Previously we used a graphic organizer called the DDAT to help us really understand our character, and write an extension to the plot. Today, I'm going to show you one more tool that will help you EXTEND your story and sound Just like a professional writer.
A story moves through time by actions - what the characters do. This is how we would summarize a story by telling the actions. First this happened...Then...Finally...
But there is more to a story than the action. Writers make the story more interesting by adding to the actions, and these additions usually follow a pattern. An action Is followed by a description and/or dialog- talking aloud or internal talking In a characters head
The pattern above does not happen in any particular order in a story. For example:
action - description - action - dialogue
description - action - description - action
action - dialogue - description - dialogue - action
Let's read Cinderella and mark up the first, second, and third paragraph together using the coding chart. You will complete the forth and fifth paragraphs. Remember to make a copy and save it in your writing folder.
Do you see how action + description + dialogue = a good paragraph?
Now, use the coding to mark up your story extension for The Youngest Girl in the Fifth. Do NOT worry about making the shapes. Just use the colors from the coding chart (red, green, and blue) and the highlighter in Google Doc. Analyze your coding. How did you do?
Add some action, description, and/or dialogue to your story extension as needed in order to improve your story.
When you are finished with the assignment, here is what you can do:
Just keep writing.
Keep adding seeds.
Add to a already started seed.
Decide to take a seed through the writer’s process.
Reread your writing.
Edit your writing.
Work with a writing partner (with permission).
NEVER say "I am finished"
You need to be writing for a minimum of 30 minutes.