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Boot Camp: How to Write a Brilliant Story
Susannah O'Brien, Masters from Oxford University.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(283)
In this one week Boot Camp, students will learn how to write an intelligent, well-structured story with a beginning, a middle and an end!
Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 4
Beginner - Advanced Level
"Plots come to me at such odd moments, when I am walking along the street, or examining a hat shop...suddenly a splendid idea comes into my head." Agatha Christie What’s your favourite type of story? Adventure? Mystery? Comedy? Do you like to be swept into a historical tale with curious characters and perilous possibilities? Or perhaps you prefer books which make your laugh so much your stomach hurts? In this fast-paced boot camp, you will have the opportunity to consider what makes a good...
4 lessons//1 Week
Week 1Lesson 1What is a story?We examine many genres of story – historical, comedy, mystery, adventure – and consider their different characteristics. We look at extracts from famous children’s stories – why are they successful? What makes them funny/sad/scary/interesting? And how can we generate ideas – and plot?Lesson 2Who are our characters?We consider some of our own favourite characters in stories. What do we like or dislike about them? We particularly focus on how important it is for a character to have a goal – and for the writer to do everything in their power to stop the character from achieving that goal!Lesson 3What is an inciting incident?Stories have a dramatic inciting incident which changes the course of the main character’s life for ever. So what are examples of inciting incidents and how can we use them in our stories?Lesson 4When should the story end?Do you like happy endings, sad endings, cliffhangers or something in between? We look at different types of story endings. What will work best for your type of story? And then … let’s write! We have 10 minutes of dedicated writing time!
- Students will learn how to craft brilliant stories.
I have a Masters and a PGCE from the University of Oxford.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: available upon requestFeedback: available upon requestDetails: Homework 1 – Read a story (provided!) and critique it Homework 2 – Using our super template, plan out a character (template provided) Homework 3 – Play around with your main character – give them three different inciting Homework 4 – Write more of your story! And then you may send it to me for feedback (if you would like to!)Grading
Frequency: available upon requestDetails: A certificate will be provided on completion of the course!
I have lots of experience in working with students with additional needs, including anxiety. I have undertaken additional training in dyslexia and autism. All students are welcome in this class. Please get in touch if you have questions.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
283reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in History from University of Oxford
Hi! My name is Susannah and I live in England. I have a Masters from the University of Oxford, and a lifelong interest in history, literature and language. --JANUARY 2024 UPDATE - Still offering 1:1 classes - please get in touch -- I am the...
Group Class
$197
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
2-9 learners per class
