diary format – a style that has a lot of challenges, positive feedback and revision suggestions from several agents. So, now you’ve asked four tough questions. These reading activities are perfect for classroom use. On the flipside, “readers cheer when a character uses a disability to advantage. Now go back to your essay as a whole and ask these questions: - Does each paragraph stick to the thought that was introduced in the first sentence? And what if the horse kicks the assailant in the side of the head? Working. Where does the story really begin? What if the villain attacks the [main character], and the animal leaps into the fight?” (12%). Are there any loose ends I need to tie up? There are many warring strengths, each battle a potential theme for your story or life. How does it hamper the character’s pursuits? Creative Spark—Four Questions to Ask When Revising a Story, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), The Creative Spark! But they will help you to become better, more careful, more insightful, and more confident as a reader. Or it could be humour versus couth. Here are four questions you could ask yourself when revising your story. This question also prompts the writer and editor to compile a list of questions for any follow-up stories. What if something unusual about the animal’s behaviour alerts the [main character] to an unseen danger? When revising a novel, ask yourself if there are ways to make the story more exciting, funnier, scarier, more emotional, more suspenseful, etc. The guy thought the house was empty, but it wasn’t. Not all of these questions will be equally applicable to all of the short stories you will read -- or to short stories generally that you will read outside this course. As a result, he gets approached by a film producer to capture his story on the silver screen. From there, you can track results to better understand the data and how to use it … On the other hand, maybe you have written too much. Tell me about how you got into your line of work. I’ve heard some writers say they write a first draft then throw it away and start writing the second draft. If a busin… During the robbery, he wound up stabbing two innocent women. How does literature represent disability? Does your story have a clear problem or conflict facing the main character? Or a poodle works wonders when facing a robber. Or she would never swear, or never kill, or never beat her child. 20 Questions to Ask Yourself When Starting a New Story - West Lothian Writers says: at […] taken from Writing Tip: Story Starter Questions from Alan Chin‘s website A Passage to Now and Ten Questions to Ask When Beginning a Book by Cheryl Reif from her website Cheryl Reif Writes. How do we bring something new to this story? How is this idea related to my thesis? Maybe your main character would never steal. These are all questions I’ve been asked and asked myself before, so I can relate. Does it make sense? Of course, not all questions are equal. what is the one biggest way the protagonist is different at the end of this story? If this doesn’t work for the plot, perhaps one of the [main character’s] allies could have a handicap. Answer a handful of tough questions, and you’ve got a story worthy of the silver screen. What did you think you were going to be when you grew up? But, Rayne Hall (2016) asks, “What would have to happen to make her do the one thing she thinks she would never do? As another example, Rick is bedridden with chronic disease, barely able to afford food. As she runs from her tormentor into a grocery store, her anxiety-riddled big smile convinces the store owner to let her into a private washroom, where she hides. What did you want to be when you grew up? So, take heed: never step into the dark side. She holds both dear and tries to pursue them at the same time, but has to make tough decisions and sacrifice one for the other. Your email address will not be published. Would you want to live at that time, place, or manner? Question #2: What does it mean to go to the dark side? What do you do for a living? The Revision Outline. As literary agent Mary Kole says in her book. Could your [main character] be physically disabled? what do I want readers to take away from this book? … 2. “Readers root for characters with disability. That’s a bit dramatic, but I get the idea. I just read a story about a guy who planned to make his last robbery to feed his child. A big part of the revision process in fiction-writing really is re-vision, seeing your story anew. what is the inciting incident that changes everything for the protagonist? Five Questions to ask yourself when revising. Having the right questions to ask prepared goes a long way in helping you to connect with people more effectively. When honour and loyalty are key values, our main character hyper focuses on them. how could I summarize this story in just one sentence? Is there a clearly stated purpose/objective? If so, who are they like, and why do you think As an example, Lisa tends to get super friendly during her spells of anxiety. Do you have any favorite stories from your marriage or about your husband/wife? Obviously, these have to be unforeseen, drastic circumstances. This could be a ‘normal’ pet like a dog, cat or horse, or something unusual, such as a goat, ferret or camel …. Over thousands of hours critiquing and editing manuscripts, I’ve noticed that there are some questions I seem to ask a lot, which tells me there are some general gaps that many writers have in common in their novel-constructing processes. A few other common ones could be boiled down to how to deal with a rogue protagonist (as in a protagonist who doesn’t want to do what he needs to for one reason or another), how to deal with a side-character taking over the story, how (or why) to avoid cliches, and what makes a protagonist ‘come alive’. Where … How much did you know about the subject before we started? Choose a disability you’re familiar with, either because you live it or because someone you know well does” (Hall, 2016, 20%). I’m notorious for not following my own advice. Does it add emotional depth, or does it feel like a tangent? – Itty-Bitty Lightbulbs, Music Review—Darklight Horizon and Foxpalmer, Course Exam—ANTH 272(Introduction to Archaeology), The Fly on the Wall—No Easy A, No Easy Aim, AUSU Council Report—January 20, 2021 Meeting. The more you dilute the job of main character, the more you dilute the impact of your story. Who dares, wins” (Hall, 