Phyllis
From the desk of Phyllis Picture Book Author Ciao Writers, Some writers begin writing without a clear direction or outline of their storyline. You may be that type of writer. I was for a long time. Then I realized how much time I wasted. How so? Without a clear direction, a writer may lose valuable time, experience frustration, and lose interest. So, I developed a ‘1st steps’ to use as a guide. I compare my ‘1st Steps Guideline’ to the first steps a toddler takes when learning to walk. Without those first foundational steps, one doesn’t get very far. You already are ahead of the game. Why? Because in Post 2 we discussed writing a Pitch and in Post 3 we discussed writing the Title. Those are 2 parts included in the following 6 point outline😊! For now, here is my ‘PAL’s 1st Steps Guideline’ outline. It’s yours to try and to use. Toss it if you don’t like it. Enjoy it if you do😊. PAL’s 1st Steps Guideline Step 1: PITCH. Write the PITCH (Explain your story is about in 3 sentences, 50 words or less). See Post 2 for details. Step 2: TITLE. Decide on a TITLE. If you can’t, then skip this step. It will come as you put together your pages. See Post 3 for details. Step 3: THEME. This is what I call the focus of your story. Write one sentence summing up the story’s message that will run from the beginning of your pages to the end. Examples are: Friendship, Family, Multicultural, First Day of School. Step 4: WISH. State the WISH: The main character (MC) wishes (hopes, wants, etc.) _____. This is the MC’s problem that he/she must overcome. Knowing this will keep you focused on the theme. Step 5: PLOT. The PLOT is what happens in the story. Start by stating the problem and then tell how the MC resolves the problem (how they get their wish or want). When you explain the PLOT follow this outline: Introduce the MC and state their problem. Let them try and fail, three times. Then show how they overcome their problem or wish. Step 6: GROWTH. How has your MC changed/grown from the first page to the last? How has the MC changed the way he/she looks at the problem? What did they learn from overcoming the problem? What is the moral of the story? By having a guideline to follow, my thinking becomes and stays clear. There’s a lot less wondering what to write about and what direction to take. Happy writing! See you next time. Cheers, Phyllis😊
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AuthorI love to write stories, letters, cards, you name it...writing is what I enjoy. How about you? Archives
November 2022
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