Introducing fi ction Fiction is telling a story. Think of all the ways you can tell a story. Can you tell a story without using words? Without using pictures? Only using your hands or body?
In order to start writing stories, you need to look at the main features of story writing. These are like ingredients in a recipe.
The main ingredients you will need to get started on your own short story are: plot structure setting character.
Of course, ingredients are not everything – you have to know what to do with them. Writers use many methods and narrative techniques in order to use these ingredients properly. Two that will be dealt with in this unit are: openings narrative voice.
You may have already come across them in stories you have read, and you will fi nd plenty of examples in this unit. Look out for the Focus on ... boxes, which are used every time you are introduced to a new feature of fi ction. When you see these boxes, add the defi nition to the glossary on pages 1–2 of your Portfolio.
When you have been shown an example of each feature of fi ction you will have a writing activity. At the end of the unit you will use what you have learned to create your own short story.
Create
Read the following story that is only six words long. For sale: baby shoes, never worn.
