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Imaginative Writing - Ideas

Imaginative Writing - Ideas. What is fiction? Dictionary definition is a piece of literature concerning imaginary characters and events. You could try to write a short story or an episode or chapter from a novel. Setting. You can choose any setting in time and place you wish

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Imaginative Writing - Ideas

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  1. Imaginative Writing - Ideas What is fiction? Dictionary definition is a piece of literature concerning imaginary characters and events. You could try to write a short story or an episode or chapter from a novel

  2. Setting • You can choose any setting in time and place you wish • Use description as part of your narrative • Use setting to create atmosphere, reflect mood • Avoid setting you are unfamiliar with eg space, prehistoric, etc. If necessary, research your setting.

  3. Theme • Your story should have a clear theme: an underlying idea that is developed through the plot • Your theme should be something you feel strongly about – ensure success in your story • The way your writing reflects your thoughts on the world is what makes your writing original/interesting to your reader

  4. Plot 1 • The plot is what happens in a story and what the characters do • Many people argue that there are actually few plot patterns which can be found (with variations) in all books, plays and films.

  5. Plot 2 Plots • Boy meets girl – love reciprocated – or not. Obstacles to happiness may or not be overcome. • The quest – journey in search of treasure /happiness or to find out the truth • Tit for Tat – a character achieves a fitting revenge

  6. Plot 3 • Entry into a new world – chance brings a character into a strange world in which challenges and dangers must be overcome • Rags to riches – an ordinary downtrodden person wins recognition or wealth

  7. Plot 4 • Spider and Fly –an innocent person is lured into a trap • Nemesis – a mistake or bad deed has consequences; foolishness is exposed and punished • Overcoming the monster – a hero/heroine confronts a monster and defeats it against the odds. Monster might be metaphorical – bully, a threat, etc

  8. Characters • You can bring your characters to life by telling the reader facts about them and also show what they are like by what they do and say. • Think of adjectives to describes your characters and think of ways to show this aspect of their personality. • Think about the influences on your character and how these affect actions

  9. Symbolism • Introduce an image that clearly represents something deeper. • Use extended metaphor to expand on this image/symbol

  10. Structure 1 • Decide how you will present your story • Choose your narrative voice – 1st person – adopt a persona of one of the characters or use an omniscient narrator – 3rd person or a single third person perspective • Alternate between 2 or more different points of view

  11. Structure 2 • Decide on a timescale – don’t cover years/ centuries – focus on a limited timescale • Decide if you want a linear or non-linear structure • Use flashback to achieve a non-linear structure • Don’t give too much away at the start

  12. Structure 3 • Use flashback – indicates these clearly so the reader can follow what’s going on • Start in the middle or at the end and intrigue the reader with what led to this point

  13. Openings Your opening must act as a hook to engage the reader • Start with unattributed dialogue • Describe a scene or character • Use a statement • Use a comment by the narrator • Try to add an element of uncertainty

  14. Endings 1 A useful piece of advice is to work out the ending before you start. You can then structure your story to lead up to this ending. • An ending need not be conclusive – leave the reader with something to think about • Include a twist – an unexpected ending • Use description of a scene or character

  15. Endings 2 • End with dialogue or a comment from a character • Use a statement • Relate your ending to your opening

  16. Dos and Don’ts Do • Plan your story and write notes on aspects of story before you begin • Use direct speech – use this to bring out characters’ features. Try using dialect. • Use speech sparingly • Vary your sentence structures • Using paragraphing effectively

  17. Dos and Don’ts Don’t • Start without knowing how to end • Use too much direct speech • Include too many characters • Devise an overly complex plot • Use repetitive sentence structures • Have a clichéd ending

  18. Review and revise • Put your story to one side for a couple of days • Come back to it and reread it with a critical eye • Work on ways to improve structure, techniques, plot, etc • Think what you can leave out to make the plot more effective

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