Writing CAN BE fun !!!

We will be writing a short story using the 4 panels you have “inherited”. When you write a story, you unlock your IMAGINATION. YOUR ideas matter. The story gets to go the way YOU want. IF you want your story to be enjoyable to others, there are some considerations you have to make as a “writer”.

Create a Graphic Organizer: Blank Paper Color can be helpful Draw boxes around ideas

Based on the panels, choose an idea for your story We write best about things we know well. Even though this is a made-up story, the characters and events should seem real. You could use people and places you already know. Favorite books, favorite movies BUT Make the story you create ORIGINAL. Ultimately, you can make up anything you like as long as it can be imagined by the reader.

Choose an Idea for Your Story Create a Graphic Organizer:

Plan Your Story's Characters Describe how the characters look. How can you describe their personalities? How do they react in situations? How do others react TO your character(s)? PLAN your characters ahead of time so you can “bring them to life” as you write your story. Make a list of characters you plan to use in your story. Outline the traits of each character.

Choose an Idea for Your Story Create a Graphic Organizer: Plan Your Story's Characters

Plan “Point of View” Who will narrate your story? Will it be told from the main character's point of view? Or will a second character watching the action be telling the story?

Choose an Idea for Your Story Create a Graphic Organizer: Plan Your Story's Characters Plan “Point of View”

Decide on a setting Where does the story take place? When does the story take place? The setting tells a lot about your characters so give LOTS of setting details. Setting also creates the “mood” of the story... what if the setting is a volcano?!

Choose an Idea for Your Story Create a Graphic Organizer: Plan Your Story's Characters Plan “Point of View” Decide on Setting

Think about the Purpose and Audience Will your story simply entertain? Will your story inspire your readers to do or feel something?

Choose an Idea for Your Story Create a Graphic Organizer: Plan Your Story's Characters Plan “Point of View” Audience Purpose Decide on Setting

Develop Your Plot Plot has Four Parts Conflict (or struggle) which is the basis of the story Series of Related Events: which are set in motion by the conflict in the story. When one thing happens...it causes a second thing to happen. Climax..the most exciting part of the story..when something happens that will reveal how the conflict will turn out. Resolution...outcome that shows how things finally do work out in the end.

Short Story Action Plan Using your completed graphic organizer, decide on the following: Beginning of Story: Characters: Setting: Introduction to conflict: Middle of Story: End of Story: