| Decide on the Who, What, Why,
Where, When, and How of the Story
Who? — Imagine what the main characters in
your story will look like, what personality they will
have and what type of things will they do.
What? — Think about what you want your
characters to do and what will happen to them in
the story? Describe a problem, conflict or
obstacle(s) that will take place in the story. What
is the biggest surprise in your story that readers
will be excited about?
Why? — Why are you writing this story: to
help kids learn a lesson, to let them know about a
subject, to make them happy or laugh, or all of
the above? What do you want the reader to feel
after reading your story? Do you want the reader
to be sad, upset or motivated enough to take
some action, laugh and smile, or just think hard
about what you've written?
Where? — Create a picture in your mind of
the type of place , country, setting your story will
begin, transition to and end. How many places
will you need to describe in your story?
When? — What century, year or season will
your story take place? Decide whether you want
to write the story as taking place in the past,
present or future.
How? — How is your problem, conflict or
obstacle overcome? How does your book end? |
