How to Build a Story; Or, the Big What If offers a friendly, down-to-earth guide to turning ideas into finished stories. Aimed at budding writers, it breaks the writing process into clear, manageable steps that make storytelling feel achievable and fun.
Drawing on years of experience teaching kids to write, the author shows how to move from the first spark of an idea to a complete narrative. Sample stories and humorous illustrations highlight common obstacles, then show how to overcome them, whether it’s getting stuck in the middle, losing track of characters, or struggling with endings.
With an upbeat, practical tone, this book reassures young writers that if they’ve ever put words on a page, they already have what it takes. Each section encourages experimentation and practice, helping readers build confidence as they develop their own voice.
Inside you’ll find:
- Simple explanations of key story elements
- Step-by-step guidance from idea to finished draft
- Examples that show how stories are shaped and revised
- Encouraging advice to conquer writer’s block
Ideal for independent readers, classrooms, and writing clubs, this compact guide invites kids to sit down, ask “What if…?” and keep writing all the way to the end.
