Introduction to Storytelling
Introductory note to the Storytelling lessons that follow.
The following lessons were created for a storytelling/creative writing club at the middle and high school level. The material is a combination of tips and guidelines gleaned from a variety of “how to write” books added to my own personal experience, related in simple language.
There is no magic bullet that guarantees a great story, but there is a right and wrong way to go about it. These lessons pick up where English classes leave off. I spend very little time with spelling and grammar issues, as I would expect any serious writer to handle those him/herself. I focus on actual storytelling – how to come up with an interesting story question, how to show rather than tell a story, how to create three-dimensional, intriguing characters, etc. As I take my students deeper into the finer points of writing novels, short stories and poetry, I will add lessons here. If you find the information useful, please be sure to bookmark my author link!
Thanks for reading, and good luck with your own writing!
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Tags: creative writing, help, how to write, Lesson, tips
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September 29th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Good topic idea, can’t wait to check out your tips!
Any chance you will cover the topic of collaborative storytelling on storymash.com?
September 29th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I have never actually done a collaboration, but I am not against it. Right now it is my feeling that the storytelling basics hold up regardless of how many hands are in the pot, but if I encounter or experience anything directly relating to collaborative storytelling, I will be happy to add it here.
Thanks for reading!
Christian M. Archer
September 30th, 2008 at 3:36 am
The first only short story I wrote was when I was in High School years ago. But I’m interested to check out your lessons as they may be handy should I consider writing short stories again, thanks.
January 18th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Great series, and not just for kids!
February 8th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Truly appreciated advice!
January 19th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Sometimes just getting the thoughts down on paper is the first step and the rest will follow. The gifted and the professional go together like a glove fitting a hand. Both of the artist must love and respect one another for effective progress to take place.