Developing a Storyline with Author Sherry Ellis

Developing a Storyline

By Sherry Ellis

     There are a few steps one can take when creating a storyline.

     The first step is to create a story map.  This is a broad explanation of what’s going to happen in the story.  Use complete sentences and don’t get too bogged down with details.  A few specifics can be noted.  These can help as you begin the first draft.  Make sure you include information about the various characters in your story.

     The second step is to make an outline.  Start with the main headings.  These can be the feelings and motivations of your characters.  Come up with actions that are a result of your character’s feelings.  Go back later to create subheadings of smaller actions which will serve to move the story along.

     Finally, develop a timeline.  This will help you organize the events in your story.  Make sure your timeline has a good flow.

     If you follow these steps, you’ll find that your story will emerge naturally.  It’s a bit like connecting the dots.  Once the dots are in place, it’s a matter of drawing the lines to create the big picture.

About the Author:

Sherry Ellis is a freelance writer who writes articles for parenting magazines and children’s publications.  Her first book, That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN, was published in 2005.  Her second, That Mama is a Grouch, was published in May of 2010.  It was honored as a finalist in the Parenting/Family category of the 2010 USA Book News Awards. 

Sherry is also a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano.  Ms. Ellis lives in Loveland, Ohio with her husband and two children.

Books by Sherry Ellis:

In That Mama is a Grouch, an intelligent and very wise narrator reminds us in charming rhyme that mothers are human, most often loving, and that certain situations will guarantee driving them to their breaking point.  Children from three to seven will delight in this story of a mommy who’s nearly out of control, and they will learn the importance of something as simple as putting away toys.

That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN is the humorous recounting of a sibling’s frustrations in dealing with a baby’s late night awakenings.  With its rhythmic text and charming illustrations, it is the perfect story to share with children who find themselves in a similar situation.  

Author Website: www.sherryellisbooks.com and www.sherryellis.org

Blog Address: www.sherryellis.blogspot.com

Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/513sherrye?utm_campaign=welcome20100914phx&u...

Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1590537363686&...

Facebook Fan Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sherry-Ellis/388897186076

Publisher Website: www.createspace.com

March 3rd Sherry Ellis will be at Home School Blogger http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview/