1. Narrative Writing

2. Think and Share What are some examples of narrative writing? What are strategies that writers use in a narrative? What strategies do you use? Why might a person choose to write a narrative? *Be ready to share with the class!

3. What is Narrative Writing? ●A narrative is a story containing specific elements that work together to create interest for not only the author but also the reader. ●This type of writing makes the reader feel as if he or she were part of the story, as if it was being told directly to him or her.

4. Writing a Narrative ➔ The first important thing to remember about a narrative essay is that it tells a story. The author may write about: ◆ an experience or event from his or her past ◆ a recent or an ongoing experience or event ◆ something that happened to somebody else, such as a parent or a grandparent

5. Writing a Narrative: PLOT ●Remember the Elements of Fiction ●Narratives should an have exposition, rising action, climax, falling action & resolution ●Narratives need a compelling conflict

6. Writing a Narrative: Characters Characters, real or imaginative, should be brought to life through the narrative. If a character is not described well, the story will not be believable.

7. Writing a Narrative ➔ A narrative takes a moment and completely EXPANDS it. ZOOM in on ONE moment. ◆ Show, DO NOT tell!! ◆ Don’t be obvious!!! ➔ Examples?

8. Writing a Narrative ➔ The writing in a narrative essay should be lively and interesting. ➔ Engage the reader's interest by adding details or personal observations. ➔ Use descriptive language (verbs, adjectives, and adverbs)

9. Strategies for Narrative Writing 1. MAGIC THREE: Three groups of words, usually separated by commas, that create a poetic rhythm or add support for a point ◆ ex: My dog was my best friend, my partner-in- crime, my companion. ex: I love food. I love to eat food, to cook food, and to learn about food. Note: When using “threes”, the words stay consistent within the list (e.g. “my” “to”)

10. Strategies for Narrative Writing 2. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE: Comparisons, word choice, and strategies that add “spice” to writing by painting a vivid picture for the reader ◆ metaphors, similes, personification, imagery ◆ ex: He was pacing the room, as if waiting for the President. ◆ ex: The wind slapped her cheek as she ran through the empty park.

11. Strategies for Narrative Writing 3. SPECIFIC DETAILS for EFFECT: Instead of general, vague descriptions, specific sensory details help the reader visualize the person, place, or thing you are describing ◆ appeal to the senses ◆ be as specific as possible within the moment 4. REPETITION for EFFECT: Repeat specifically chosen word/phrases to make a point, stress certain ideas for the readers ◆ ex: The rain poured. The rain drenched. The rain destroyed.

12. Strategies for Narrative Writing 5. EXPANDED MOMENT: Instead of “speeding” past a moment, emphasize and expand upon a specific action. ◆ Ex: Instead of discussing the first day of school, focus on the action of the very first period of the day 6. HUMOR: Laughter is powerful, even if subtle ◆ Don’t force it

13. Strategies for Narrative Writing 7.HYPHENATED MODIFIERS: hyphenated words often cause the reader to take notice ex: Sally, the girl-wh0-must-always-be-correct, kept trying to show off in class. ex: Voldemort=He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named 8.FULL-CIRCLE ENDING: Wrap-up endings; close by repeating a phrase or anecdote you began with

14. Narrative Writing: Style ●The figurative language (similes, metaphors, etc.), sensory imagery, vivid verbs, strong sentences, dialogue, and point of view that makes each author unique. ●Every student has his/her own style and technique. Although we have the same topic, everyone will write differently. ●You still need to follow the rules of writing: spelling, capitalization, grammar, punctuation!!

15. Let’s Practice! Finish one of the following sentences and create a mini-narrative: 1. I fell asleep on the bus ride home. When I woke up.... 2. Even though the sky was dark and cloudy, I decided to… 3. I knew I would probably be grounded, so I...