2016, 15%). The story problem needs to apply pressure to the main character. Develop the animal as a real character, with likes, dislikes, interests and habits” (12%). You can help students become more proficient by modeling this process for them and encouraging them to use it when they read independently. Whatever touch-ups you make, your stories will shock and shine like a million-dollar makeover. What if she needs to make a quick getaway – but can’t in her wheelchair?” (20%). Can you retell the story in sequence order (use your fingers and sequence words: first, second, then, next, etc.) Rayne Hall (2016) claims, “The animal needs to play an active role in the plot. Have you ever read a long story and then not remembered anything you read afterward? This page features 20 of my favorite short stories with questions. Is the way the character lives different than the way you live? Revising a novel is often as hard, if not harder, than writing a first draft. Rayne Hall (2016) advises, “Make the disability part of the plot. Reread the first two to three pages of your story carefully. Readers should feel more connected to your character and story after a flashback, not less. Do I need transitions to get the readers from one scene to the next? You may have written the novel without a theme in mind, but now that the draft is complete, you can identify it …. How well does the evidence support the point? Do I promise anything (mysteries, secrets, foreshadowing) in the beginning chapters on which I don’t deliver? How might this story be different if it was told from another character’s point of view? It’s the person behind the facts that makes a compelling story. Is there enough tension? Are there places where I tell when I could be showing in a scene instead? ), there are also general questions that you can ask to help you revise any paper. Good readers are active readers, meaning they think critically while they are reading the text. Make them happen in your novel. People like telling their story, especially if you show empathy with them. As author and editor Harry Shaw once said, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), « 10 Dialogue Mistakes in Fiction and How to Fix Them. Rayne Hall (2016) says, “Ideally, every scene should contribute to the theme, even if it’s only in a small way. 3. Or what if your hero has a leg amputated, but weighs 500 pounds, with no family willing to care for him? Are you thinking too small with your story? The story problem needs to be important, challenging, and emotionally significant. This question … The theme may be a moral – a message your reader walks away with, the lesson absorbed. But this guy never before would’ve committed murder. So when you ask interview questions that dig deeper, you’ll go beyond the facts to reveal personal struggle, conflict and victory. Is each paragraph roughly the same length? You see, animals can contribute much to the welfare of a hero. Take a step back. Is there a character in the story that reminds you of someone you know? If you’re ready to ask personality questions for any reason, Opinion Stage has you covered. Instead, this should be on the lines of their elevator pitch. When you are able to talk to someone directly about a story, you can ask questions the help you gather key facts, details, and emotions to tell a compelling story.In turn, this provides you with much of the information you need to tell a great story. Your best reporters want to … Maybe your plot is too crazy and convoluted. Does it draw out a scene and give readers time to process what’s happening, or does it kill the tension? Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether yo Once you’ve finished the first draft of your story, it’s time to tackle chapter one revision. Questions to Ask When Revising a Paper: *Does the writing have a clear sense of purpose? One step could become a sprint into immoral territory, and sooner than a flash, a nightmare of vices could swallow you. Consider how your flashback contributes to your scene’s pacing. Study Questions to help you get the most out of the Short Story. Think of situations where you could make this happen as part of the plot” (Hall, 2016, 20%). When we focus on something, we see it everywhere. See also: Reverse Outline, 3x5 Note Card, Cubing) *Is my paper’s main idea, or thesis, clearly stated early on (within the first paragraph, ideally)? (Particularly Good: Underline Your Main Point, Memory Draft. Newsworthiness is based on how, if and to what extent the story will affect a specific audience These reading activities are perfect for classroom use. Question #4: Why do authors use animals as characters? It’s only after you’ve hammered out an entire draft that you can know where the story starts, and what information absolutely has to be included. Breaching values leads to escalating heartache—great for fiction; heart wrenching in real life. After completing your draft, set it aside for at least a month (the longer you leave … As you work on your next fiction project, keep these questions in mind. Or maybe your story could be broken up into two books, or even a trilogy. What kind of animal is it? The writing process - revising Does the writing say what you want it to say? Could your main character have an animal sidekick? “Readers root for characters with disability. Is it what you were asked to do? According to Rayne Hall (2016), “Readers like animal characters. August 7, 2017 By: ... His YA novel, Holy Fudgesicles, was published this year by Wings ePress and he has had over twenty short stories published in various print and online markets. Need a story makeover? Be honest with yourself. (That’s called killing your darlings, and you gotta do it.). Get yours here! their desires and goals (especially their goal in the story or scene), their core values, beliefs, and overall attitude about life, how each character interacts with the central problem/theme of the story. The person who buys a Gucci handbag notices other Gucci handbags. Question #3: How does literature represent disability? The person who buys a Mercedes zeroes in on all Mercedes. What lessons has your work life taught you? Here’s what NOT to do: immediately query agents. And as soon as the [main character] (mentioned earlier) prostitutes herself, trauma erupts. This, and more about setting, is explored in rich detail in Writing the Heart of Your Story. 