How to Build a Story . . . Or, the Big What If

May 1, 2020
Advice on plotting stories for those who love to write and those who hate it but have to do it anyway. Middle-grade novelist Dowell speaks directly to her typical audience in this breezy, lighthearted guide. First, she assures readers that if they've ever written anything, they are, in fact, writers. Acknowledging that it's much easier to write the beginning of a novel than to follow it all the way through, she focuses most of her attention on how to move a story along. Start with the "Big What If" of the subtitle: "What if you woke up one morning and realized you could fly?" Create an action-packed opening scene and then throw obstacles--she calls them sticks, stones, and monsters--into the protagonist's way. Solve the problems, and bang! You've got a story! Except that now it's time to find an editor and revise. Dowell follows several what-if scenarios through to possible conclusions to show young writers how it might be done--but leaves plenty of mental room for them to take their stories in any direction at all. Both encouraging and realistic ("Writing is like a sport: it takes practice to get good"), she confines standard writing advice ("show don't tell," etc.) to an appendix and instead confronts the real monster that devours many an aspiring writer: quitting before the end. Fresh, interesting, and unique--likely to be very useful in many settings. (Nonfiction. 8-14)

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June 1, 2020
Grades 4-7 Middle-grade novelist Dowell shares her techniques for storytelling in this young writer's guide. Each chapter serves as a writer's workshop in which the author introduces a story concept, uses two running story lines of her own (a girl with a missing dog and a boy who can fly) as examples, and concludes with a recap, brainstorming ideas, and writing prompts. In the first chapter, she asks students to start with a question?a Big What If?and then flip it into a statement to form the beginning of a story. While other writers give advice on this beginning process, Dowell takes students from start to finish, emphasizing how to get through the middle of the story, where a lot of writers quit. She includes editing as part of the process, with suggestions on self-editing and questions for an editor to consider. A lengthy and equally helpful appendix comprises tips on such nuts and bolts of writing as characterization and dialogue. Jaunty sketches, including one of Dowell herself, keep the tone light and inspirational for budding authors.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

July 17, 2020

Gr 4-8-Dowell provides a step-by-step manual for young writers. The great strength of this tutorial is Dowell's casual, humorous tone. Each chapter is focused on an element of creating a story. Step one is the "Big What If," followed by the inclusion of obstacles. The final part of the story is the "Big Blow-Up" and a conclusion. Dowell also includes a chapter on the importance of a good editor. Each chapter features writing samples, prompts, and key takeaways. The bulk of the book is focused on the art of crafting a story; an appendix offers standard writing advice, such as "Show, don't tell." The message is positive and encouraging; Dowell urges young writers not to give up. Ebert's fun illustrations add to the appeal. VERDICT This lighthearted, entertaining instruction guide is perfect for upper elementary and middle school students. A worthy addition to library collections.-Katharine Gatcomb, Portsmouth P.L., NH

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