycle that I helped to buy with getting a great new bicycle that I helped to buy with
money I had earned myself.money I had earned myself.
1. What is the topic 1. What is the topic sentence?sentence?
2. Which sentence is not in 2. Which sentence is not in unity with the rest of the unity with the rest of the
paragraph?paragraph?
3. What do you think is the 3. What do you think is the writer’s reason for writing writer’s reason for writing
this paragraph?this paragraph?
-II--II-Guidelines for a Narrative Guidelines for a Narrative
EssayEssay
1. Set the scene immediately.1. Set the scene immediately.Place readers right at the center Place readers right at the center of the action. If you open with of the action. If you open with
some sort of background some sort of background explanation, keep it short and explanation, keep it short and
sweet.sweet.
2. Convey your main point.2. Convey your main point.If you simply report, then If you simply report, then
there is no main point. You there is no main point. You need to have a main point to need to have a main point to help you present or explain help you present or explain
the major events of the the major events of the story.story.
In a narrative essay, the In a narrative essay, the ThesisThesis introduces the action introduces the action
that begins in the first that begins in the first paragraph.paragraph.
Now, as I watched the bus Now, as I watched the bus driver set my luggage on the driver set my luggage on the
airport sidewalk, I realized airport sidewalk, I realized that my frustration had only that my frustration had only
just begun.just begun.
These major events will These major events will become the topic sentences for become the topic sentences for
the body paragraphs in your the body paragraphs in your essay. essay.
The paragraphs in the body will The paragraphs in the body will develop the story.develop the story.
3.Choose details that directly 3.Choose details that directly advance your story in your advance your story in your
support and bring the support and bring the experience to life for the reader.experience to life for the reader.
4. Choose details that are 4. Choose details that are concrete and specific enough to concrete and specific enough to
show clearly what happened.show clearly what happened.
5. Order details in a clear 5. Order details in a clear sequence. Chronological sequence. Chronological
ordering often works best in a ordering often works best in a narrative because it enables narrative because it enables
readers to follow events as they readers to follow events as they occurred.occurred.
6. Control your tenses and 6. Control your tenses and transitions. Indicate a clear transitions. Indicate a clear time frame for each event: time frame for each event:
present, past, past perfect, or present, past, past perfect, or even future. If you move from even future. If you move from one time frame to another, be one time frame to another, be
sure to keep the tense sure to keep the tense consistent within each frame.consistent within each frame.
TransitionsTransitions will help signal the will help signal the end of action in one paragraph, end of action in one paragraph, and provide a link to the action and provide a link to the action
of the next paragraph. They of the next paragraph. They give your story unity and allow give your story unity and allow the reader to follow the action the reader to follow the action
easily.easily.
7. Tell us what all this means 7. Tell us what all this means and what we should remember and what we should remember
about itabout it
You finish describing the action You finish describing the action in the essay in in the essay in the concluding the concluding paragraph.paragraph. The final sentence The final sentence
can have two functions:can have two functions:
1.1.
1. It can deliver the moral of 1. It can deliver the moral of the story, or tell the reader the story, or tell the reader what the characters or you what the characters or you
learned from the experience.learned from the experience.
2. It can make a prediction 2. It can make a prediction or a revelation about future or a revelation about future actions that will happen as a actions that will happen as a
result of the events in the result of the events in the story.story.
Moral:Moral:
The little boy had finally learned The little boy had finally learned that telling the truth was the that telling the truth was the most important thing to do.most important thing to do.
Prediction/revelation:Prediction/revelation:
I can only hope that one day I I can only hope that one day I will be able to do the same for will be able to do the same for
another traveler who is suffering another traveler who is suffering through a terrible journey.through a terrible journey.
Every Christmas Eve, my wife Every Christmas Eve, my wife and I return to that magical spot and I return to that magical spot and remember the selfless act and remember the selfless act
that saved our lives.that saved our lives.
When you think of a topic for When you think of a topic for your narrative essay, try to your narrative essay, try to
remember something exciting, remember something exciting, difficult, wonderful, or difficult, wonderful, or
frightening that has happened frightening that has happened to you. Can this event be to you. Can this event be
developed into an interesting developed into an interesting narrative essay?narrative essay?
Ask yourself questions:Ask yourself questions:
► When was an important time in my life?When was an important time in my life?► What has happened in my experience that I would What has happened in my experience that I would
enjoy writing about?enjoy writing about?► Is there an event in my life that other people would Is there an event in my life that other people would
enjoy hearing about?enjoy hearing about?► How did I feel about a particular experience?How did I feel about a particular experience?► Who was involved?Who was involved?► Why do I remember this event so strongly?Why do I remember this event so strongly?► What effect did it have on me?What effect did it have on me?► Did anything change because of this experience?Did anything change because of this experience?► What interesting experiences do I know of that What interesting experiences do I know of that
happened to other people?happened to other people?
