Tips for Writing a Strong Narrative

1. Begin with a catchy hook…

• Sometimes my imagination gets the best of me.

• In my gymnastics career, fear is something I deal with every day.

2. Have a clear thesis statement.  It should be the last sentence of your first paragraph. (Your first paragraph should be short!)

• I never thought I could switch gymnastic teams.

• I didn’t know it, but today I was going to learn an important lesson.

3. Separate events clearly into paragraphs

• Divide the events by chronological order

• When you change time or thought, start a new paragraph

4. Beware of Sentence Structure

• Write sentences that are clear and concise.

• Sometimes I assume I can’t do something because my mind takes over.

• Sometimes, my feelings engulf me and I think I can’t do something.

• Try for some “sentence variety”

• Start your sentence with an introductory phrase and comma:  When I was young, After breakfast, Gently and carefully,

• Combine sentences that are short to avoid repeating yourself

• I have been able to conquer most of my fears.  One fear was working on a 4-inch beam.

• I have been able to conquer most of my fears, such as working on a 4-inch beam.

5. Revise for Word Choice

• Get rid of “dead” words

• Use sophisticated words, but KNOW what they mean

• Double check your verbs—use vibrant ones!

• Include some dialogue!!

6. Have a clear conclusion

• Restate the words from the prompt in your conclusion

• I don’t know why I thought I could not wakeboard.

• This is a lesson I won’t soon forget.

7. Bring back the hook to form a circle.

• Sometimes I should listen to my imagination

• I don’t know why I was so frightened of changing gyms.

TRY WRITING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ENDINGS FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL NARRATIVE

LOOP ENDING

A loop ending ends at the same place it begins and is probably the most popular way to end a story.

SURPRISE ENDING

A good surprise ending is not an accident but is planned for by a skillful writer.  You can trace the clues by re-reading the story and looking for clues the writer planted

SUMMARY ENDING

A summary ending repeats the main points of a story trying to tie together any loose ends.

HAPPY ENDING

A happy ending such as the one in Cinderella leaves the reader with no feeling of sadness.  Like a good warm blanket, it covers us from the cold of life. Does your story want to end happily, or would it be stronger and more real if it ended sadly?

MYSTERIOUS ENDING

A mysterious ending leaves a lot to the reader’s imagination.  

This is the kind of ending that leaves a big question mark in the reader’s mind.  

SAD BUT TRUE ENDING

When we read that Charlotte dies at the end of Charlotte’s Web, we are sad.  But it has to end that way. Try saving Charlotte and the story loses its power.  It becomes a lie. Does your story need to end sadly?