ToStarsWeReturn
Level 2
[The screen displayed the fiction section of the school library with overlapping words saying ‘Writing a Library Book’ The screen cut the the journalist clubroom with Etsuba standing in the center of the screen, beginning his report]
Hello Everyone! Today I’ll be talking about tips, tricks and advice on writing books and interviewing the wonderful librarian Adaline Garcia on what she looks for when choosing books to put into the library! This report is perfect for anyone who likes to write so don't miss it!”
Though even if you're not interested in writing be sure to stick around and maybe it'll inspire you to write something yourself!
[The screen cut away from Etsuba’s introduction to the report and began playing the first tip]
Show don't tell! If you're new to writing you may not have heard this before but basically you want to make a picture in your readers mind rather than just telling them what's happening!
For example…
[Etsuba said looking down at his notes]
“The woman walked barefoot through the old house. Her feet were splintered and the darkness frightened her.”
or,
“The floorboards creaked under her bare feet as the woman walked, The darkness surrounded her and her breaths were shallow. Splinters pierced her aching feet and she could hardly urge herself forward.”
Well? Not only does the second example sound better, It lengthens your story which we’ll talk about in the next part! But for now, Instead of saying the woman is barefoot, incorporate it into the story as if the reader could see what was happening and was telling the story from their point of view!
If you're doing it in the first person, do the same thing! Try to think about your own thoughts! No one goes around thinking “I'm walking barefoot through an old house.” They would probably do more of “The floorboards creak even under my bare feet. This house must be decades old.” it's not perfect but it sounds more natural!
It's easy to do and your story will automatically sound better!
[The screen cut again commencing the second tip. The words ‘Tip #2’ overlaid on the screen before cutting back to Etsuba]
Tip number two has to do with the length of your story, you want to build suspense but if your story goes by too fast, it doesn't leave time for the reader to wonder what's going to happen because by the time they get to thinking about that, it's already happening.
You want to lengthen your story with the use of fluff by adding details on things that are happening without boring your reader. You don't want to over-fluff your story to the point you're rambling about things that have no value to the plot, for example; A woman enters a flower shop. You could go on and on about the appearance of the flower shop and what it looks like, what kind of flowers they have, but maybe the woman only entered the flower shop to talk to her friend who has valuable information about something prominent in the story.
In this scenario, a quick description of the flower shop is nice but we don't really need to know what kind of flowers they're selling or what they look like. Maybe just talk about what the flower shop smells like and things that you would automatically perceive. The flower shop isn't relevant, the information the friend has is.
Also make sure not to fluff by adding random events into the story that dont do anything for the story other than length, This will annoy your reader. No one wants to read a story about a mystery and then there's a random wedding for the sister's friend who isn't an important character!
Of course there's always exceptions to everything, Just be sure when lengthening your story you don't bore your reader with information that has nothing to do with the plot!
[The words Tip #3 flashed onto the screen commencing the final tip before the interview]
The next and final tip is don't assume your reader is stupid. Say you're writing about something that some readers may not understand at first what you're getting at.
For example, you're writing about a boy whose basketball got stuck in the neighbors yard and he doesn't like the neighbor. Rather than writing an entire paragraph about the neighbor and how he doesn't like him, Assume your reader will understand by small clues given in the interaction.
Now this tip goes hand and hand with the first tip, show don't tell where you want to rather than explaining everything, assume your reader will understand. It's better to have a few readers confused than to have the majority of them bored because you're explaining every little thing. The readers who don't understand will eventually catch on and you'll have a lot more happy readers!
[The words “Final advice” appeared on the screen]
Lastly, but not least some quick advice to help make your story even better! Make sure what you're writing is realistic with the specific narrative, Don't randomly add fairies to a realistic slice of life! Make sure your story is interesting, your story should have an interesting lure to it! Finally make sure you proofread!!!!
[The screen cut once more to the interview with Adaline Garcia, one of the schools librarians]
[Etsuba]
“What do you look for when reading and choosing books for the library?”
[Adaline]
“Well, Anything that catches a good eye! The books are done by students, We have many different minds out there. We just want to look for something that's fun and enjoyable for others as well!”
[Etsuba]“Well, Anything that catches a good eye! The books are done by students, We have many different minds out there. We just want to look for something that's fun and enjoyable for others as well!”
“Interesting! What would you say is not recommended for people trying to submit their books?”
[Adaline]
“Well.. we are at school so of course we have to keep it PG-13 at least, Gore isn't good as our categories are non fiction, fiction and education. We want students to be creative but we do have to limit it at school”
“Well.. we are at school so of course we have to keep it PG-13 at least, Gore isn't good as our categories are non fiction, fiction and education. We want students to be creative but we do have to limit it at school”
[Etsuba]
“That's understandable! But lastly, Is there anything else you'd like to say to people trying to get their stories published into the library?”
[Adaline]
“I wish the best of luck and if they have any questions feel free to ask! Just flow with your own vibe. It's better than following things and being in a set world!”
[Etsuba]“I wish the best of luck and if they have any questions feel free to ask! Just flow with your own vibe. It's better than following things and being in a set world!”
“Awesome! Thank you so much for letting me interview you!”
[Adaline]
“Of course!”
[Etsuba]“Of course!”
“Have a wonderful day!”
[Adaline]
“You too!”
“You too!”
[The clip would end and Etsuba would be standing in the clubroom, Centered with the frame]
Thank you for listening to my report. If you enjoyed it and are considering writing your own book, go for it! It can't hurt to try! Remember the librarians are there to help you! I really hope this helped you! Have a wonderful day all!
[The screen would go black ending this report]
