Narrative Writing Organization

Narrative Writing Organization

Multiple Select

Why do authors write narratives?

• To brag about themselves

• To make a connection with their readers

• To explain to their therapist why they are the way they are

• To tell a story about themselves with a message or purpose

Add opportunities for emotional connection

Organize your story

Include all parts of a narrative

Organizing ​Narrative Writing

Provide Opportunities for Emotional Connection

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When writing a narrative, consider how the reader will view you.

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​show the reader the kind of person you are by sharing your actions and experiences that have changed/effected you.

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​If a reader can make a personal connection with you through your writing- you have written a successful narrative!

​You should ALWAYS...​

Organize Your Story

​​​Consider different approaches you can take depending on what your narrative is about...

Timeline: Choosing your timeline is important because your format can help your story flow better for the reader. For example, choosing to incorporate flashbacks versus having your story be completely chronological.

POV: Choosing your point of view is important because the way the story is told can impact the way that readers connect to the writing. For example, choosing first person makes the story seem personal, while in third person, the narrator is more removed.

Organize Your Story

​​​Consider different approaches you can take depending on what your narrative is about...

Foreshadowing: When a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. It often happens at the beginning of a story to help the reader develop expectations about coming events. Character dialogue, events, even a title can be used to foreshadow.

Flashback: When a writer depicts a vivid memory of an event in the past that has taken place before the story you are writing takes place. It is used to create a background or provide context about a person, place, or situation.

Organize Your Story

​​​Consider different approaches you can take depending on what your narrative is about...

Plot Twist: When a writer includes a radical change in the expected direction of the plot. (EX: The villain is the hero). It is used to keep the interest of the audience. Some plot twists are foreshadowed.

Breaking the Fourth Wall: When a writer speaks directly to the audience through the story. This communication can happen through the narration or from the characters.

Include ALL PARTS of a story...

The Introduction

Introduction: You can include an attention getter, reference the prompt you are answering, introduce the story, and provide necessary context for readers to understand your story (the exposition!)

How does this clip introduce the story (episode) in an effective way?

What information does it provide the audience?

The Body Paragraph(s)

Body Paragraph: This is where you will communicate your story in a descriptive and engaging way. Remember, the story should be easy to follow. Typically, chronological order is the best option. Your story should have rising actions, the climax or peak of the story, and falling actions.

What narrative techniques and organization strategies are used in this clip that make the story telling part of this episode successful?

The Conclusion

Conclusion: This is where your story comes to an end. You can reference the prompt again and explain the relevance of the story. What is the lesson you learned? How did you grow or change?
Why should your reader care about your narrative?

Open Ended

If you were writing a narrative about this episode of Spongebob, what would you say is the lesson or relevance of this story? What should the reader take away from it?

​PERCEPTION IS KEY!

Open Ended

In your own words, what can you do in your narrative writing to make your reader feel connected to you and your story? (2-3 full sentences)