Tips To Write a Great Story

 

As a tutor working with both primary and secondary school students, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is helping students develop their creative writing skills. Writing stories is not just about imagination—it’s about structure, planning, and crafting a narrative that engages readers. Whether your child is just starting to write or is preparing for GCSEs or SATs, guiding them through the process of planning and writing a story can make a world of difference. Here are some useful tips to help your child with storytelling. 

 

1. Start with Brainstorming 

 

Before diving into the writing, it’s important for students to brainstorm their ideas. This phase helps organise thoughts and sparks creativity. Encourage your child to jot down anything that comes to mind, no matter how wild or seemingly unrelated. Prompts like "What if you woke up in a different time period?" or "Imagine you could talk to animals—what would they say?" can help them think outside the box. 

 

For older students, you might introduce the idea of what-ifs or what-happens-next to start creating conflict and plot twists. The goal is to build a pool of ideas from which they can choose to start shaping their story. 

 

2. Use Story Arcs for Structure 

 

A story arc is a simple, effective way to plan a story’s structure. It can be as basic as the "beginning, middle, and end." 

 

• Beginning: Introduce characters, setting, and the main problem or conflict. 

• Middle: Build the tension as the characters work to solve the problem. This is where the action heats up and leads to the turning point. 

• End: Resolve the conflict and show the consequences of the characters' actions. 

 

For younger students, focus on keeping the structure simple, whereas older students can experiment with non-linear timelines or more intricate plots. 

 

3. Develop Interesting Characters 

 

One of the key elements of a good story is well-developed characters. Encourage your child to think about their characters’ motivations, weaknesses, and goals. A character’s development should align with the story’s progression. 

 

• Ask key questions: What does your character want? What stands in their way? How do they change by the end of the story? 

• Use character sketches: Have your child draw or describe their main characters. What do they look like? What are their quirks, fears, and desires? This can help bring them to life. 

 

For older students, introduce the idea of a "flawed hero" or anti-hero, which can make the character more complex and interesting. 

 

4. Create a Strong Setting 

 

The setting of a story can significantly influence its mood and theme. Help your child imagine where and when the story takes place. Is it a fantastical world, a historical setting, or a familiar place? Ask them to think about: 

 

• What the setting looks like: Describe it in detail, using sensory language (sights, sounds, smells, etc.). 

• How the setting affects the characters: Does it create challenges or opportunities for them? 

 

The setting can sometimes feel like a character in itself. This is an important area for older students to consider when writing more detailed and nuanced stories. 

 

5. Focus on Conflict and Resolution 

 

Every good story needs conflict—it drives the narrative forward. The conflict can be external (a battle, a chase, or a disaster) or internal (a character struggling with their emotions or decisions). Help your child identify what challenges the main character will face and how they will ultimately resolve it. 

 

• For younger students, focus on simple conflicts, like a character trying to achieve a goal (e.g., winning a race). 

• For older students, encourage them to explore deeper conflicts, such as moral dilemmas, social pressures, or psychological battles. 

 

6. Write the First Draft 

 

Once they have their ideas and structure, it’s time to write the first draft. Remind your child that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s just about getting ideas down on paper. Encourage them to write freely and not worry about mistakes at this stage. 

 

7. Edit and Revise 

 

The real magic happens during the revision process. Encourage your child to read their work critically and ask themselves: 

 

• Is the story engaging? Are there any parts that drag? 

• Are the characters consistent in their actions and dialogue? 

• Is the conflict clear, and does it have a satisfying resolution? 

 

For secondary students, provide more detailed feedback on structure, pacing, and language use, as these will be important for exams. 

 

Conclusion 

 

Planning and writing a story is a journey that can be both enjoyable and educational. Whether your child is writing for fun or for an exam, the key to success is a good plan and a structured approach. By breaking the process down into manageable steps—brainstorming, planning, writing, and revising—you’ll help your child become a more confident and creative writer.