A narrative is a sequence of connected events, whether real or fictional. The definition of narrative is the same as that of a story. There are many types of narratives, such as non-fiction (journalism, memoir, biography, etc.), prose, drama, and some forms of poetry, songs, and yes, even video games. Examples of narrative can be found everywhere in human expression and creativity, from everyday speech to performance of all types, including television, movies, radio, and even in more static arts such as sculpture, painting, and photography. Thus, narrative is truly a vital aspect of the experience of being human, and has been since the beginning of communication.
When it comes to writing your narrative, check this out for some helpful tidbits.
This video might be able to assist you in adding style and voice to your writing!
The Art of Racing in the Rain: Help with writing from a dog's Perspective
Wondering how to write from a dog's perspective? Rightfully so. There have been many different attempts out there...some closer than others (pretty sure they wouldn't call us "Hoomans!"). This short excerpt depicts the dog's perspective that is not to far from a human's. It just includes some different details. This might help you out on this assignment.
The door opens, and I hear him with his familiar cry, "Yo, Zo!" Usually, I can't help but put aside my pain and hoist myself to my feet, wag my tail, sling my tongue around, and shove my face into his crotch. It takes humanlike willpower to hold back on this particular occasion, but I do. I hold back. I don't get up. I'm acting.
"Enzo?"
I hear his footsteps, the concern in his voice. He finds me and looks down. I lift my head, wag my tail feebly so it taps against the floor. I play the part.
He shakes his head and runs his hand through his hair, sets down the plastic bag from the grocery that has his dinner in it. I can smell roast chicken through the plastic. Tonight he's having roast chicken and an iceberg lettuce salad.
"Oh, Enz," he says.
He reaches down to me, crouches, touches my head like he does, along the crease behind the ear, and I lift my head and lick at his forearm.
"What happened, kid?" he asks.
Gestures can't explain.
Visit English 10A Google Group Page and respond to the following prompt:
Explain how action and inaction are involved in risk and consequence. Which is viewed as being more responsible? Why would someone choose to not take action during a conflict, decision, or opportunity?
Every story ever written began with the same thing: an idea. It's the kernel, the spark, the epiphany. Whatever you call it, it all amounts to the same thing. All stories begin with a single idea. Some ideas are harder to clarify and focus on than others. Ideas don't have to just emerge from your noggin though, no! You can gain ideas from anything and anywhere. Take a photo for instance. What is happening in the photo? Who is involved? What is their connection? All great questions to ask when thinking of an idea to make into a story. Give it a shot. Warm up that noggin that we spoke about. Pick one of the photos below then follow the steps.
Functions for dialogue:
A six-word memoir is a description of an actual event/memory. It usually focuses on a specific time in someone's life, not their entire life. It can also be on the way they lived their life- an inspirational message or a cautionary tale of sorts.
So why just six words? TO MESS WITH YOU, OF COURSE! Joking. Six-Word Memoirs was a project founded by the U.S.-based online storytelling magazine Smith Magazine. A famous writer by the name of Ernest Hemingway (yes THE Ernest Hemingway) was challenged to write a story using just six words. He responded with:
“For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.”
Heavy right? Six-word memoir depends on precision in language. You must feel attached to every word you choose. Each word must serve a purpose. The result of the six-word memoir is a line that BEST expresses who you are right now. Feel free to play with punctuation. The main focus here is meaning so you must possess clarity of thought.
Check out this Padlet for some great examples. There is a video with some tips on writing a six-word memoir as well...you'll need them.