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What makes you remember a person that you encountered? It's mostly the way they talk and express themselves, along with the unspoken signals (communication without words), that stick in your memory. Dialogue is your secret weapon to make them unforgettable. Likewise, what makes you connect to a particular story or character—yes, it’s the way the characters communicate through dialogue.

In this article, let’s look at tips to create interesting dialogue for your characters and, also, how to use dialogue to create a particular effect in a story.

1. Eavesdrop to create real-time dialogue:

Ever caught a bit of conversation while waiting in line at the ice cream truck or ticket counter? That's pure dialogue gold! Listen to how people talk, the jokes they crack, how fear shows in their shaky voices and the secrets they carefully reveal (in simple terms, how they express themselves). Tuning into these conversations helps you see the many ways people express themselves, making your understanding of communication richer. This will help you create characters who speak like real people.

2. Mix and match to move the story forward, set the tone and create atmosphere:

Consider mixing and matching personalities in your story.

Let’s imagine you have a friend who's a comic relief (like Ron from the Harry Potter series) and another who's wise and mysterious (like Elsa from Frozen). Let’s check an example of blending different traits:

Ron suggested, "Oi, Elsa! What if we plan a surprise treasure hunt in the enchanted forest? It sounds exciting, with clues hidden in ancient trees and magical creatures leading the way!"

Elsa affirmed, "Ron, that's a delightful idea. Let's ensure each clue echoes the forest's wisdom, and we'll let the magic guide us on this enchanting journey. The trees will share their secrets with those who seek them."

Ron continued, "But, you know, we've got to be careful. Enchanted forests can be a bit tricky, and who knows what kind of creatures we might run into. Wouldn't want to end up in a mess, now, would we?"

Here, Ron's energetic proposal introduces the concept of a surprise treasure hunt with a hint of caution, setting the stage for a true adventure, while Elsa's calm response suggests a deeper connection to the forest and hints at a mystical quest. Ron's tone gives the hint of a thrilling treasure hunt ahead while Elsa’s tone inserts a mystery to the forest setting.

3. The power of pauses:

Just like the words mean a lot in a dialogue, pauses and unsaid words too can mean a lot. So, use them wisely! A well-timed pause can be as powerful as a superhero's punch!

Ron grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief, "And imagine... [Pause] the look on everyone's faces when they discover that we found the hidden treasure!"

Elsa smiled but commented, “I actually wouldn’t want that. I…I’d rather keep it a secret.”

Like pauses, most actions can speak louder than words in your story. Imagine two friends’ tummies bumping after a victorious game. Let your characters wink, shrug or twirl with joy to add a burst of energy to your dialogue.

5. Spice it up with slang:

Just like a secret code that only you and your friends understand, create your characters' own language. It could be a special catchphrase, a goofy word, or even a unique way of saying 'hello.' This adds flavour to your story, making it uniquely yours.

Eg: Ron, being his typical goofy self, would say "Blimey beans!" whenever he is excited about something or simply wants to swear. Meanwhile, Elsa could exclaim "frostalicious" when she finds something magical. By repeating these dialogues and expressing the way they say these catch phrases, the characters and their words stick with us.

6. Sneaky dialogue to create suspense:

To move the story forward in an engaging manner, you need to create suspense or show an element of foreshadowing. This can be created using unanswered questions, contrasting emotions and hinting at character reactions. Consider these suggestions:

Ron asked surprised, "Why wouldn’t you want everyone to know? What aren't you telling me?"

Elsa replied sternly, “Have you ever wondered why the treasure is kept a secret for so long? There should be a reason, right?

In short, try to get inspired by existing characters and imagine them with different names in your stories. Think about their personalities and create dialogues using those traits. It adds a fun twist to your own unique tale. And there you have it. You now know how to let your characters talk, laugh and surprise each other.

In conclusion, no one needs a guidebook to make their characters' words enchanting. By eavesdropping on real conversations, mixing and matching personalities and adding a splash of your secret language, you're all set to create dialogues that make your stories come alive. Also, don't forget the power of pauses! So, are you ready to try writing a short dialogue between two characters? What would they be talking about? How would their words show their personalities? Experiment and let your story shine through your character’s voices!

