1. Imaginative Writing Higher Folio Standard

2. Form May take the form of a complete short story OR You might also imagine that you are writing a full-length novel, and present your piece of writing in the form of an episode or chapter from it. OR Write a piece of pure description- present a picture in words.

3. The Basics You story/imaginative piece of writing must have: Interesting plot Clear, well presented setting Realistic characters Over-riding theme. After you have decided on these, you can then decide on the structure and style you will adopt to make your writing more effective.

4. Theme A story should have a clear theme This is an underlying idea that is developed through the plot. You story will be more effective if the theme is something you feel strongly about. The way your writing reflects your thoughts on the world around you is what will make it original and interesting to the reader.

5. Some examples of themes Peer pressure The generation gap/social change Appearances vs. reality Fear of death Innocence and guilt. Coming of age Enlightenment Enduring love

6. Plot Many people believe that all stories fall under a small number of plot patterns. Look at p. 37

7. Faction Writing You may decide to write about a real event, rather than inventing a plot. You have to flesh out the facts- what you know happened- by imagining exactly how people behaved, what they were thinking and what they said to each other. This type of writing is known as faction.

8. Setting Very important Refers to time and place If you find thinking up a plot difficult, you may find it easier starting with a setting. If you wish to recreate a past time, try to imagine details that would belong to the period and make your description convincing. Use your setting to create a mood. Complete the activities on p.39-40 on setting.

9. Characters Make them memorable and realistic. They must be convincing. The mark of a good character is that they touch the reader’s heart- arousing emotions such as sympathy, curiosity or dislike. Show your reader what they are like by what they say and do.

10. Interaction Your characters should interact with each other. Perhaps attempt a triangle relationship- three is a good number for a short story. A third character can be used to drive the plot by affecting the relationship of the other two. Used speech between characters, however, sparingly.

11. Moving forward Now that you have: theme, setting, characters and plot

12. Symbolism Sometimes a writer introduces an image that clearly represents something deeper. When you write a short story, think of a suitable image that you could use as a symbol to suggest a theme.

13. Structure How will you present your story? Third person- omniscient? (all- knowing) First person- allows the reader to hear the ‘voice’ and ‘thoughts’ of your character

14. Structure- ordering events Linear structure- simplest method However, try starting in the middle or at the end. The reader will be intrigued and want to know how the character came into this scenario. This is called flashback/flash forward.

15. Openings Your opening must ‘hook’ the reader. Look at the following example:

16. ‘The Vertical Ladder’ by William Sansom As he felt the first watery eggs of sweat moistening the palms of his hands, as with every rung higher his body seemed to weigh more heavily, this young man Flegg regretted in sudden desperation but still in vain, the irresponsible events that had thrust him up into his present precarious climb. Here he was, isolated on a vertical iron ladder flat to the side of a gasometer and bound to climb higher and higher until he should reach the summit.

17. Questions 1.What emotion does the author evoke in the first sentence? 2.The reader is forced to imagine what ‘irresponsible events’ could lead a young man to make such a dangerous climb. What reason might there be? 3.The reader then wonders what will happen next. Will he fall? What do you think would make the most successful ending to this story?

18. Endings Start by devising the end. All of your story should lead up to this. Leave the reader to do some thinking. Perhaps try to include a twist. Ensure that you have included character development.

19. Advice from the Master George Orwell

20. Orwell’s Rules 1.Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech that you are used to seeing or hearing. 2.Never use a long word where a short one will do. 3.If it is possible to cut a word out, cut it! 4.Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or jargon if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

21. Imaginative Writing Writing in Progress

22. Stage 1: Outline Genre: (prose fiction / personal) Setting: (real or fictional) Theme: (key idea behind the story) Character: (main characters) Style: (narrative style and structure)

23. Stage 2: Proposal and Plan The next stage is to complete a detailed proposal of what you will write about and an outline plan detailing the events of each section of your essay.

24. Stage 3- first draft Set yourself 3 targets BEFORE you begin writing. Set yourself a realistic timeframe. Review you work before you hand it in to be marked- remember you will only have 2 drafts marked. Use them wisely.