For a while my LA class has been working with an author, Frances Dowell. She is a great author and has written many books, one of them being “Ten Miles Past Normal”.
Since around the beginning-middle of the school year we talked with her about making stories. We learned how to start a story and pull in the reader, to making big scenes where people run from giant monsters. My opening scene is a man reading the newspaper, not intriguing? Read the next sentences. Frances showed us how you can make a good start in scene just from someone sipping tea on their couch.
Sticks and stones, as we learned are amazing additions to your story. Which is better?
The monster came, then the super hero attacked yay they win. OR
The monster came, the super hero attacked! His attacks weren’t working! The monster was absorbing his power!
That is a “stone” problem. The monster is absorbing his power, so he has to find another way to beat him. Stick and stone problems can make your story longer and make people want to read more. I am very happy we got to speak with Mrs. Dowell. And without further ado, here is part of my story…
ISLAND WITH A SHOT OF MURDER
BY: REBECCA T.
Chapter One – The Invite
Professor Plum was sitting on his white and purple couch wearing a purple suit, as always. He was reading a newspaper, New York Times. That was the only paper he read. As he flipped to page 4 of the paper he heard a knock on the door. He got up mostly using his right leg, the next day he had a doctors appointment. He walked to the door and answered it.
“NOW SIR, this oughta be important because YOU interrupted my 30 minutes of reading the paper!” He exclaimed not even looking at the man at his door. The delivery man’s face was straight. He knew Professor Plum had a schedule but frankly, he did not care.
“You got an envelope, don’t know who it’s from and I don’t care,” Then he continued “Somethin’ important,” He handed the envelope to Professor.
“Better be important!” Plum fought back. The delivery man shook his head and turned around. Plum opened the envelope, it read
LUCKY LUCKY MAN
YOU HAVE BEEN INVITED TO THE MANSION
ON THE ISLAND..
“What in tarnation!” Plum exclaimed to himself. Then he continued to read the letter,
NOW WHAT ISLAND WHAT MANSION? YOU MIGHT ASK.
COME TO THE GEORGIA TOWN AIRPORT AT EXACTLY
4:55pm THEN YOU WILL TAKE THE FLIGHT WITH A CODE TAG OF
85474
MEET YOU THERE!
“Island? Plane?” Plum was confused. He went to his purple kitchen and drank some grape juice.
“4:55 tomorrow, is this guy insane? That’s my newspaper time!” Plum exclaimed
“SHUT UP I’M TRYING TO STUDY FOR MY CASE!” Mrs.Plum exclaimed. Plum rolled his eyes, he went upstairs to his room and got packed.
I hope you liked the start of my story. It was amazing working with Francis and I hope you learned a little from this post.
Here’s the link to her website!: https://francesdowell.com
Have a good day!