Project Brief Questions

Analysing and Identifying Essential Storytelling Skills

1. Which journalistic skills, techniques and rules (including audio and visual documentary) are essential to good journalism and storytelling? Give evidence from your own writing and analysis of published work.

Good journalism and storytelling rely on specific skills and techniques to communicate effectively and engage audiences. First, being factual and providing evidence is essential to establish credibility and ensure the integrity of the story. Using an inverted pyramid structure—starting with the most critical information (the lead), followed by details (the body), and ending with less crucial content (the tail)—ensures clarity and organisation. Strong verbs and active voice enhance writing by making it direct and impactful, while decluttering unnecessary words improves readability. Present tense often adds immediacy to the narrative, keeping readers engaged.

The "5 Ws" (Who, What, When, Where, Why) are fundamental to covering a story comprehensively, while human interest elements connect readers emotionally to the topic. In visual mediums like documentaries, the principle of "show, don’t tell" allows the story to unfold through images and actions rather than explanations. For audio mediums, "seeing with our ears" refers to using soundscapes and vivid descriptions to help listeners visualize scenes. Together, these techniques ensure journalism is not only accurate but also compelling, accessible, and emotionally resonant.

2. What creative writing skills, techniques (poetry, short story, novels, scriptwriting) are essential to story writing. Give evidence from your own writing and analysis of published work.

In creative writing, several key techniques are essential to crafting compelling stories. "Show, don’t tell" encourages writers to use descriptive details that allow readers to infer emotions and actions rather than simply stating them. Strong verbs replace adverbs to create clear, dynamic writing. Conflict introduces tension and drives the narrative, while dialogue reveals character and advances the plot. Effective character development ensures readers connect with protagonists, and an inciting incident kick-starts the story. Setting the tone establishes the atmosphere, and knowing your audience helps tailor the story. Voice and a strong plot also ensures that the narrative feels cohesive and engaging. 

3. Identify transferable skill from the above (can also include Copywriting/marketing).

The creative writing skills mentioned above translate well into various fields, including copywriting and marketing. For example, strong verbs and engaging dialogue can help create persuasive, action-driven marketing copy. Knowing your audience is essential for both storytelling and marketing, as it helps tailor content to meet the audience's interests. Similarly, character development is transferable to crafting compelling brand narratives, while setting tone is key in maintaining consistent messaging. Conflict and a strong plot are useful in creating impactful campaigns that resonate emotionally with consumers. Additionally, using strong verbs and decluttering your writing are essential transferable skills for both creative writing and fields like copywriting and marketing. In copywriting, strong verbs make your message more direct and persuasive, while eliminating unnecessary words helps to keep the content concise and engaging.

4. Which skills (at least three) do you think have helped your writing improve/develop the most over the last year? Why and how? Give examples from your own writing as evidence.

Over the past year, several specific skills have significantly enhanced my writing, each contributing to different aspects of my craft:

• Knowing Your Audience: Understanding my audience has helped me tailor my writing for maximum impact. For example, in a feature article about women’s inequality, I used clear, direct language to make complex issues accessible. Including anecdotes from real-life examples ensured the piece resonated emotionally while providing solid factual grounding. Below is the link to the page in which you can access the article I am referencing: https://fosterpolly.wixsite.com/my-site-1/week-2-journalism

• Editing and Revising: I’ve refined my editing process, learning to cut unnecessary words and rework sentences for clarity. One of my early drafts was overly descriptive, but through revision, I stripped away excess detail to focus on the central themes, making the piece more concise and impactful. Below is a link to the page in which you can access the story I am referencing: https://fosterpolly.wixsite.com/my-site-1/portfolio-1

• Tone and Voice: Experimenting with tone has been a very valuable skill, as it has allowed me to adapt my style to different mediums. For example, In a short story about fear, I used a reflective and personal voice to draw readers into the narrative, while in journalistic articles, I’ve employed a neutral yet persuasive tone to maintain professionalism. Here are links to these examples: https://fosterpolly.wixsite.com/my-site-1/week-5-genre-and-tone

• Importance of Research: Incorporating research seamlessly into my work has improved its credibility and depth. For example in every single Project portfolio or Final Major project that I have created throughout his course, I have used research as a way to help me strengthen my work by understanding my audience and using published work to help inspire my writing. It has also allowed me to effectively tell a story as I have researched and interviewed people who have helped me gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and how I can portray different characters and storylines. Here is an example of my research: https://fosterpolly.wixsite.com/my-site-2/research

Each of these skills has made my writing more versatile, thoughtful, and polished. They’ve allowed me to approach both creative and factual projects with confidence and a deeper understanding of storytelling techniques.