We're in the new year, and let's be real—some resolutions might have done a little disappearing act by now. But hey, no judgment here! Let’s talk about one kind of resolution to pursue that is more forgiving and way more exciting –mind mapping! It's not about setting hard rules; it's about exploring your thoughts and ideas in a free-spirited way. Imagine your brain throwing a colourful party, and every idea is invited! Isn’t it a cool way to keep your writing (or any daily activity) fresh and exciting? So, instead of feeling all stuck with resolutions, let's try something that feels like an adventure!

Let’s check out how we can use mind mapping to tell the story of Aladdin through the eyes of the Genie from the lamp.

Step 1: Ideas

Begin with a simple example: set aside dedicated time to map out the key elements of your story. Start with the core theme or concept in the centre. Let's say your idea is a mysterious island. Branch out with subtopics like unique creatures with different personalities, hidden flashbacks and backgrounds, or even the challenges your characters will face.

Imagine our mind map titled "Genie's Twist on Aladdin." Subtopics burst forth like "Genie's Comedy Show During Wishes" and "Genie's Coffee Breaks Inside the Lamp." These quirky ideas form the foundation for a unique Genie-centric adventure.

As you map, you'll find that connections emerge locally, helping you identify potential plot holes, develop multi-dimensional characters, and ensure that the rules of your fantastical world remain consistent.

Step 2: Characters.

Now, let's breathe life into your characters. Till now the genie was a background character. You could bring him as the main character by using branches to showcase his quirks, like a secret love for baking magical cookies or even his passion for conveying jokes. Likewise, create branches for each character, jotting down their personalities, background and aspirations from the eye of the genie.

Step 3: Plot Twists and Turns

Time to add some spice! Extend branches to outline the major plot points. What challenges will the characters face, and how will they grow? Think of a reason why the genie chooses to follow Aladdin and not Jafar. What mental turmoil would the genie face as he strives to stay true to his conscience?

Step 4: Setting the Scene

Your story needs a backdrop as vivid as the characters. Create branches for different settings, describing the sights, sounds and smells. How would you visualise the cave (as shimmering as liquid gold, contrast the space within the lamp as compared to the Agrabah marketplace (murmuring melodies/ dazzling costumes/ intricate patterns etc.).

Step 5: Tying it Together

As your mind map blossoms, you'll notice connections forming naturally. Genie's love for stand-up comedy ties into Aladdin's wishes, injecting humour into each magical moment. His desire for freedom interlaces with Jasmine's yearning for independence. Thus, your whole story can be harmonised with their shared dreams and aspirations.

Step 6: Translating to Words

With your mind map as the guiding star, start translating your ideas into words. Each branch becomes a chapter, and the connections between them ensure a fluid narrative.

There you go. You now have the classic from a different perspective. Likewise, how many stories can you retell from different perspectives? Could you try telling the story of Cinderella through the eyes of the stepmother or even from the lost slipper’s perspective?

Unlike resolutions that sometimes feel like a grumpy teacher, mind mapping is your friend in need. It's flexible, fun and all about embracing the journey, not just reaching the destination. Plus, it's way more forgiving if you decide to change things up! Thus, with mind mapping let there be no limit to your creative escapades this New Year.

Any piece of creative writing is woven with specific words that help to evoke emotions, convey ideas and inspire action. Obviously, the allure of using sophisticated vocabulary for that purpose is undeniable. We use it to elevate our language so that our writing resonates not only with intellect but also with eloquence. Hence, we go ahead and choose high-sounding words like brobdingnagian, obfuscate, ineffableness, etc. Now, here is the tricky part: using words that are too fancy can sometimes make things confusing! So, we need to find the perfect balance between showing off our creative skills and making sure everyone enjoys the show! That is, we need to know which word is the most effective in a context. In the words of Captain Marvel, "It's not about the powers. It's about using them wisely." In simple words, dear young writers, to use strong words wisely, you need to understand the tiny differences between them.

Accordingly, when it comes to choosing words, we need to take note of two types of choices: ‘synonyms’ that are context-appropriate and ‘near synonyms’ that somewhat mean the same thing but have opposite connotations. Let’s check out both kinds in depth.

Synonyms:  

What’s a synonym? Imagine words are like colours. We know that a single colour can have different shades, like different shades of blue. Well, words can be like that too! Let's take the word "happy." There are other words that mean almost the same thing: "joyful" or "gleeful." These words are synonyms because they mean the same thing—feeling good.

