Children think they can't do it, because they're not clever enough.
- I try to convince them that they can write stories!
- I try to demystify the process, conveying its excitement, but also the effort that goes into it.
- I take them through the process from idea to book, concentrating on my role as a writer, but acknowledging the work of the book creation team.
- I show as much as tell, bringing drafts, background materials, proofs etc.
- I relate what I say to one or more of my books.
1. GET IDEAS - brainstorming and mind mapping,
where ideas they come from - real life, other books, a what if?
I share my Writing Recipe - Take some real life. Add some what if?
2. PLAN - if you can. Beginning. Middle. End. The story mountain.
3. WRITE - once, twice, three times? DRAFTS - I show them mine.
Making mistakes - I show them mine! Making it better - how?
4. READ it through, aloud if possible, and self-edit.
5. Get someone to read your script - co-editor. This can be a friend, a family member or a teacher.
NBThe Writer's job - to get the story in your head into the reader's head.
The Reader's job - to show you where you've succeeded and where you haven't.
Questions to ask the reader
WHAT happens?/(What is my PLOT?)
WHERE does it happen?/(What is my SETTING?)
WHO does it happen to?(What are my CHARACTERS like?) If my reader can't answer these questions I must make things clearer.
5. EDITING. I give my work to an EDITOR, who comments on my works,then accepts or rejects it and usually asks for improvements/changes. Pupils give work to their TEACHER. I relate the roles - I often have to do my work again!
6. PUBLICATION illustrating, printing etc - my job over except for Proof reading - reading through carefully correcting mistakes! Important!
A BOOK AT LAST!
