Writing Narrative Qualities

 

Ideas

the writing is clear and focused:

the reader knows what is important and why

the story is rich in sensory detail

Organization

a strong lead moves the story forward

the scenes are arranged in a logical order and work together

use of transitional phrases that are natural and help scenes connect

the reader can see the change in age or place soon in a new scene

the piece earns its ending and the ending pulls the scenes together

Voice

the voice is natural and appropriate for the audience

a confident, efficient voice holds the reader’s attention

Word Choice

original, ear-catching phrases

strong verbs, clear nouns, and fewer adverbs and adjectives

meaning is illuminated by vivid, precise words

© 2008 by Penny Kittle from Write Beside Them. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.



Writing Narrative Qualities continued

Sentence Style

smooth, fluent sentence structure works to tell the piece well

writer has paid attention to repeating structures and altered them

varied sentence lengths and beginnings of sentences

Conventions

punctuation (of dialogue, colons, semicolons, and possessive nouns) is perfect

intentional risks in conventions allowed if they work in the context of the piece

Comments:

© 2008 by Penny Kittle from Write Beside Them. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.