5. Name the different techniques of showing and not telling and give examples from your own writing. (feel free to google to clarify definitions/techniques and reference your source).

By my own definition from the sessions in which we explored Show and Not Tell. I would say that 'Show, don’t tell' is a fundamental technique in writing that brings a story to life by allowing readers to infer emotions, themes, and character traits through vivid details, actions, and dialogue. Instead of directly stating how a character feels, showing uses sensory details to immerse readers in the moment. For example, instead of saying, She was nervous, you might write, Her hands trembled as she smoothed the creases in her dress, her breath quickening with each step toward the podium. This creates a more engaging experience, which lets  readers feel the character’s emotions rather than simply being told about them.

Another effective technique is revealing emotions and motivations through actions. For instance, rather than saying, He was furious, you could describe, He slammed the door so hard the glass rattled, his fists clenched tight as he paced the room. Dialogue is another powerful tool, where what a character says—or doesn’t say—can convey their feelings and intentions. These techniques make the writing more dynamic and immersive, drawing readers into the story and encouraging them to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Additionally, a powerful “show, don’t tell” technique is using subtext in dialogue and interaction. Subtext involves implying meaning beneath the surface of what is said or done, allowing readers to interpret emotions or tensions without explicitly stating them. For example, instead of writing, She was angry at him for being late, you could write a scene where she says, “You’re here. Finally.” while not meeting his eyes and stirring her coffee with short, jerky motions. This shows her frustration through her words and actions, letting readers pick up on the underlying emotion without needing to be told directly.

Subtext can also be conveyed in the silences and pauses in a conversation or the things left unsaid. For example, a character avoiding eye contact or hesitating mid-sentence might show discomfort or guilt. By layering meaning through subtext, writers create more engaging and authentic interactions, making the story feel real and emotionally complex. 

In order to clarify this definition and different techniques, I used Google to help me. (Source: Show, Don't Tell: Tips and Examples of The Golden Rule)

"Show, don’t tell is a writing technique in which story and characters are related through sensory details and actions rather than exposition. It fosters a more immersive writing style for the reader, allowing them to “be in the room” with the characters. In his oft-repeated quoted, Anton Chekhov said, “Don’t tell me the moon is shining. Show me the glint of light on broken glass." In short: showing illustrates, while telling merely states."

6. Which exercises/tasks/sessions have been the most useful to you and your own writing and your understanding of how to develop your creative process (crafting)?

• 'Genre and Tone' week in our first year sessions was an important lesson when it came to my creative process as we focused on the idea of different genres and tones and how they can positively impact our writing when we incorporate these aspects effectively. I found this to be helpful, as I often found myself writing within the same genre, so understanding different genre conventions and how to write them helped me to branch out and expand my writing techniques. I found the exercise in which we had to complete the beginning of a sentence to be helpful, as it challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and begin to think about the many genre conventions of a story and express them within only one sentence. Learning about the presence of tone within a story was also something that interested me as it helped me to realise the importance of having a clear element of tone in my writing in order to convey emotions and carry the plot. I also enjoyed analysing and identifying the tone in other writer's work, then applying it to my own writing. Overall, this particular session has overall been important when it comes to building and improving my writing by incorporating elements that I wouldn't have thought to use in the past.                                   https://fosterpolly.wixsite.com/my-site-1/week-5-genre-and-tone

• I also found Perspective Week this year incredibly helpful as it highlighted how significant perspective is in writing. Experimenting with different viewpoints gave me insights into the best perspective for a piece, helped me understand how other characters might feel, and deepened my overall grasp of the narrative. Writing from unique perspectives also sparked new ideas for articles and potential stories, allowing me to experiment creatively. This exercise helped me reach a flow in my writing and made me more confident in exploring various perspectives in my work. https://sites.google.com/d/1TmsG2fkFjqxSYvMX8sUHPJzo3Q2564Ok/p/1nQtl2iBR44TFPCfRkZRXujQ9QCRzdIxR/edit

• Completing a character study and answering questions about a character without overthinking was incredibly helpful for me. Before this, I lacked confidence in creating characters because I often felt disconnected from them. This exercise, especially in my first year, showed me how answering guided questions made the process easier and less overwhelming. It also helped with crafting settings, as we answered questions to build vivid environments. This has become a very valuable skill when I feel stuck or when a character or setting isn’t working, streamlining my creative process.                                                                                                                                                                                        https://fosterpolly.wixsite.com/my-site-1/week-3-copywriting

7. Which three mediums or forms of writing have you enjoyed the most and why? Give examples of your own work and from published work that helped you understand the skills or is a good example in your opinion.

