Lights, Camera, ACTION! Writing Workshop: An Introduction to Narrative Writing

11/15/2015Template copyright Introduction Think about a time when you went to see a movie – the BEST movie you have ever seen! What kinds of things did you tell your friends about it? –Characters –Story line –Setting

Narrative writing is much the same way – you can write it just like a movie! When you narrate an event, you are telling a story, involving characters, a setting, a story line, and a conclusion. 11/15/2015Template copyright

The Writing Process The basic stages of the writing process include: –Brainstorming –Prewriting –Writing –Revising and editing –Publishing 11/15/2015Template copyright

Think Like a Movie! As you plan to write your narrative, think about what you want to say in the form of a movie. Follow these simple steps, and you will have us all on the edge of our seats! 11/15/2015Template copyright

What movie are you making? Ask yourself: What kind of story am I writing? –Am I writing a comedy? –Am I writing a love story? –Or is it a thriller with a surprise ending? Consider your approach and your audience – think about who will be reading your narrative. 11/15/2015Template copyright

Think like a screenwriter! That means it's time to consider your: –Opening scenes –Plot –Theme –Main characters –Supporting characters –Dialogue –Climax Make an outline. All good movies start with a good plan. Ask yourself: What elements are needed for my script? Ask yourself: "If I was to make this story into a movie, where would I start the story?" 11/15/20157

Think POPCORN! We've all sat through a boring movie. Try to remember what was boring. What would you have done to make it better? When you're writing, ask yourself: "If I was in the theatre watching this story, what would make me stay in my seat?" 11/15/20158

If you don't continually ask yourself that question while writing, you won't spin an effective story -- and your viewers (or in this case, readers) will grab their popcorn and leave the theatre. 11/15/2015Template copyright

Details, details, DETAILS! While reporting, take notes that capture examples of taste, smell, sound, hearing and sight. Your eyes must become a camera, recording images and senses that can be turned into words. 11/15/2015Template copyright

As writers, we need to take readers to the scene of the action. We need to describe the action as clearly as possible – make the reader think they are actually there! 11/15/2015Template copyright

Get dialogue! Investing in characters means getting them to recreate the dialogue between characters. Dialogue from an exact point in time is most critical to building a scene. It's this dialogue that we can use to shape the drama of the moment, putting the readers into your story. 11/15/2015Template copyright

Be a critic! After writing a first draft, pretend you're Ebert or Roeper. Critique your work: –Evaluate the plot. –Evaluate the scenes. –Evaluate the strength of characters. –Evaluate the 'script.' 11/15/2015Template copyright

Look for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Learning to be your own critic will help separate you from your work and enable you to review it with the eye of a reader. 11/15/2015Template copyright

Don't be afraid to yell “CUT!” When different shots and scenes aren't working, good directors shout “CUT!“ Constantly review what you're writing as you go. Ask yourself: –Does this work? –Is it necessary to developing the story? 11/15/201515

Don't think about Oscars… Go into your narrative desiring to create a story that will capture your readers. Readers remember an excellent story. Same goes for a movie. What's your favorite movie of all time? You might not remember everything about it, but you know that it was a good story! 11/15/201516