1. Is there anything that needs more explanation? Are the introduction and conclusion focused on the main point of the essay? Do I need more descriptions to set the scenes? After all, this is not real life. This type of theme is based on the [main character’s] inner conflict and works especially well in heart-wrenching novels and works with emotional depth. Or what if your hero has a chronic condition, unable to get out of bed, but also unable to earn enough to eat? For more on typical word counts, see here. (If the task was assigned by the teacher.) What if the villain kidnaps or threatens the animal to blackmail the [main character]? He makes videos of his story and launches them on YouTube. So, give every scene a taste of either of those values. Keep it to a simple statement, such as: Love conquers all. If possible, write about what you know. The pot bubbles over when mixed with ways to improve your story. These questions work for self revision and peer revision. Could I add more tension, emotion, or excitement? Another warring value could be unconditional love versus responsibility. Written by some of the greatest authors in history, these stories are short enough to cover in a … Here are examples: Honour versus loyalty” (Hall, 2016, 17%). How is this idea related to the ideas that come before and after it? - Does a piece of evidence support each point? To aid their comprehension, skillful readers ask themselves questions before, during, and after they read. Many themes exist: habits trump intelligence; success begins with showing up; thinking big means starting small; boredom comes with academic success; process, not outcome, matters most. Whatever you choose, make your main character firm in her values. And what if the horse is faster and more durable than the assailant’s getaway car? 2. Don’t we view the world like that? Does your protagonist go through enough emotional or psychological upheaval? What does your business / product do?Remember this is not their corporate 'About' page. Unless you’re writing a memoir … And that’s when his life takes a sharp turn for the better. Or it could be innocence versus perceptiveness. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask? Or what if the race horse gives you an escape from an oncoming assailant? What if your hero gets stricken with severe anxiety, but needs to earn a degree to win the conditional love of her folks? You can take your story from bland to boss with just a few strokes. But theme “could also be two virtuous values warring in the [main character’s] mind. Not only do you have access to a personality quiz maker, but you can also add it to your website, app, and/or social media platforms. The same happens to our main character. “What’s your book’s theme? Is your climax a dramatic and exciting turning point?When revising a novel, ask yourself if there are ways to make the story more exciting, funnier, scarier, more emotional, more suspenseful, etc. When you ask and then listen, you build trust. Questions are the key to story. How disappointing is that? Because asking questions is the most powerful way to get to know someone. You might discover that crutches come in handy when someone buds in line. Are there effective transitions? You will need to work closely with your client, to understand their business and the direction they want to take it. Design is a very subjective process. For example, if your theme is ‘honour versus loyalty’, you could tweak every scene so someone behaves either honourably or honestly in some way” (15%). Or you’d never eat an alive animal unless you were forced into the military. pay someone to give you feedback on your manuscript – like me. Who is the most interesting character in your novel (or who are, doesn’t further the plot or reveal character, multiple beta readers have told you to cut, doesn’t need to be a full scene (because it could and should be dealt with quickly in summary or simply cut altogether), doesn’t quite fit with the voice, story, characters, or theme – even if it’s really great, beautiful, poignant, etc. How would life be different for the characters in the story after the events in the story. “Consider your [main character’s] deeply held values, beliefs and principles. What process did you go through to produce this piece? You should be proud that you made it this far in the process. (, ou might want to show what life is like for your protagonist before the inciting incident, but the longer it takes to get to the story catalyst, the greater chance of losing readers, , who will start to wonder “what is this story about?” and “when is something going to. Is it clear what you’re trying to say? What would she never do?” (Hall, 2016, 17%). When Revising Ask: Am I offering overall takeaways? If your moral main character would never prostitute herself, put her in a situation where her children are starving, and the only way to put food on the table is to accept a wealthy man’s offer for a night” (18%). We know the basic questions that journalists strive to answer when chasing a news story — questions starting with “who,” “what,” “where,” "when,” “why” and “how.” Here are a few other questions I like to ask writers — usually right before they start their reporting, and then right before they sit down to … What do you think about that difference. Story interviews (or narrative interviews) are almost always necessary in order to tell a rich, interesting story. And, most importantly, give yourself a giant pat on the pack. Question #1: How do you write a good theme? Good triumphs over evil. Log in, About a year ago, right before my daughter was born, I finished the first draft of an upper-Middle Grade manuscript and, like an idiot, I queried agents with it. What problem do you solve for your customers?What is the purpose of their existence (other than to make money)? Put your characters in real trouble, and make things happen that are larger than life. 2. And I know it sounds too good to be true, but the right question to ask someone can change your life. If they had just 30 seconds to explain their product to a customer, what would they say? Do you like your job? While there are specific reader-focused questions one can ask to help revise specific kinds of papers (comparison, synthesis, etc. “The [main character] forced to act against her deeply held values gives the readers a compelling story they cannot forget” (18%), says Rayne Hall (2016). what one symbol or word could characterize this story?
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