A simple,interactive way to get reluctant readers and kids with English as a second language interested in Creative Writing

1. By Michelle Worthington
Australian Author of empowering picture books for children

2.  What is plot? Plot is how the events in a story effect the main character.
 In nearly every story, a character is trying to achieve a goal. They face a series of
obstacles. Their choices may change over time. In the end, they are transformed
in some way.
 What is one of your favourite characters?
 What where they like at the beginning of the story?
 What were they like at the end of the story?

3.  Behind every character is a whole new world
 What makes your character special?
 Create a character and write a short story about their life.

4.  What is your character’s biggest strength?
 Does your character have a secret?
 What does your character love to do?
 Who is your character afraid of?

5. Adventurous Dependable Imaginative Nice Spoiled
Afraid Embarrased Independent Polite Stubborn
Angry Evil Jealous Proud Sweet
Annoyed Excited Kind Quiet Talented
Bad Friendly Lazy Rude Thankful
Bossy Funny Lonely Sad Thoughtful
Brave Gentle Loving Scared Trustworthy
Busy Greedy Loyal Selfish Unhappy
Calm Grouchy Mean Serious Upset
Careful Hard-working Messy Shy Weak
Clever Helpful Naughty Smart Worried
Clumsy Honest Nervous Sneaky Wonderful

6.  What should the reader see?
 What should the reader hear?
 What should the reader smell?
 How should the reader feel?

7.  An unexpected ending is a great way to finish the story
 When your character faces the event/person in the way of them reaching the goal,
give them a unique way of overcoming the problem that the reader wouldn’t have
guessed
 Describe the setting at the end of your story
 How is it different from the beginning?

8.  The best characters are never perfect
 Why is your character like you?
 How is your character different to you?

9.  Add poetry
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I like bacon
Poetry is hard

10.  Creative writing makes the words sing on the page
 Creative writing makes the words have a deeper meaning by combining sounds and
rhythms
 Creative writing is fun to write and even more fun to read
Finish this sentence:
Creative writing is:

11.  Who is your audience?
 What sort of music do they listen to?
 Match the rhythm of your story to the rhythm of the reader
 How can you add sparkle to your story?

12.  Or did they?....
 What is the message of your story?
?
 Thank you for participating.
 Happy Writing!
 Michelle Worthington - author