Now, here's the tricky part: even though they're similar, these words have tiny differences, just like light and dark blue. For instance, if you had a happy day, saying it was "joyful" makes it feel extra special and full of joy. But if you say it was "gleeful," it means not only happy but also a bit playful with some giggles. So, it's like choosing different colours to make our sentences more interesting! Let's explore some words with advanced synonyms along with examples.

1. Big:

Colossal: extremely large, like a gigantic mountain or a colossal statue.

Enormous: really, really big, like something that's much larger than usual.

Example: The cake at the party was colossal; its enormous layers of sweetness signalled everyone to indulge.

2. Fast:

Expeditious: this refers to the quality of being prompt, efficient and done with speed. It implies a timely and efficient execution of tasks or actions.

Accelerated: this refers to the increase in speed or pace.

Example: The company witnessed accelerated growth in the global market due to their expeditious manner of completing projects.

Near synonyms:

What is a near/nuanced synonym? Let's explore the nuanced differences between the words ‘simple and plain,’ and let’s compare them to variations in our colour palette. If something is "simple," it suggests clarity and straightforwardness, like a clean stroke on the canvas. On the other hand, if it's described as "plain," it might mean lacking adornment, like a canvas without intricate details. They are near synonyms as they have similar meanings but come with distinct connotations that can alter the perception of the described word.

Let's explore near-synonyms with advanced words and their common counterparts:

1.     Courageous vs. Audacious: courageous suggests bravery and noble qualities, while audacious implies bravery or daring nature, often with a hint of recklessness.

2.     Famous vs. Infamous: famous implies positive renown, while infamous implies being well-known for negative reasons.

3.     Diligent vs. Meticulous: diligent refers to careful and persistent work, while meticulous implies an almost obsessive attention to detail.

4.     Sceptical vs. Cynical: sceptical suggests a cautious questioning to verify claims to be sure. Cynical, on the other hand, is wanting to verify claims out of a general lack of trust in others' intentions and not just to be sure.

5.     Serene Vs Tranquil: serene suggests a state of calmness and peace within an individual, even in the face of challenges, while tranquil describes an external environment that is quiet and undisturbed. While both convey a sense of calmness and peacefulness, the nuance lies in the context of that calmness.

6.     Shrewd vs Cunning: shrewd indicates sharpness in judgment, often positively, while cunning can have a more negative connotation, implying deceit or trickery.

So, here's the deal: using fancy words can be cool, but we've got to be careful. Do not overload your writing as you can risk writing convoluted sentences that hinder the reader’s ability to understand your piece. Because even though words might seem kind of alike, they each bring their own special twist (in tone and meaning) to our writing. After all, they are synonyms, not the same word; they are definitely not interchangeable.

Have you ever seen a leaflet or an advert? Usually, they tell you about a new product, place or service, like a new play area or a pizza corner in the neighbourhood. But you know what? Most of them are thrown away after a single glance. However, there are a select few that make you stop and say, "Hey, this is for me!" Maybe it's because they show an interesting product, or you are attracted by the design. But guess what's extremely important? The words they use to make anything sound wonderful! It’s surely, the words or the tone that makes you feel excited and happy about what they're talking about.

How to create an engaging leaflet?

From the given topic, it’s easy to understand what the core message is. But how to emphasise and compel depends on two key factors: whose hands do you want this leaflet to fall into? Which person will help you gain the maximum reach? Once that is fixed, you need to fine-tune your tone of voice to attract potential customers. Remember, adults like being spoken to with respect and professionalism, while a younger audience likes a more casual and relatable tone. To elaborate, you could build a professional tone by incorporating statistics, credible testimonials, authoritative credentials, and most of all, formal language. Meanwhile, to create a relatable tone, keep the text short and snappy with a conversational tone, appeal to the senses by using vivid and descriptive language, tweak benefits to align with the customers’ lifestyle, insert phrases that make them feel capable and in control, add testimonials from social influencers and use imperative verbs to create a sense of urgency that plays on the fear of missing out.

For any audience, it cannot be stressed enough that choosing the right words is essential. Think about it like this: sometimes, when people want you to care about something, such as when they talk about saving animals or helping others, they use really strong words that make you feel things deep down. Other leaflets just state the points straight, for example, Get Fit with Healthy Groovz: Move, play, smile! So, whether it's about saving the world or having a blast, the right words are like a special language that makes you want to jump right in.

