Belinda Murrell: Bringing Australian History To Life | Page 12

TIPS

BELINDA SHARES HER TOP TEN
TIPS FOR WRITING A STORY

EXPERT HELP
1. Think about the 5Ws before you start –
who, what, where, when and why?
Who are the main characters, what happens to
your characters, where and when is the story
set, and why do the characters behave the way
they do? Draw a mind map or a character web to
summarise the key points.
2. Draw a story arc.
This is an upside down U that shows the
progress of your story like a rollercoaster ride.
The Beginning is the everyday world of your
characters. At the start of the story you need
to spend some time getting to know your
characters so the reader understands their world
and cares about what happens to them. The next
part of the story is the Rising Action. The story
gets more exciting as more problems and trouble
occur for the characters. The Crisis or Climax
is the most exciting part of the story. After the
climax is the Falling Action, as the problems are
solved, the world returns to normal, and the story
ends.
3. Plan your story out.

A story plan helps avoid writer’s block. Write a blurb or a
summary which covers the main characters, the setting, what
happens in the beginning, middle and ending of your story.
Think about how you will hook your reader into the story.
How will it end? Make your ending memorable, forceful
and satisfying.
4. Disaster!
Your main job as a writer is to create problems and conflict for
your characters. What is it your character loves? Take it away
from them! What does your character fear? Make them face it!
Create an antagonist – a villain that your hero has to tackle and
overcome.

The story arc used to map out The Sequin Star.
or forgetful? Think about people you know and analyse their
personalities. Create characters that your reader will empathise
with and really care about.
7. Don’t have too many characters, as it gets confusing.
Think carefully about everyone’s role in the story. Are they really
needed? Remember to choose your character names carefully
so that they fit in with the period and genre that you are writing.
8. Create a vivid, rich setting by using all five of your
senses – sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell.
Describe not just how a scene looks but what can be smelt,
felt, heard and even tasted. This helps your world to come alive.
9. Create emotion. How do your characters feel?

5. Surprise your readers.

How do you want your reader to feel as they read your story?
‘Show don’t tell’ how your characters are feeling and what their
personalities are like.

Don’t make your story predictable. Make it fresh, different and
full of twists and turns. Avoid clichés and stereotypes.

10. Write what you love and have fun.

6. Give y