Imaginative Writing - Ideas

What is fiction?

•Dictionary definition is a piece of literature concerning imaginary characters and events.

•You could try to write a short story or an episode or chapter from a novel

Setting

You can choose any setting in time and place you wishUse description as part of your narrativeUse setting to create atmosphere, reflect moodAvoid setting you are unfamiliar with eg space, prehistoric, etc. If necessary, research your setting.

Theme

Your story should have a clear theme: an underlying idea that is developed through the plot

Your theme should be something you feel strongly about – ensure success in your story

The way your writing reflects your thoughts on the world is what makes your writing original/interesting to your reader

Plot 1

The plot is what happens in a story and what the characters do

Many people argue that there are actually few plot patterns which can be found (with variations) in all books, plays and films.

Plot 2

PlotsBoy meets girl – love reciprocated – or not. Obstacles to happiness may or not be overcome.The quest – journey in search of treasure /happiness or to find out the truthTit for Tat – a character achieves a fitting revenge

Plot 3

Entry into a new world – chance brings a character into a strange world in which challenges and dangers must be overcome

Rags to riches – an ordinary downtrodden person wins recognition or wealth

Plot 4

Spider and Fly –an innocent person is lured into a trap

Nemesis – a mistake or bad deed has consequences; foolishness is exposed and punished

Overcoming the monster – a hero/heroine confronts a monster and defeats it against the odds. Monster might be metaphorical – bully, a threat, etc

Characters

You can bring your characters to life by telling the reader facts about them and also show what they are like by what they do and say.

Think of adjectives to describes your characters and think of ways to show this aspect of their personality.

Think about the influences on your character and how these affect actions

Symbolism

Introduce an image that clearly represents something deeper.

Use extended metaphor to expand on this image/symbol

Structure 1

Decide how you will present your storyChoose your narrative voice – 1st person – adopt a persona of one of the characters or use an omniscient narrator – 3rd person or a single third person perspectiveAlternate between 2 or more different points of view

Structure 2

Decide on a timescale – don’t cover years/ centuries – focus on a limited timescale

Decide if you want a linear or non-linear structure

Use flashback to achieve a non-linear structure

Don’t give too much away at the start

Structure 3

Use flashback – indicates these clearly so the reader can follow what’s going on

Start in the middle or at the end and intrigue the reader with what led to this point

Openings

Your opening must act as a hook to engage the reader

Start with unattributed dialogue

Describe a scene or character

Use a statement

Use a comment by the narrator

Try to add an element of uncertainty

Endings 1

A useful piece of advice is to work out the ending before you start. You can then structure your story to lead up to this ending.

An ending need not be conclusive – leave the reader with something to think about

Include a twist – an unexpected ending

Use description of a scene or character

Endings 2

End with dialogue or a comment from a character

Use a statement

Relate your ending to your opening

Dos and Don’tsDo

Plan your story and write notes on aspects of story before you begin

Use direct speech – use this to bring out characters’ features. Try using dialect.

Use speech sparingly

Vary your sentence structures

Using paragraphing effectively

Dos and Don’ts

Don’t

Start without knowing how to end

Use too much direct speech

Include too many characters

Devise an overly complex plot

Use repetitive sentence structures

Have a clichéd ending

Review and revise

Put your story to one side for a couple of days

Come back to it and reread it with a critical eye

Work on ways to improve structure, techniques, plot, etc

Think what you can leave out to make the plot more effective