I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

How can I make the relevance of a story thread more apparent?

Asked by: Jeff Rogers

What is Narrative thread in a story?

A narrative thread, or plot thread (or, more ambiguously, a storyline), refers to particular elements and techniques of writing to center the story in the action or experience of characters rather than to relate a matter in a dry “all-knowing” sort of narration.

How do you tie a story together?

Put props in your characters’ hands so those characters seem real and more than one-dimensional. Tie characters together by their love—or hatred—of someone or something else. Tie characters by their proximity to other characters or story events.

How does the setting affect the plot?

How does setting affect the story? Setting affects the story by contributing to the plot, character development, mood, and theme. It also affects the story by engaging the reader and helping them visualize the events and context in which the narrative is being told.

How do you write a plot structure?

The 5 Elements of Plot

  1. Exposition. This is your book’s introduction, where you introduce your characters, establish the setting, and begin to introduce the primary conflict of your story. …
  2. Rising Action. …
  3. Climax. …
  4. Falling Action. …
  5. Resolution/Denouement.


How do you write a narrative thread?

There are two ways to be sure your narrative threads hold together to form a cohesive story – and not one that just seems to flop around.

  1. Have all the storylines follow a central theme.
  2. Have the different storylines centered around a single unifying event.


What makes an interesting and engaging opening to a story?

Spark a reader’s interest



Pose a question; introduce a character; set a scene; lure them in with enticing prose; lay a clue to the direction the novel is going to take; plant the seeds of an idea; create a dramatic impression; give them a taste of action.

What is a pivotal point in a story?

More significant than an ordinary plot point (which might serve to impart information or develop character), a pivot point effectively changes the direction of a character or action sequence. Huge when used as a foundation for a story, a pivot point can also be a small powerhouse for plot movement.

What makes a good story plot?

A strong plot is centered on one moment—an interruption of a pattern, a turning point, or an action—that raises a dramatic question, which must be answered throughout the course of the story. This is also known as plot A. Every element of the plot—each scene, each line—exists in service of answering that question.

How do you make a good story?

10 ways to make a good story succeed:



  1. Give your story strong dramatic content.
  2. Vary rhythm and structure in your prose.
  3. Create believable, memorable characters.
  4. Make the important story sections effective.
  5. Deepen your plot with subplots.
  6. Make every line of dialogue count.
  7. Add what makes a good story (immersive setting)

What are the 7 elements of plot?

Devised by 19th century German playwright Gustav Freytag, Freytag’s Pyramid is a paradigm of dramatic structure outlining the seven key steps in successful storytelling: exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and denouement.

What are the 5 important elements in a story?

There are 5 elements of plot:

  • Exposition.
  • Rising Action.
  • Climax.
  • Falling Action.
  • Conclusion.


What every story needs?

A story has five basic but important elements. These five components are: the characters, the setting, the plot, the conflict, and the resolution. These essential elements keep the story running smoothly and allow the action to develop in a logical way that the reader can follow.

How do you write an impactful short story?

The Top 10 Tips For Writing Great Short Stories



  1. Understand that a short story is not the same as a novel. …
  2. Start as close to the end as possible. …
  3. Keep up the pace. …
  4. Keep the number of characters small. …
  5. Give the reader someone to root for. …
  6. Create conflict! …
  7. Suggest a backstory but don’t elaborate. …
  8. Appeal to the five senses.

What makes a short story interesting innovative use of language?

There must be a clear connection to the narrative. Twists in the plot make the story interesting. Innovative use of language and structure fused with humour, haunting images and style add flavour.

How do you win a writing competition?

Challenge every word



And the more you re-write, the more you’ll stand out from every other entry in a creative writing competition. Find the best bits of your story and hone them to make them better. Change what’s around them to show them off. Find the weaker parts – cut them.

What are the 7 steps to writing a short story?

Write a Short Story in 7 Easy Steps

  1. Identify the focus of your short story. …
  2. Start writing. …
  3. Write a compelling beginning. …
  4. Create a powerful ending. …
  5. Read your story out loud. …
  6. Edit and revise. …
  7. Ask for feedback.


How do you write a 100 word story?


And we'll write some 100 word stories. Together trying to use what we've learned and see if we can write some good micro fiction uh bring it to life.



How do you begin a story?

Starting Stories: 5 Great Beginning Strategies

  1. Strategy 1: Begin with action or dialogue. …
  2. Strategy 2: Ask a question. …
  3. Strategy 3: Describe the setting. …
  4. Strategy 4: Begin with background information. …
  5. Strategy 5: Have the main character introduce himself or herself.


How do I start writing a story?

Here are the steps for how to start a story:

  1. Write a strong opening sentence.
  2. Connect the readers and character.
  3. Produce intrigue.
  4. Elicit an emotion in your story.
  5. Start your story with a strong visual snapshot.
  6. Write a compelling first paragraph.
  7. Leave a hint.
  8. End the first chapter on a cliffhanger.

What is a good sentence to start a story?

There was a secret meeting in the morning and she absolutely had to be there. There was something about a music box that always made me think of home… I opened my eyes and had no idea where I was… He was heading back to the one place he hoped he’d never have to see again.



How do writers find and develop ideas?

Writers develop ideas in many ways, including the following:

  • Journaling.
  • Freewriting.
  • Brainstorming.
  • Mapping or diagramming.
  • Listing.
  • Asking defining questions.
  • Noting Pros & Cons.


How do you become a good beginner writer?

That being said, here are some tips that can improve your writing:

  1. Read. One of the most important things to do to become a better writer is simply to read. …
  2. Commit to a routine. …
  3. Use writing exercises. …
  4. Keep a journal. …
  5. Join a writing group. …
  6. Practice different forms of writing. …
  7. Do your research. …
  8. Take classes.


How can I improve my creative writing?

8 Tips for Creative Writers



  1. Read, read, read. It’s a lot harder to get the hang of creative writing if you don’t have any references to draw from. …
  2. Always be writing. …
  3. Have a point of view. …
  4. Use literary devices. …
  5. Know your audience. …
  6. Start writing. …
  7. Embrace rewriting. …
  8. Try a writing workshop.


How can I improve on my writing skills?

8 Tips for Improving Your Writing Style

  1. Be direct in your writing. Good writing is clear and concise. …
  2. Choose your words wisely. …
  3. Short sentences are more powerful than long sentences. …
  4. Write short paragraphs. …
  5. Always use the active voice. …
  6. Review and edit your work. …
  7. Use a natural, conversational tone. …
  8. Read famous authors.