Pages-Year One

his year, students build on the creative writing skills they’ve developed. As Pages explore the how-to’s of solid storytelling, they will discover how to build good plots and characters, as well as end a story with punch. We’ll explore how we can polish our writing, avoiding common stylistic pitfalls. It’s all about becoming a better self-editor.

We’ll also give budding writers opportunities to explore special interests — with lessons on writing humor, mysteries, fantasies, and biographies. Even persuasive writing, journals, and writing for the Web.

Completing this year, your child will get a very real taste of what it’s like to be a Christian communicator — and storyteller.

UNIT THREE

21. Meet My Imaginary Friend, part 1 Plot is important. But before you decide what’s going to happen, it makes sense to know who you’re writing about. You’ll discover the importance of creating a cast of real characters who will live in your story.

22. Meet My Imaginary Friend, part 2 How to use an author’s character checklist to create a richer, 3-D character. You’ll find practical ways you can build a better hero — and even a better villain. And also ways to weave those details naturally into your story. (39 words)

23. Plots Aren’t Just in Cemeteries, part 1 The four essential parts of every good plot, why they’re so important, and how you can strengthen your stories by making sure they pass the HSGA test. Also, ideas for when you get stuck. (34 words)

24. Plots Aren’t Just in Cemeteries, part 2 This is where the plot thickens — and how you can build a better one. You’ll learn expert tips on constructing strong plots, examine six classic ones, then practice your own plotting skills. (32 words)

25. Jesus the Storyteller Learn a few storytelling techniques from the Master Storyteller, and see how you can tell stories like He did. Once you hook your readers with a story, you can bury a key truth just under the surface. (37 words)

26. Play it Again, Sam, part 1 Your writing won’t be perfect the first time. So sharpen your pencil and take a hard look at what your story is really about. What would you change? How can you jazz it up? Three-fourths of writing is actually re-writing and fixing. (42 words)

27. Play it Again, Sam, part 2 We’ve practiced ways to fix things that were broken in our writing. Now discover how you can use five secrets of the best editors — and take your writing from so-so to super. (32 words)

28. Play it Again, Sam, part 3 The more you know about editing, the better a writer you’ll become. Guaranteed. So hang on as we go through the last five editing secrets of the best editors. Build this into your own writing and win! (37 words)

29. Wrap This Puppy Up Endings are tricky, but are they ever important. Without a good ending, the rest of our work is wasted. We’ll warn you about five really bad endings to avoid … and give you ten sure-fire ones you can experiment with. (40 words)

30. Did You Hear the One About … ? Can you learn to write humor, even if you think you aren’t humorous? It’s worth a try. People will remember your stories better if they’re a little funny. You’ll get tips on what funny is — and what it isn’t. (39 words)

UNIT FOUR

31. Biography How to tell the story of someone else’s life — and make it interesting at the same time. You can write terrific true stories about a person’s life if you ask the right questions and know how to write in a way that grabs people.

32. Book Reviews No, this isn’t the dreaded Book Report. A real book review gives you a lot more to chew on. Starting with how you read the book, you’ll learn ways to help you think deeply about what you’ve read, then tell others about it. (43 words)

33. It’s a Mystery There’s more to a mystery than deciding if the crime happened in the kitchen or the library with a candlestick or a rope. You’ll learn ten ingredients to look for in a real mystery, and how to write your own. (40 words)

34.Once Upon a Time, in a Far-away Galaxy … What makes a good fantasy or sci-fi story? And how can you write one? You already know the basics. The biggest tasks (and the most fun) are making up the weird and wonderful characters — and designing the world they’ll live in. (41 words)

35. I Say, Essay The five-paragraph essay is here to stay, so you’d best learn how to write one. Starting with a strong intro, you’ll learn the five points of writing a good factual essay, plus tips to make sure you’ve done it right. (40 words)

36. You Oughta Persuasion is a skill based on listening and compassion. You’ll learn to ask what is your audience really looking for? And how you can present your message — without compromise—to help meet heartfelt needs. (34 words)

37. By Me If you like to write, you might someday like others to read your work. We’ll examine what it takes to get your stories and other stuff onto an editor’s desk and into print. What to expect, what not to, and how to improve your chances. (45 words)

38. Christians as Writers Why it’s so important for Christians to write, and how to be a part of sharing the word in writing. As you examine the Three E’s of Christian writing, you’ll find there are more opportunities than you ever expected. (40 words)

39. Webwriting What’s different about writing for the Web? Just about everything. In this lesson you’ll learn how to adapt your writing style and also how to use your outlining skills to put together your own Web site. (36 words)

40. Dear Diary What’s a good way to strengthen your writing and collect material that can help you — whatever you want to write? Keep a journal. There are more than a dozen kinds, and you’ll find practical advice on how to get started, what to write, and how you can use it. (49 words)