Crafting a Compelling Narrative: Unleashing the Power of Words

1. INGL 3103 Narratives

2. What is a narrative?

3. ...a story! The most basic way to describe a narrative is...

4. It must tell a story: In a narrative, something usually happens. Make a point—usually: It depends on why you are writing the narrative. Elements of a Narrative

5. Observe details closely: What makes a narrative memorable and brings it to life are the details—the colors, shapes, textures, sounds and smells that you share with readers through language or other media. Elements of a Narrative

7. When writing a narrative on your own, you don’t usually need to look for a specific topic but, when assigned to write one, you can follow certain strategies… Purpose and Topic

8. Brainstorming, freewriting, building lists of events… Purpose and Topic Choose a manageable subject…

9. Select events that will keep readers engaged. Pace the story effectively. Tailor your writing to your intended readers. Audience

10. Consider a simple sequence: chronological order of events. Build towards a climax. Creating a structure

11. Narrative Arc

13. Don't hesitate to use the first person - I. Use figures of speech such as similes, metaphors, and analogies to make memorable comparisons. In choosing verbs, favor active rather than passive voice. Choosing a style and design

14. Simile: Make comparisons by using like or as. (He uses his camera like a rifle.) Metaphor: drops the like or as to gain even more power. (His camera was a rifle aimed at enemies.) Analogy: extends the comparison. (His camera became a rifle aimed at his imaginary enemies, their private lives in his crosshairs.) Similes, Metaphors and Analogies

15. Active verbs propel the action (Estela signed he petition), while passive verbs slow it down by an unneeded word or two (The petition was signed by Estela). Narratives are all about movement so you want to build the verbs following that premise. Active Verbs

16. Use powerful and precise modifiers (freeze as opposed to very cold). Use dialog to propel the narrative and to give life to your characters. Develop major characters through language and action. Develop the setting to set the context and mood. Style and Design