1. A Guide to great writing Tips and strategies for getting the most out of your ideas.

2. Narrative Structure orientation > complication > resolution Setting up your story Developing the situation How does it all work out

3. Get right to the action  Select unexpected topics; create complications…they add interest.  Avoid long introductions and lengthy descriptions.  Avoid just simply recounting events with no complications…BORING!

4. Clever techniques  Foreshadowing/flashback  Red herrings/cliff hangers  Twist  Evaluation/reflection  Circular or parallel plots  Don’t spoil your writing with a WEAK ending like… Then I woke up or They all lived happily ever after

5. Characters and setting  Select details to create distinct, memorable characters. You might use convincing dialogue to show character traits or reactions.  Choose details to create a sense of the place and atmosphere. The setting could be used to create suspense.

6. Language  Use language that makes the story seem clearer or more real.  Could a literary device add impact? What about a simile or metaphor? The use of onomatopoeia can create suspense…BUT be careful, don’t include them if it makes your writing seem contrived.  Think of other words for ‘says’.

7. Stand out from the gang  Don’t be predictable!

8. Show don’t tell!  Let the readers SEE it for themselves  Let the readers FEEL it for themselves  Use STRONG verbs (crept, careened…)  Use dialogue for more than just talking (use it to show characters’ personalities/reactions…)  Use different senses Go to this link for more information about the above points http://learn.stleonards.vic.edu.au/yr8eng/files/2012/07/S how-dont-tell.pdf