Creating Great Leads - Getting that spark and pulling in your audience Shannon Powell

Getting you hooked What happens at the beginning of a play that gets you excited about the rest? How does a movie or a TV show get you “hooked” so you don’t turn the channel? How do you decide whether or not to read a book you found on your own? If nobody recommended it to you, what helps you decide if you’re going to read it?

Two Approaches Create story leads from scratch Create story leads from scratch The Mysteries of Harris Burdick The Mysteries of Harris Burdick Create story leads for a specific piece already in progress/revision. Create story leads for a specific piece already in progress/revision. Self-selected piece Self-selected piece

Contentions 1.When presented with creative story- starting ideas, writers will get that “spark” they need to begin writing. (“I don’t know how to start!”) 2.Students need practice both creating new leads from scratch and creating a variety of leads to fit existing pieces of writing. 3. Good leads do not need to come first in the writing process. They are a valid part of the revision process.

Research Fletcher says, “…the lead is more than the first step toward getting somewhere; the lead is an integral part of the somewhere itself” (82). Fletcher says, “…the lead is more than the first step toward getting somewhere; the lead is an integral part of the somewhere itself” (82). Ideas (6+1 traits) Ideas (6+1 traits) Students need a spark/a push/a reason and a purpose for writing Students need a spark/a push/a reason and a purpose for writing

Research Also, “The lead gives the author his first real chance to grapple with the subject at hand” (82). Also, “The lead gives the author his first real chance to grapple with the subject at hand” (82). As well as the reader. As well as the reader. Two thoughts: What do I want to say, and what do I want my reader to hear? Two thoughts: What do I want to say, and what do I want my reader to hear?

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick By Chris Van Allsburg

Captain Tory “He swung his lantern three times and slowly the schooner appeared.”

Oscar and Alphonse “She knew it was time to send them back. The caterpillars softly wiggled in her hand, spelling out ‘goodbye.’”

The Seven Chairs “The fifth one ended up in France.”

Just desserts “She lowered the knife and it grew even brighter.”

Another Place, Another Time “If there was an answer, he’d find it there.”

The Harp “So it’s true he thought, it’s really true.”

Archie Smith, Boy Wonder “A tiny voice asked, ‘Is he the one?’”

Mr. Linden’s Library “He had warned her about the book. Now it was too late.”

Missing in Venice “Even with her mighty engines in reverse, the ocean liner was pulled further and further into the canal.”

A Strange Day in July “He threw with all his might, but the third stone came skipping back.”

Under the Rug “Two weeks passed and it happened again.”

Uninvited Guests “His heart was pounding. He was sure he had seen the doorknob turn.”

The Third-floor Bedroom “It all began when someone left the window open.”

The House on Maple Street “It was a perfect lift-off.”