EL Narrative Writing Reminders and Examples

Alright .. the Prelims EL will be on Monday.

Some random final reminders bout narrative writing:

1) Let there be ONE main character. Let this main character face conflicting emotions and challenges, and let his voice and actions speak. Do not speak on his behalf. In other words, show this character's intentions through the little detailed things that he would do, that he would sense, that he would observe, and that he would think and say.

2) In developing the plot, make sure that the relevancy to the topic is clear. Keep the main narrative plot period to perhaps 20min of the character's life/time. All other background developments could be integrated as flashbacks. Short flashbacks, and thoughts.

3) Use a variety of sentence lengths, and paragraph lengths, confidently, to pace the development and tension. Pacing is most important. Paragraphing is important.

4) Use vocabulary imaginatively and confidently. Add flavour to your characterisation. Have figuration and metaphors etc in your original expressions. Let your character's 5 senses be conveyed in an engaging mix of expressions and words.

5) Write with fire and inspiration. Share the character's story.

PRACTICE ONE ESSAY TONIGHT (SAT) AND ONE ESSAY TOMORROW (SUN)
1) Wall
2) The Moment
3) Crime
4) Travelling
5) Ignoring an important message
6) White
(550 to 600 words)


Let The Character Speak ... Do Not Speak On His Behalf

Right... was helping some students edit and improve their essays which they sent me. Here's 2 good examples of how to change a paragraph in which the writer merely tells the reader about the character, to the character speaking, thinking and feeling on his own. Also, based on the topic given, we have tried to make the paragraphs integral and central to the topic. I have put in bold the changes made.

AND, if you are able to pull it off, try not to set your story in a school context. It reduces the possibilities of development. Set your story in some historical episodes, or for modern reality, in some hospital, or some other realistic situations where characters experience great emotional tussles and realisations.


AN EXAMPLE, on the title of 'Crime'.

BEFORE:

The wailing of sirens could be heard from a far away. John knew he did not have much time left to ponder and he must not panic at a moment like this. He irked at the sight of dirty rats crossing his path as he made his way deeper into the alley, anxiously trying to find a spot to hide the fruit knife with dirty livid blood stained on it now. His attempts were fruitless and came to no avail. The sound of wailing sirens could now be heard only from a distance away.

John spotted a drain from afar and an idea struck him. In just a matter of seconds, he came into contact with the drain. He mustered up all his strength, strained, and lifted the lid of the drain. Tossing the fruit knife into it, John had just enough time to replace the lid to its original position before he could hear fast footsteps of doom approaching him. He attempted for a sprint out of the alley.


AFTER:

The distant wailing of sirens interrupted his thoughts. John knew he did not have much time left to ponder and he must not panic at a moment like this. He irked at the sight of dirty rats crossing his path as he made his way deeper into the alley, anxiously trying to find a spot to hide the fruit knife with dirty livid blood stained on it now. (ADD IN some direct observations he would have at that moment) There seemed to be a dark cavity in the ground over there. No, it was not; it was merely his imagination. Could he chuck that knife over here instead, delving deep into the spoilt vegetables, strands of pig intestines and other rotting flesh instead? Might be too conspicuous too. But there would soon not be time anymore for disposing the knife. He must decide swiftly. Still, his attempts were fruitless and came to no avail. The sound of wailing sirens could now be heard only from a distance away.

In despair, John turned ready to face his nemesis. Just as he stood there, rooted and awaiting his fate, a wave of relief washed over him. There was a drain, covered by some heavy stone slabs, just some steps away! In just a matter of seconds, he was by the edge of the drain. He mustered up all his strength, strained, and lifted the lid of the drain. Tossing the fruit knife into it, John had just enough time to replace the lid to its original position before he could hear fast footsteps of doom approaching him. He attempted for a sprint out of the alley.


ANOTHER EXAMPLE, this time on the title of 'Wall':

BEFORE:

In the dressing room, the clanking of metal pervaded the air. The smell of leather and male perspiration stung his nostrils. Ramus randomly picked out a set of body armour for himself. He had grown used to bearing the odour of fellow gladiators; everyone had, and they did not seem to mind it at all.

.... (Other paragraphs)...

He began to muse about life, about his purpose. Each day, he entertained a crowd of blood-thirsty Romans, who found violence and bloodshed so amusing. Ramus wished he would die today, but he knew out of his human nature he would fight to survive. It was the most torturous paradox. His fate loomed behind the grey walls and as the monstrous wooden gates swung open, the audience unified voices rose to a vehement clamor… ….

AFTER:

In the dressing room, the clanking of metal pervaded the air. The smell of leather and male perspiration stung his nostrils. Ramus randomly picked out a set of body armour for himself. He stared at the wall on which now there was only an empty hook. It had the same contour as the wall earlier, he noted. The wall, it was a fortified block which he had to push against, to leap over, to break down, to tear apart. It stopped him from drawing on his inner strength and will, and he needed all of that now. No, it was now a wall in his mind, a mental wall blocking his path to victory, and survival. He breathed again, deeply, willing himself into composure. He had grown used to bearing the odour of other gladiators; everyone had, and they did not seem to mind it at all.

(OTHER PARGRAPHS ....)

He began to muse about life, about his purpose. Each day, he entertained a crowd of blood-thirsty Romans, who found violence and bloodshed so amusing. Ramus wished he would die today, but he knew out of his human nature he would fight to survive. Indeed, he would not merely survive, but soar. He would win the Victor’s Wreath, from the hands of the Emperor himself one day. And on that day, he would no longer face a bleak stoic wall of confinement. It would be a wall of humans, a wall of adoration.

It was the most torturous paradox. His fate loomed behind the grey walls and as the monstrous wooden gates swung open, the audience unified voices rose to a vehement clamor… ….