Page 302 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
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Most stories are best told in the order in which they happen, with
background details near the beginning of the narrative. Chronological
order helps your story unfold in a way that is logical to your reader.
Center on Conflict
Most successful narratives center around conflict. People overcome
difficulties or difficulties overcome people. The conflict may be an
inner conflict, such as the one involved in deciding whether to attend a
college near home or one far away. It may be a conflict with another
person. It may be a conflict with an impersonal outside force, such as
a declining job market. It may be a conflict with a combination of
forces. When the conflict ends, the story ends, too.
Show, Don’t Tell
Significant moments in your narrative should be slowed down and
observed closely. At these times, you want to show what is happening
rather than simply reporting it. Instead of telling your readers that your
friend was angry, show his narrowed eyes and let them hear his sharp
words. Another way of showing is through dialogue, letting your
readers hear the exact words of the people you write about. Use
dialogue sparingly and at significant moments for the strongest effect.
Building CONNECTIONS
Descriptive writing skills can also be incorporated into narrative
writing. Your narrative becomes even stronger when you
