The Seven Steps - Narrative Writing

Seven Steps Story Graph

Here are the Seven Steps to Writing Success

Step 1: Plan for Success

A joke, a movie, a TV sitcom, a book and a great story - what do they all have in common? They all follow the same 'story graph'. Start with a bang, slowly build up the tension and end on a real high point.

Step 2: Sizzling Starts

Start where the action is. Not at the beginning of the day where nothing is happening. Begin when the volcano starts oozing lava or as you walk in the door to the big disco competition.

It has already made a huge difference to the children's writing. The excitement that it has generated has been amazing! As for the story graph I am seeing it everywhere!!!

Step 3: Tightening Tension

You must believe the hero (male or female) will fail. The tornado is too strong, the villain is too evil, the black forces of depression are too overwhelming. Yet, through strength, talent and determination, somehow our hero wins.

Step 4: Dynamic Dialogue

Think of dialogue as a mini play in the story. Let your characters walk, talk or even stalk - that's how we get to know them.

Step 5: Show, Don't Tell

If I tell you I am generous, do you believe me??? No way. But if I buy all 20 raffle tickets to help cancer research, are you more convinced? Actions really do speak louder than words.

Step 6: Ban the Boring Bits

Seven Steps Narrative Writing Manual

Everyone gets up, gets dressed, travels to school...it's not exactly exciting. So why write about it? Ban all mention of the 'boring B' words - beds, breakfast and bus trips. Think like the movies, the heroes never travel, they just arrive...

Step 7: Exciting Endings

Would you tell a joke without knowing the punch line? If you want to build to a big climax you have to know where you are heading.

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