A Guide to great writing Tips and strategies for getting the most out of your ideas.

Narrative Structure orientation > complication > resolution Setting up your story Developing the situation How does it all work out

Get right to the action Select unexpected topics; create complications…they add interest. Avoid long introductions and lengthy descriptions. Avoid just simply recounting events with no complications…BORING!

Clever techniques Foreshadowing/flashback Red herrings/cliff hangers Twist Evaluation/reflection Circular or parallel plots Don’t spoil your writing with a WEAK ending like…Then I woke up or They all lived happily ever after

Characters and setting Select details to create distinct, memorable characters. You might use convincing dialogue to show character traits or reactions. Choose details to create a sense of the place and atmosphere. The setting could be used to create suspense.

Language Use language that makes the story seem clearer or more real. Could a literary device add impact? What about a simile or metaphor? The use of onomatopoeia can create suspense…BUT be careful, don’t include them if it makes your writing seem contrived. Think of other words for ‘says’.

Stand out from the gang Don’t be predictable!

Show don’t tell! Let the readers SEE it for themselves Let the readers FEEL it for themselves Use STRONG verbs (crept, careened…) Use dialogue for more than just talking (use it to show characters’ personalities/reactions…) Use different senses Open the narrative document on www.msgadsbys.com year 9 Narrative to explore these ideas further