• This year, I’ve really enjoyed writing opinion pieces because they allow me to explore and express my personal perspective on important topics while developing a stronger, more confident voice. I’ve appreciated the freedom to share my views and back them up with research, which has taught me how to construct balanced, persuasive arguments. Writing opinion pieces has also helped me engage critically with current issues, sharpening my ability to analyze and articulate ideas clearly. What I’ve enjoyed most is how these pieces feel conversational yet impactful. They give me the opportunity to connect with an audience, presenting my thoughts in a way that feels authentic while challenging readers to consider different viewpoints. This process has not only strengthened my writing skills but also deepened my understanding of the subjects I’m passionate about.

• I have also thoroughly enjoyed writing short stories as they allow me to experiment with characters, emotions, and unique scenarios in a compact and impactful way. I’ve enjoyed building worlds and creating relatable characters, all within a limited word count. The challenge of using vivid descriptions, dialogue, and subtext to tell a complete story has helped me improve my writing style and attention to detail. Short stories also let me explore themes I’m passionate about, like feminism and mental health, while pushing me to write with emotional depth. Crafting a story that can evoke strong reactions or provoke thought in just a few pages is something that I find very impactful. This process has also made me more confident in my storytelling abilities and inspired me to tackle bigger projects.

• This year, I’ve also enjoyed writing short film scripts because it allows me to explore storytelling in a highly visual and structured way. Scripts require me to think cinematically, focusing on dialogue and action rather than internal thoughts, which has improved how I "show" rather than "tell" in my writing. I’ve loved the challenge of creating concise, impactful dialogue and translating scenes into visual moments that carry emotional weight. Writing scripts has also helped me experiment with pacing and scene transitions, making my storytelling more dynamic and engaging.

8. When you have decided the two forms/ mediums describe the main characteristics that you are aware of right now – many will be form answer above. You may return to this later after further research into the forms and add more in-depth analysis of the forms and mediums. 

Right now, I understand that short stories and feature articles have distinct characteristics that shape how they communicate ideas. A short story is all about brevity and emotional impact. It focuses on a single moment, theme, or conflict and uses vivid descriptions, strong character development, and subtext to convey deeper meanings. Every word matters, so the language has to be precise, and the story usually leaves a lasting impression by exploring emotions or universal truths through relatable or thought-provoking scenarios. I also know that short stories rely heavily on showing rather than telling, using actions, dialogue, and sensory details to immerse the reader. They’re meant to evoke empathy and make the reader feel connected to the characters and their experiences.

On the other hand, a feature article is more analytical and fact-driven but still relies on storytelling techniques to engage readers. It combines research, interviews, and narrative elements to explore real-world issues in depth. A strong feature article has a clear structure—often starting with a compelling hook to draw readers in, followed by sections that present the issue, provide evidence, and offer insights or solutions. It needs to balance factual accuracy with human interest, often using quotes or anecdotes to make the content relatable. While short stories focus on emotional resonance, feature articles aim to inform and provoke thought, often inspiring the reader to reflect on or act upon the issue being discussed. Both forms require different approaches, but they share the common goal of engaging the audience in meaningful ways.

Analysing industry examples and recognising characteristics

Choose the work that has had the biggest impact on you.

1. Write a brief description of a practitioner and the work that you have enjoyed the most: broadcaster/presenter, production company, writer, director, playwright, poet, journalist etc. 

Christiane Amanpour is an internationally renowned journalist and Chief International Anchor for CNN. She is celebrated for her fearless reporting on global conflicts, cultural tensions, and human rights issues, often focusing on how these challenges disproportionately impact women and marginalized communities. Her career spans decades, covering events like the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, and the Arab Spring. Amanpour’s approach combines rigorous reporting with empathy, offering a deeply human perspective on complex issues. I became aware of this particular journalist during some independent research of my own, and was particularly fascinated by an interview that she conducted, in which she interviewed Malala Yousafzai. This interview really spoke to me, and I have gone into greater depth about it below.

