|
Keys
to story writing (pt 4)
Natasha Thomas-Francis, Contributor
Hello,
students! We have been exploring the
art of short story writing for a few
weeks now. As we wrap-up this discussion,
I wish to highlight some pointers
of which you must be mindful.
Every
story must have particular elements/parts:
- Setting
- Characters
- Plot
- Conflict,
crisis, resolution
- Theme/moral
The
elements of a story are enhanced by
the use of various techniques:
The
use of specific details and images
which appeal to the senses.
The
exact words of all the speakers. Remember
that the actual words are enclosed
by quotation marks. For example: Robert
said, "I am going to the party,
Mandy. Do you want to come?"
Most
stories are related in the past tense.
Be consistent with the use of this
tense.
Narratives
are usually told from one of two perspectives:
the first person narrative point of
view (the "I" narrator)
or the third person narrative point
of view (the "omniscient"
narrator).
Now
that you are familiar with what is
required in this section of the paper,
let me give you some final tips:
1.
If you are aspiring to get your Grade
1 for this examination, you must have
a good command of the English Language.
2.
Before you begin writing, start with
a story plan. There must be conflict
which needs to be resolved.
3.
Devise a theme. Every story must have
a message on which the elements of
the story hang. What is it that you
want your characters (or even your
readers) to learn about life, for
example? Ensure that every aspect
of your story is related to the central
message.
4.
An effective short story covers a
short time span. You are not attempting
to write a novel with an endless number
of crises. Rather, the word limit
is 400-450 words and the suggested
time on which you spend planning and
writing your story is 45 minutes.
Therefore, you should focus on one
single event that is momentous in
the life of your main character.
5.
You should decide on one central setting.
Do not take your characters from place
to place without any apparent purpose
as this will detract from your ability
to focus on one conflict. Just ensure
that the setting you choose fits in
with the message you want to communicate.
Additionally, in your descriptions
of the setting, appeal to as many
of the five senses as possible - sight,
hearing, smell, taste and touch/feel.
6.
A short story should not contain more
than three characters. Too many characters
will be distracting to your reader.
Just focus on the most important features
of each character that will enhance
your theme.
7.
The beginning of your story must grab
the attention of your reader. There
are three main ways in which you can
begin your story:
- A
description of the main character(s)
or setting.
- Dialogue
which is pertinent to the central
conflict or theme of the story.
- The
use of the flashback technique -that
is, starting the story near the
end of the plot and then developing
what led up to that point.
Ensure
that your plot is feasible and believable.
After you have introduced your story,
you should develop the middle and
then wind up the story with a complete
ending. Even if you use a suspense
ending, your story should seem complete
when you write the last full stop.
Finally,
let me leave some past paper questions
with you. Use these questions as a
guide, and ensure that you attempt
at least one of these by next week.
Time yourself - 45 minutes - and leave
enough time to reread your work to
correct any errors of expression.
Don't keep your story to yourself:
share it with your friends and teacher.
1.
The door was closed and the cobwebs
in front of it suggested it
had
not been opened for a long time. Moor
turned the key and
pushed
the door. Write a story which includes
these words.
2.
"Some people never give up, boys.
They keep going on and on..."
Write
a story which begins with these words.
3.
That was the last of them. From that
moment onwards, life was
different
for us. Write a story which ends with
these sentences.
Natasha
Thomas-Francis teaches at Glenmuir
High School. Send questions and comments
to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
|
