Self-study work

Writing Your Story

STEP 1
Get your word list. Whether assigned or from an Internet search, find your word choices. For a challenge, you can find many word lists on the web or even in the back of a dictionary. All types of lists are available from commonly misspelled or confused words to homonyms and synonyms and other words for “said” in dialogue. You can even create your own list.

STEP 2

Carefully review your word list. This is the time to choose a topic, theme or genre. Examine each word, looking them up in a dictionary if necessary. Search for a commonality. Do the words have anything in common? Do they describe a character or setting? Do they remind you of a particular experience or person? Does a theme come to mind? You have finally determined what you will write about.

STEP 3

Brainstorm your story. Using the commonality you found in the word list, build your writing piece. Jot down ideas by diagramming or outlining your story, and list the appropriate words next to the concepts. In this step, you are determining how you will use your words as you write. You are carefully weighing them.

STEP 4

Write your story in carefully crafted, concise sentences. Consult your list and story outline or diagram. Create individual sentences with words from your list. As you move from a word list to a sentence list, you will see lines from your piece beginning to appear.

STEP 5

Thread your sentences together. After you have finished your sentences and used all your words, review them for structure and sequencing. Spot the common ideas and topics, and organize them into paragraphs. Use transitional words or phrases as necessary. You may have to reword or create new sentences to make sure they read well.

STEP 6

Read over your story. Does it make sense? Have you carefully considered your words? Do you effectively communicate the message you are seeking? You may be using a word list, but you are still entrusted with the job of a writer--to tell a story.

STEP 7

Edit and revise. Make sure you have included all of the necessary words. If your sentences do not flow while reading, try writing them again. Don’t hesitate to return to your original word list for inspiration or more ideas. Always correct punctuation and grammar.

We're half way through National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo), which means writers around the world are working hard to complete 50,000 words by the end of the month. Each November, hundreds of thousands of people challenge themselves to complete a whole novel in 30 days, but the challenge isn't necessarily limited to just that. This is the perfect opportunity to write that story that's been in your head for years. As long as you're writing something, you're playing an active part in this global phenomenon. So how do you plan to challenge yourself this year? Do you think you're ready to try writing something in English?

We suggest you start small; see how it feels to write a short story in English. There's no denying that it's not an easy feat to write a compelling story, and it's all the harder when you're not writing in your native language. If you're still learning English, engaging in the practice of writing short stories will help you find new ways to express yourself and force you to learn extra vocabulary. So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our top tips for planning and writing an amazing short story.