I want my readers to identify with my main character/s early on.
I therefore try to involve the reader right from the start by
a) showing character’s feelings.eg. ‘“Bum!” Poppy punched her pillow!
... How could Mum be so mean?’ (When Poppy Ran Away. Andersen Press)

EDITING

(Notes for teachers which can be adapted for use with pupils of different ages and abilities and circumstances.)

I'd find it hard to write a good story in SATS conditions!

To produce a publishable script most writers do several drafts, editing as they go along. In the final draft the writer will have expressed his or her thoughts as precisely as possible. Through carefully chosen words the writer’s thoughts can enter someone else’s head. Don’t make pupils redraft all their writing. It’s hard work and may be discouraging, but do encourage them to try and improve some pieces. It's encouraging for some to learn that they can take their time to improve a piece of writing. They don't have to get it right first time.

When you write a story think of the story in your head as a film, with characters, actions, locations and atmospheres. You may also want to suggest tastes, textures and smells! A film arouses thoughts and feelings with moving pictures and a sound track. A written story does all this with words alone.