  | How to build a story ... or, the big what if Author: Dowell, Frances O'Roark | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
A guide to storytelling that breaks down the sometimes-daunting writing process into straightforward, doable steps.
| Illustrator: | Ebert, Stacy |
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.70 Points: 3.0 Quiz: 513367 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (05/01/20)
Booklist (06/01/20)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/07/20)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 06/01/2020 Middle-grade novelist Dowell shares her techniques for storytelling in this young writer’s guide. Each chapter serves as a writer’s workshop in which the author introduces a story concept, uses two running story lines of her own (a girl with a missing dog and a boy who can fly) as examples, and concludes with a recap, brainstorming ideas, and writing prompts. In the first chapter, she asks students to start with a question—a Big What If—and then flip it into a statement to form the beginning of a story. While other writers give advice on this beginning process, Dowell takes students from start to finish, emphasizing how to get through the middle of the story, “where a lot of writers quit.” She includes editing as part of the process, with suggestions on self-editing and questions for an editor to consider. A lengthy and equally helpful appendix comprises tips on such “nuts and bolts” of writing as characterization and dialogue. Jaunty sketches, including one of Dowell herself, keep the tone light and inspirational for budding authors. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
