Writing a Narrative Introduction …engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation Engage means to “hook” the reader. Orient means to “set the stage” for the reader. Inform as to who is telling the story, when and where. …by setting out a problem, situation, or observation Problem – establish a conflict Situation – explain the situation Observation – communicate an observation about life, a setting, a person, etc. To hook the reader… Jump right into the action – don’t explain all of the unnecessary details that happened leading up to the event. Go straight to the interesting stuff. Make the reader ask questions – intentionally leave out some details that will be answered later. Narrative Techniques Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters Dialogue – can make or break your story. Use it when it works, but don’t overuse it. Work at making it sound natural. Pacing – is moving your story forward smoothly, at your speed. You don’t want your story to drag, but you don’t want it to move too quickly. To speed up the pace… Limit extraneous information. Don’t describe details that are not necessary to the story. Cut all unnecessary words. Use the movie camera. Sensory imagery details create a sense of urgency. Let us hear, see, feel, taste. Keep sentences short and clean. (occasional sentence fragment and one word sentences are okay) Start dialogue in the middle of the conversation. End dialogue quickly as possible. Focus only on the important events. Skip or quickly summarize minor events. To slow down the pace… (do the opposite) Description – describe only when relevant and important. Be efficient with your words. We already know the apple is red. You don’t need to say so. Reflection – comment on what happened (implied or explicit). Share your insight into the situation and/or make connections with life. Word Choice Use precise words, telling details, and sensory language to convey vivid pictures of experiences, events, setting and/or characters. Precise words – choose your words carefully. Use interesting words. Don’t just settle for the first thing that comes into your mind. Be a “word-smith” – a comedian might try a joke four or five different ways until the wording is perfect. If it isn’t worded perfectly, it’s not funny. Make sure that every word of every sentence is just right. Telling details – tell what is important to be told. Sensory language – use imagery that appeals to the five senses. Make the reader see, hear, smell, touch, taste. Make a movie out of your story, not an explanation. Conclusion and Reflection Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative. Follows from – your conclusion should flow out of the story as a natural progression. Reflects on –possibly comment (directly or indirectly on what happened in the story). Share your insight into the situation and/or make connections with life. Three elements of a good last line… It should make the story feel finished It should have punch. It should drive the point home. It should make your point in a strong manner. a. End with a strong statement b. End with a “tie-back” c. End with a question d. End with a famous quote 4 Elements of Personal Narratives 1. Introduction: Hook the reader. Your first line should grab the reader’s attention. 2. Flashback: Write in the past tense. I walked into my bedroom NOT I walk into my bedroom. Keep your verb tense consistent. 3. Reflection: This can be implied (inferred by the reader) or explicit (explained in detail) Also, it can be at the beginning, in the middle or at the end. 4. Conclusion: Too many people just stop the story without making sure the last line is powerful. (see above) The 3 C’s of Personal Narratives Comedy-Don’t tell jokes. Just be brutally honest about what you were thinking in the moment. Use hyperbole. Use sarcasm. You will figure it out as you repetitively write for an audience. Confession-be vulnerable. Write the story that you really want to keep to yourself. Connection-no one knows exactly how this happens, but if you are confessional, and honest and sincere, your audience will “turn the I to me.” .