Here are three of the seven advanced techniques authors use to make a story powerful. Share this quick quiz to see which skills your kids use.

TOPIC: A Boy, a Bear and a Lucky Escape

Which plan is better?

a) We went to the zoo and a bear got loose and chased Jeremy.

b) We went to the zoo and a bear escaped and chased Jeremy, the naughtiest boy in the school. Our teacher whistled really loudly and threw a hamburger to distract the bear so Jeremy was saved.

ANS (b): Always know the ending. Remember the Story Graph? A story should build to a great climax - which means the writer has to know the ending right away. If kids have no ending, they don't have a story plan, they just have an idea and a couple of characters.

Which story start is more interesting?

a) The lock on the bear's cage looked old, and the bear looked cross.

b) I woke up that morning, got dressed and ate breakfast.

ANS (a): Warn kids NOT to start stories at the beginning of the day where nothing happens. Stories should start with action and excitement, to hook the reader instantly.

Which scene has more tension?

a) The bear reared up and growled again. Then it jumped at Jeremy and the door flew open. Jeremy yelled and started running and the bear followed him.

b) The bear reared up and growled again even more loudly. Jeremy just laughed and pretended to growl too and jumped around, teasing it. Suddenly the bear snarled and lunged at him. The rusted lock on the door rattled and then, with a crack, it broke apart. The cage door slid open and for a moment, the bear just stood there, confused and angry. Then with a yell, Jeremy started running - and the bear followed.

ANS: (b): Young writers often make the tension scenes too short. Show them how to escalate the action slowly but powerfully to increase excitement.

Extracted from the Seven Steps to Writing Success.

(c) Jen McVeity, National Literacy Champion.

Try our FREE Creative Chatterbox to find over 500 story ideas.

The Seven Steps to Writing Success program, designed by successful author, Jen McVeity, is used in over 900 Schools. Suitable for the home school curriculum and gifted children, it has been shown to rapidly advance children's writing skills and enjoyment.

Visit our website at http://sevenstepswriting.com/ to learn about all seven steps to writing success.

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