Make SPACE for this CHECKLIST TIP to help your child ACE creative writing
Have you ever read your child’s work and gotten so frustrated when they do not add in a technique that you know they know?
Then when you ask them why, they give you the dreaded “F” word.
(No… not that one….)
The “F” word that all teachers hear on a daily basis…
I…
FORGOT
FORGOT
FORGOT
Well, fret no more, parents. Here at Writers’ Guild, we have concocted a checklist using the acronym SPACE that is so easy to remember that you would not have to hear the F word again!
✔ S – Setting
✔ P – Plot
✔ A – Action
✔ C – Characterisation
✔ E – End goal
1) S for Setting
Every story needs to have a setting to begin with for their introduction. A setting not only allows the reader to imagine where the character is at but helps to set the mood of the story as well. Not having a proper SETTING will cause your story to lack impact and stops your readers from immersing themselves into the story.
EXAMPLE:
Think of a horror movie. Would that movie set the mood by creating suspense if they did not show the eerie house, peculiar creaking sound and ominous clouds? Probably not!
2) P for Plot (storyline with conflict)
A story is not a story without a plot and what exactly is a plot? Simply speaking, it’s a storyline with conflict. KEYWORD: CONFLICT. Every story needs to have a storyline with conflict AKA a PLOT in order for the story to hold value.
EXAMPLE:
Can you imagine if Harry Potter had a storyline without a conflict? The book would have just been about a young boy who found out he was a wizard. That’s it. That’s all it is. It was the conflict with Voldemort that brought that book to life.
3) A for Action (show not tell)
This is where so many students fail to pay attention to. Too many telling, not enough showing. And how exactly do you show a plot? Through ACTIONS! Not enough actions = flat plot.
“Harry casted a spell at Voldemort.” NO ACTION
“Harry gripped his wand, pointing it directly at Voldemort as he cried, “Stupefy!” YES ACTION!
4) Characterisation
Characterisation helps the readers understand the characters and their traits and the way they think which ultimately helps to push the plot forward. They also help create underdogs who tend to be popular characters that readers root for!
EXAMPLE:
Using Harry as an example once more, his bravery and loyalty was what drove the plot forward to ultimately *SPOILER ALERT* kill Voldemort. There was no way Harry could have done it if the author did not characterise him as someone brave.
5) End goal (story message/lesson learnt)
Every story must have an end goal, in this case, the end goal would be a moral of the story. What’s the point of a story if there isn’t one?
There you go, a simple 5 letter acronym that is sure to help your child cover all bases when it comes to writing their story. Be sure to frequently check this SPACE for more writing tips!