2. Write a brief description of an example of their work and why it has an impact on you?

• The title of the article, drama, film, or doc etc and the author/creator etc

The title of this article is called 'Christiane Amanpour’s Interview with Malala Yousafzai', and the creator is Christiane Amanpour (Through a CNN interview)

• The basic plot or story? Write a short synopsis of the story.

In this interview, Amanpour speaks with Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Prize-winning activist and advocate for girls’ education, about her life, activism, and the challenges she has faced as a young woman fighting for equality. The discussion touches on cultural resistance to education for girls in conservative societies, Malala’s personal experiences with violence and recovery, and her continuing mission to ensure education for all.

• The genre or in-house style?

This is an in-depth television interview conducted in Amanpour’s signature style: empathetic yet probing. The tone is conversational but layered with urgency, as it addresses global issues of gender inequality and education.

• The target audience (who do you think it is written/made for)?

The interview targets a global audience concerned with human rights, education, and gender equality. It is particularly resonant for viewers interested in social activism and the experiences of women and girls in less privileged regions.

• Characters (human interest) and how the plot has been delivered (through narration, dialogue, visuals, talking heads, first person, third person or a combination of channels).

The "characters" in this case are Amanpour and Malala. The plot unfolds through dialogue, where Malala shares her story and her vision for the future. Amanpour’s questions guide the conversation, allowing the audience to connect emotionally with Malala’s journey while also understanding the larger systemic issues.

• The setting / location / time?

The interview is set in a studio, providing an intimate and focused environment that emphasizes the personal nature of the discussion. The context is modern-day, with references to Malala’s ongoing work and global activism.

3. What aspect of their work do you feel has had or would have most benefit to you and your development?

This interview showcases Amanpour’s skill in amplifying the voices of women advocating for change. It has influenced me to explore themes of resilience and agency in my writing, particularly through characters who face systemic challenges but still strive to make a difference. Amanpour’s ability to blend personal storytelling with critical analysis inspires me to balance emotional depth with broader social commentary in my own work.

4. What other inspirations have influenced your writing style, story ideas, tone of writing, characterisation, settings: choice of themes, genre, conflicts and dialogue amongst other things.

In addition to Amanpour, I’m influenced by journalists like Isobel Yeung, whose investigative reporting on women’s issues in conflict zones mirrors Amanpour’s empathy-driven approach. Writers like Bernadine Evaristo also shape my understanding of how to create important narratives that challenge societal norms while centering on personal stories. These inspirations collectively push me to create work that is both impactful and contains deep human interest.

Researching and Analysing Chosen Theme

1. A mind map – start by researching all the possible areas with the theme that you can connect and further explore. Narrowing the research to focus on the most important, favoured and relevant aspects for your theme and story.

2. Find a medium of your choice that has explored your theme. How did they achieve their aim: character (human interest), plot, POV, setting, language choices, tone, genre, visual or audio channels etc?

'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a powerful exploration of cultural and social differences, especially through the lens of a woman’s experiences. The story follows Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman navigating life in America and later returning to Nigeria, grappling with issues of identity, race, and belonging. What makes this novel so impactful is how personal and relatable it feels. Adichie’s close focus on Ifemelu’s perspective allows readers to see the world through her eyes, from her poignant observations about race in America to her reflections on what it means to return to a place that no longer feels the same. 

The settings(Nigeria and the United States) highlight stark cultural contrasts and how these shape Ifemelu’s experiences. The tone of the book alternates between reflective and sharp, especially in the sections where Ifemelu shares her thoughts through blog posts. These blog entries are a striking feature, offering a candid and often satirical take on race and gender in America, while her interactions in Nigeria reveal the pressures of cultural expectations and tradition. Adichie uses language that is both accessible and rich, weaving in Nigerian idioms and cultural details that make the story feel authentic and grounded.

What stands out most to me is the way the novel addresses the intersection of gender with race and class. It offers an in-depth look at how social and cultural differences shape women’s lives, making it an excellent example of storytelling that challenges societal norms while including empathy and understanding. This novel is overall a strong source of inspiration for exploring the theme of social and cultural differences (Specifically within women) in my own work.

3. Note down the strengths and weaknesses of the programme/literature product etc i.e. does it reach the chosen audience and get its message across?

