Narrative Writing Diamond
1. ENTERTAINING BEGINNINGS!
REMEMBER: Attention grabbing beginnings often use one of the following techniques.
a. ACTION: Put the main character in the setting doing something.
b. DIALOG OR EXCLAMATION: Have your main character say something.
c. A SOUND: Use an interesting sound or unusual noise to capture the reader’s attention.
d. A THOUGHT OR QUESTION: Use a thought or a question to make the reader curious enough to read.
2. DESCRIPTION OF SETTING.
REMEMBER: When you elaborate you stop the action and observe. Use the five senses!
a. Your description should make the reader feel as though he or she is right there with the main character.
b. Your description should be at least 3-4 sentences long.
c. Remember that sentence variety is important!
3. BUILD SUSPENSE.
REMEMBER: One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event.
a. Use the “magic of three” (3 details, three sentences, etcetera).
b. Continue to build suspense by using word referents.
c. Use the main character’s thoughts and feelings to raise story questions.
4. THE MAIN EVENT!
REMEMBER: The main event is the most important part of a story!
a. The main event should take up the largest amount f writing within a story.
b. The main event should occur as though in slow motion – with every small detail told.
c. Include the main character’s feelings and reactions to the events.
d. The main event is a time for the author to show off and really entertain! Maybe even exaggerate a little!
5. SOLUTION-CONCLUSION (Same as “Main Event”)
6. SATISFYING ENDING!
REMEMBER: Story ending should sum up the story and show how the main character has grown and changed. Extended endings often include one or more of the following:
a. A memory of the main event
b. The main character’s feeling about the main event
c. A decision that the main character makes.
d. The main character’s wish or hope.
e. Lesson learned