May 2006: Situations and Stories (cont.)

Maybe the puppy will have to give up on finding his way back home and accept a new home instead.

But in each case, the main character will have to struggle, trying to get what he wants. And it is that struggle that will make your story.

So let’s start by gathering some ideas for stories . . . your stories. What is your character’s problem? What does the problem make him want? What would a resolution to the problem feel like?

For this month, jot down story ideas as they come to you. Next month we’ll talk about the next step.

And in the meantime, if you are impatient to move on, check out my book, What’s Your Story? A Young Person’s Guide to Writing Fiction. Both adults—especially adults writing for children—and young writers have found it useful.

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