'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has several strengths and a few weaknesses, which help determine how effectively it reaches its audience and delivers its message.

Strengths:

• Relatable Characters: Ifemelu, the main character, is complex and deeply relatable. Her internal struggle with her identity as a Nigerian woman in America speaks to anyone who has navigated between different cultural expectations. Her character development allows readers to really connect with her journey.

• Cultural Representation: The novel does an excellent job of showcasing Nigerian culture and the immigrant experience in America, making it authentic and insightful. Adichie uses the language, customs, and challenges of both cultures, which makes the narrative feel rich and diverse.

• Important Themes: The book handles relevant topics like race, immigration, privilege, and identity with intelligence and depth. The blog posts from Ifemelu act as a direct commentary on race and cultural difference, which feels both personal and thought-provoking. It encourages the reader to think critically about these issues.

• Accessible Writing Style: Adichie’s writing is engaging and flows well, blending humor with serious topics. This makes it an easy read for a wide range of audiences, even though it addresses complex social and cultural issues.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing Issues: The book can feel slow in places, especially when the narrative delves into long reflections or backstories that might seem repetitive at times. This can make it drag a bit, especially if you’re looking for a faster-moving plot.

• Overemphasis on Certain Characters: While Ifemelu’s perspective is central to the story, other characters, like Obinze, aren’t as fully developed. This might leave readers wanting more depth from those around Ifemelu, especially when their own experiences of cultural differences are important.

4. How does it challenge common perceptions of the issue: what we thought before as opposed to what we now think of the issue? I.e. has it changed the common perceptions?

'Americanah' challenges common perceptions about race, immigration, and identity by presenting a complex view of what it means to be an African woman navigating multiple cultural worlds. Before reading the novel, many might have thought of race issues in the U.S. in terms of the Black/white divide, often overlooking the diversity of experiences within the African immigrant community. The novel challenges this by showing Ifemelu’s experience as a Nigerian woman in America, revealing the complexities of Black identity that go beyond the American experience. Ifemelu's evolving understanding of race forces her to confront how different cultures shape how we perceive ourselves and others.

5. Why and how you decided upon the two different forms you have chosen with regards to the message/theme and chosen audience?

For my project, I've chosen to use two different forms (a feature article and a short story) to explore the theme of cultural and social differences, particularly how these differences affect women in privileged and less privileged areas. I decided on these forms because they allow me to address the theme from both an analytical and emotional perspective, providing a well-rounded exploration that will resonate with different types of audiences.

The feature article is ideal for conveying the more factual, informative aspects of my theme. It's a straightforward way to discuss issues like social inequality, race, and the intersectionality of gender and privilege. The format allows me to present research, real-world examples, and statistics while maintaining a clear, accessible tone. This is important because my audience might be looking for insight into the complexities of cultural and social differences. Articles can also prompt readers to reflect on their own perspectives or spark discussions, which is a powerful way to get the message across to people who may not have considered the issues in depth before.

On the other hand, the short story offers a more personal, emotional approach to the theme. It allows me to dive deeper into the human experience, focusing on individual characters and their struggles with identity, race, and class. This format connects with the audience on an emotional level, helping readers feel empathy for the characters' journeys. Stories often bring themes to life in ways that factual articles can't, allowing for a more intimate exploration of the theme. By crafting a narrative about a woman navigating different cultural worlds, I can show how deeply social and cultural differences impact people's lives. The story also helps humanize the issue, making it more relatable to an audience who may not be familiar with the real-world implications of these challenges.

By using both a feature article and a short story, I can effectively reach a diverse audience—those interested in analytical discussions and those looking for a more narrative-driven, emotional exploration. The two forms work together to engage the reader intellectually and emotionally, reinforcing the message about how cultural and social differences shape lives in profound ways.

6. How will your work fit within the history of the issue you are exploring and other literature/films/radio/theatre campaigns? Why and how?

My work, focusing on cultural and social differences—particularly in relation to women and their experiences in both privileged and less privileged areas—fits within a wide history of literature, media, and social campaigns that explore similar themes. This issue has been explored for centuries, but the modern conversation about intersectionality, gender, and privilege has gained significant momentum in recent years.

