Seven Steps to Writing Success - Seven Step Story Makeovers

Seven Step Story Makeovers

We tend to make writing too mysterious - yet the techniques authors use really are simple.

Using the Seven Steps program, ALL these pieces of writing were done within 10 minutes of the original piece.

Step 2: Sizzling Starts Seven Step Story Makeovers

Before
I leapt out of bed that morning and hurried to get dressed because today Dad was taking us to the zoo. I was really excited because they have this big monkey enclosure there and I was mad about monkeys. I also needed to get some really good photos for my Science project. I went down stairs and had breakfast and then we got in the car and drove all the way across town to the zoo…

After
'Here,' I told my sister, 'hold my rucksack. I'm just going to get a bit closer to the monkey's cage.'
A bit closer meant over the fence, past the sign that said 'No entry' and right up to the wire.
'You're monkey mad,' said my sister.
Well, maybe I was. But I was also desperate for an 'A' in my latest Science project. A picture of a cute monkey, smiling right at the camera, might make all the difference.

Step 3: Tightening Tension

Before
We were having fun in the restaurant when suddenly the ground started to shake. I didn't believe it. Then glasses started to break all over my plate. My sister tried to stand up, she was afraid. The ground was trembling, there was noise everywhere…

After
The waiter smiled as he put down a hot chocolate pudding right in front of me.
'You're not going to eat all that!' said my Dad. 'Here, I'll help!' He reached across with his spoon, he was always teasing me. I pulled my plate away fast. Everyone laughed.
'Just a little bit,' Dad begged.
I shook my head. It was weird, but there was a strange buzzing sound as if everything was not quite real. I lifted my spoon, my hands felt like they were shivering. Or was it really the floor shaking? It wasn't possible, but now all the glasses were starting to clink. Suddenly one fell, shattering glass across my hands and pudding. Then the noise hit me, harsh, grinding, vibrating right into my brain…

Step 4: Dynamic Dialogue

Before
I walked to school and was late, so everyone was in class. I opened the door and there were kids everywhere. Boys were climbing out the window and I saw paper planes all over the place. My best friend Anna was holding one of the rats from the science lab, the rest were running all over the room. Anna told me there were no teachers, none at all.

Seven Step Story Makeovers drawing

After
Late to school again, everyone was in class! I opened the door to the classroom at full speed.
'Duck!' yelled Matt, and a huge paper aeroplane came diving right at my head.
'Come on!' Jack was halfway out the window, two boys were right behind him.
My best friend Anna was holding one of the rats from the science lab – the rest were running everywhere.
'What's happening?' I asked her.
'There's no teachers!' she cried. 'None at all!'

Step 5: Show, Don't Tell

Want to see:

Before
The bushfire raged on. The trees were burning and the animals were dying.

After
There was a sudden roaring and right ahead of me a tree burst into flame. I staggered back, hot pain searing my skin. A kangaroo raced by screaming, its fur alight.