If you are answering some of If you are answering some of these questions about a specific these questions about a specific experience that you or someone experience that you or someone else had, then you may have a else had, then you may have a
topic for a narrative essay.topic for a narrative essay.
Write a narration paragraph Write a narration paragraph or essay on one of the or essay on one of the
following topics.following topics.
1.Explain the most important or 1.Explain the most important or interesting event that has interesting event that has
happened to you in college.happened to you in college.
2.Tell about a recent experience 2.Tell about a recent experience or incident you witnessed that or incident you witnessed that
left a strong impression on you.left a strong impression on you.
3. Write about an event when 3. Write about an event when you were proud of someone in you were proud of someone in
your family.your family.
oror
Write about an event when you Write about an event when you were proud or ashamed of your were proud or ashamed of your
behavior. behavior.
4. Think of a time when you had 4. Think of a time when you had to do something against your to do something against your
wishes.wishes.
OrOr
Think of a memorable Think of a memorable experience you have had – it experience you have had – it
could be frightening, sobering, could be frightening, sobering, or amusing.or amusing.
5. Talk about an interesting, 5. Talk about an interesting, incredible story you heard on incredible story you heard on
the news recently.the news recently.
6. How did you meet your 6. How did you meet your sweetheart?sweetheart?
After you have a suitable topic, After you have a suitable topic, brainstorm some ideas about brainstorm some ideas about
your topic.your topic.Organize your ideas. Organize your ideas.
Remember that it’s not Remember that it’s not necessary to tell every detail of necessary to tell every detail of
the story. Include only the the story. Include only the most important actions or most important actions or events that move the story events that move the story
forward.forward.
IntroductionIntroduction::
What is the basic idea of the What is the basic idea of the story?story?
Where is the story taking place?Where is the story taking place?When is the story taking place?When is the story taking place?
Who is in the story?Who is in the story?
a) lead-ina) lead-inb) connecting informationb) connecting information
c) Thesis statementc) Thesis statement
Body:Body:
What feeling or atmosphere do What feeling or atmosphere do you want to create in the story? you want to create in the story?
What will happen in the plot?What will happen in the plot?
What will happen last in the story? What will happen last in the story? How will you finish the plot?How will you finish the plot?
Will your narrative essay have a Will your narrative essay have a moral or make a prediction or a moral or make a prediction or a
revelation?revelation?
A) close of the actionA) close of the actionB) final sentence (moral, prediction B) final sentence (moral, prediction
or revelationor revelation
Steve Berry's 8 Rules of WritingSteve Berry's 8 Rules of WritingSeptember 05, 2008September 05, 2008
1. There are no rules. 1. There are no rules. You can do anything You can do anything you want you want as long as it works.as long as it works.
2. Don't bore the reader.2. Don't bore the reader. You can bore the You can bore the reader in a sentence, in a paragraph, by reader in a sentence, in a paragraph, by misusing words, poorly choosing words, using misusing words, poorly choosing words, using the wrong length, etc. the wrong length, etc.
3. Don't confuse the reader.3. Don't confuse the reader. Don't misuse Don't misuse point of view. Don't do too much at once.point of view. Don't do too much at once.
4. Don't get caught writing.4. Don't get caught writing. Don't let you, Don't let you, the author, enter the story. (E.g., "And he never the author, enter the story. (E.g., "And he never would see Memphis again." How would anyone would see Memphis again." How would anyone other than the author know that the character other than the author know that the character would never see Memphis again?)would never see Memphis again?)
8 rules for writing – cont’d.8 rules for writing – cont’d.
5. Shorter is always better.5. Shorter is always better. Write tight. It makes Write tight. It makes you use the best words in the right way. you use the best words in the right way.
6. Don't lie to the reader.6. Don't lie to the reader. It's OK to mislead, but It's OK to mislead, but don't lie. If you say the character's motivation is A don't lie. If you say the character's motivation is A and it turns out to be B (and you haven't and it turns out to be B (and you haven't foreshadowed it at all), the reader will feel cheated. foreshadowed it at all), the reader will feel cheated.
7. Don't annoy the reader. 7. Don't annoy the reader. Don't use names that Don't use names that are hard to pronounce or write choppy sentences are hard to pronounce or write choppy sentences throughout the entire book. It keeps people from throughout the entire book. It keeps people from getting close to your characters.getting close to your characters.
8. You must tell a good story. 8. You must tell a good story. Bad writing can be Bad writing can be forgiven with a good story. A bad story with the forgiven with a good story. A bad story with the most beautiful writing cannot.most beautiful writing cannot.