For example, in literature, works like 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood tackle themes of identity, oppression, and the intersection of race, gender, and class. These works provide a space for marginalized voices, especially women, to narrate their struggles with cultural and societal norms. My project aligns with these works by giving voice to the often overlooked or underrepresented women who navigate different cultural worlds. By using a feature article and a short story, I can present both the factual aspect of these issues, as well as the emotional and human experience, much like these authors have done.

In terms of film and media, movies like 'The Farewell' and 'Hidden Figures' similarly explore the tensions that arise when women—particularly from marginalized groups—are caught between two different cultural identities. The films address the complex ways culture, privilege, and societal expectations shape the lives of women and force them to confront multiple versions of themselves. My use of storytelling through a short narrative mirrors how these films create empathetic and deeply personal portraits of their characters, while my feature article can emulate the informative, socially-conscious style of documentaries or journalistic works.

By placing my work within this larger historical framework, I am continuing the discussion about the complexities of identity, privilege, and societal expectations, while contributing new perspectives to the ongoing conversation in literature and media. Through both creative and journalistic lenses, I aim to engage my audience in reflecting on these issues from both an emotional and intellectual standpoint, just as past works have done.

7. Finally – talk about where your ideas come from and how you will try and develop them – is it similar do you think to any of the above?

 My ideas stem from a combination of personal observations, media representations, and literature that explore the complexities of cultural and social differences in women’s lives. I've been particularly inspired by real-world stories, like those highlighted in news articles, and the portrayals in books like 'Girl, Woman, Other' by Bernadine Evaristo. These sources have made me more aware of how factors like race, class, and privilege intersect with gender to shape individual experiences. 

In developing my ideas, I plan to draw on the themes mapped out in the mind map above, particularly focusing on intersectionality, class & privilege, and social expectations. For example, I want to explore how societal norms around gender differ between privileged and less privileged communities and how these expectations influence women’s identities and opportunities. I also aim to bring in elements like mental health and power & agency, which are crucial to understanding the personal impacts of these differences.

To develop these ideas further, I’ll research real-life accounts, academic studies, and media representations to ground my work in reality. At the same time, I’ll use fiction, such as the short story, to delve into the emotional and psychological layers of the theme. This combination will help me capture both the analytical and emotional sides of the issue.

Greg's Feedback:

Name the different techniques of showing and not telling

Excellent answers – detailed with evidence to demonstrates a firm knowledge of techniques. 

this short script in which I explored character conflicts, but through what the character doesn't say.

Excellent work – effective examples of your understanding of this technique

Effective analysis of Amanpour’s – intelligent and eloquent answers to the analysis questions…

Could you add any of the questions you say guided the conversation ?

Amanpour’s ability to blend personal storytelling with critical analysis inspires me to balance emotional depth with broader social commentary in my own work.

Perfect.  The answer work also as a guide to yourself going forward and your own development as a journalist – this is a god example of using industry analysis to guide your own learning

 important narratives that challenge societal norms while centring on personal stories.

Yes, human interest!!

You have clearly demonstrated and intelligently articulated many of the core characteristics/elements – and your themes for this project  

Throughout the prep questions and in the analysis of the industry examples you have given impressive insights and demonstrated a grasp of a range of the skills we have looked at and you are developing further in your two pieces. 

Short story…  focusing on individual characters

I would suggest for a short story you keep it to focusing on one character, - most short stories do this - 

 'The Handmaid's Tale'

You could also explore the characters that we see this world through and how we see this, her experiences, the impact on her the first person narrations etc – to inspire your own short fiction piece .  (Offred)

Writing opinion pieces has also helped me engage critically with current issues, 

EXCELLENT answers - this is a definite and crucial characteristic of journalism

I have also thoroughly enjoyed writing short stories  

We need to look at structure for short story: e.g. the Freytag theory. Exposition, inciting incident, rise in action climax fall in action, resolution (as discussed with your children's story Tilly's  turnips

Also this basic theory we looked at in the session for short short: Comfort zone

Need and desire

Unfamiliar situation

Adaption

Get what he wants –

Pay the price

Return

Change

This story has helped me understand the importance of creating tone and emotion through careful word choice and pacing. 

Strong and effective analysis shows you are clearly reading like a writer 

enjoyed writing short film scripts 

and theatre scripts to try and develop the dialogue 

When you have decided the two forms/ mediums describe the main characteristics 

Outstanding answers

With short story you will discover how we ae dropped into a moment - like an epiphany, a life changing moment in the characters life - they change, albeit slightly, but the change.