From the desk of Phyllis Lyte Picture Book Author Ciao, Writers!
First, I want to thank everyone who has left wonderful comments on my posts. They are so supportive and so appreciated. Thank you! Second, pretend you have a pad of sticky notes that you have written one story event on each page. These notes are your plot. Now arrange these notes in the order of how they happen in the story (the sequence of events). This is your story ARC. This ARC shows where the story’s events (the plot) unfold. Begin by writing one sentence stating the theme (logline) of your story, knowing you will carry this theme throughout your story. Next, write your Pitch (see my Post #3 Where do I Begin? Write a Pitch). With the theme (logline), Pitch and maybe an Outline in place (See my Post #4 1st Steps Guideline Outline), you are ready to work on the ARC. Read your story. Does it introduce the main character and, in many stories the problem, at the beginning? Yes? Great! Begin your story by introducing your main character (MC) and if there is a problem, state it. Just like when you watch a TV sitcom, the main character, problem that must be fixed (resolved), comes at the beginning. This propels (moves forward) the storyline (the narrative) and snags the interest of the reader/viewer immediately. Try this experiment: Watch some TV sitcoms or movies and time when the main character, and problem, show up. Books are the same way, writers state the main character, and if there is a problem, at the beginning. Then keep watching how the plot unfolds and ask yourself, “What happens from the beginning to the middle, from the middle to the point the problem is resolved, and then how do they end it?” You’ll learn a lot from this that you can apply to writing your ARC. The general outline of a picture book ARC looks like this, but keep in mind you can change it: Beginning/Introduction of characters (and problem if there is one): pages 4-7 Middle/Events that propel the story forward: pages 8-26 Climax/Event that leads to everything working out: pages 27-30 End/Satisfying Ending: 30-32 Writing a well thought out ARC will make for a great read by engaging the reader and delivering a satisfying ending. Happy Writing! See you next time. Cheers, PAL :)
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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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