Recently, I had several kids in a project group with my son ask how to write a story. I had some tools up already, but I decided to make and add some more. You can check out the worksheets and videos on my Resources page, or keep reading ...
No Problem, No Story
Most stories center on one main character who has a problem to solve. In writer speak, we call that a conflict. The character—be they human, alien, animal, plant, imaginary creature, or talking toaster—has a challenge to figure out or overcome.
It might be a problem with another character: A friend lied about them and got them in trouble at school.
It might be a problem inside themselves: They are invited to a swim party with a new group of friends—but they’re afraid of the water.
It might be a problem in the world around them: A furious storm has hit, knocking out power and washing out roads, and their pup is missing.
Try to Solve the Problem
The story develops as the character tries to solve that problem. Along the way, they interact with other characters. They encounter more problems. They hit setbacks. They keep trying. As the story develops, the stakes escalate. Things get tougher. Emotions get stronger. The character changes in some way as they struggle to figure things out.
Eventually, the story resolves when the character solves the problem—or doesn’t. Sometimes, they solve the problem in a satisfactory, or happy, way. Sometimes, they solve it in an unsatisfactory, or sad, way. Sometimes, they find out that the problem they were trying to solve wasn’t the real problem.
Now What?
So, how do you write all that? It helps to brainstorm first. Think of your basic story elements: main character, other characters, setting (time and place), and problem (conflict). Think of them as ingredients in a recipe. You need them all to cook up your story!
If you don't want to skip over to the Resources page, you can download the Story Building Worksheets and Story Map in PDF form below:
Here are a few fun videos posted there, too:
This one has been stuck in my head all day now so view with caution ... You've been warned!
Now, get writing! (Singing while writing is optional.)
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