Let’s consider two examples of varying tones to connect with the older and younger audience.

For Older Audience:

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Flexible Scheduling:

Work out on your terms with convenient scheduling options.

Train at your own pace for a comfortable experience.

For younger adults:

Ignite Your Fitness Journey with Healthy Groovz Personal Training

Introduction:

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Take note of how different audiences are approached keeping their needs in mind and speaking their language to instantly connect with them. Similarly, can you come up with different texts to engage different audiences in the context of getting together for a charity cause or even saving the tigers?

Remember that from the heading to the requisites, there will be a difference in the way you address your target audience. Hence, you need to plan first who is that you need to approach, who will invest (or even lead to investing) more and how to fine-tune your tone to convince them. Generally, try to sprinkle pronouns like ‘you,’ persuasive devices and counterarguments to prospective concerns and even appropriate sensory images to connect faster with the selected audience. Remember, it’s not only about what you say, but how you say it that makes a lasting impression.

Today, we're going to talk about something super cool – ‘tone’ in creative writing! But don't worry, it's not as tricky as it sounds. It’s something we use every day without even realising it!

Don’t you say things in different ways to different people depending on how you feel? When you're super excited about something, your voice goes all bubbly and enthusiastic, right? That's a kind of tone! It's the mood or feeling behind your words. It's like a secret weapon that will make not just your speech but also your writing—letters, stories or even arguments—even more, fun and engaging!

Now, we know fairly well that when we talk to our best friends or grandparents, we have to use informal words or expressions, and formal expressions when we write any argumentative/persuasive essay. But how do you use tone to your advantage when you have to write an informal letter but have to be persuasive with facts at the same time? Well, it's all about the words we choose and how we arrange them.

Let’s check an example where we need to write a letter to our grandparents, trying to persuade them that TV is not entirely bad.

The following statements each express different attitudes about one point revolving around the TV with six different tones: optimistic, bitter, tolerant, sentimental, humorous and objective.

1. The TV may rerun different programmes, but some shows evoke a sense of nostalgia and transport us back to a time filled with laughter, tears and unforgettable moments. Thus, they tend to latch on to our innermost feelings.

The tone is sentimental—'to latch on to innermost feelings,’ expresses tender emotions.

2. While the TV often airs various reruns, certain shows have a remarkable ability to evoke nostalgia. Thereby, they create a sort of connection with our good old times and that is not entirely a bad thing.

The tone is tolerant. The words ‘not entirely a bad thing’ show that the writer accepts that TV programmes may have their flaws, but it isn’t entirely damaging.

3. Although there are some really good educational programmes on TV, sometimes the programme coordinators just love to recycle all sorts of shows that insist on dragging us back to the past, flooding us with nostalgia and memories that we’d rather bury. But you know what? As much as it might frustrate me, it has this sneaky way of latching onto my innermost feelings.

The tone is bitter. The writer feels aggrieved by a situation that forces him or her to relive his or her old memories.

4. Though repeat telecasts can be a waste of time, those shows have an incredible power to awaken nostalgia within us. Only if they merged the charm of the past with fresh perspectives and new content, could they become a delightful source of entertainment for both old and new audiences alike. I’m sure that it will happen.

The tone is optimistic. The writer is expecting the contents to be improved.

5. Television often broadcasts a variety of programmes, including repeat telecasts. It helps to escape reality once in a while and for that, anything will do.

The tone is objective. The writer does not express feelings about the shows. He simply states facts.

6.  I know that we don’t need time machines as we have got many repeat telecasts to take us to the past. But hey, even though we might roll our eyes at the reruns that mess with our emotions, deep down, we know they've got a special place in our hearts.

The tone is humorous. The writer uses humour to agree to an argument and to counterargue as well.

Did you note how different vocabulary is used and how phrases are arranged depending on the tone? This is what makes any writing alive! It's like a secret ingredient that makes your writing magical. And guess what? You get to choose the tone!

So, next time you weave a fantastic tale, make a profound argument or jot down an informal letter, think about the tone you want to share with your readers. Have fun experimenting with different tones and see how they change the feel of your writing. Remember, writing is all about expressing your imagination, and using different tones is like adding a touch of your fantastic personality to every word you put on paper!

Review of an Experience

Following through on the Review Series (Part 1 and Part 2), we will now learn about writing reviews on an experience. The experience could be visiting a restaurant or staying at a hotel. In the following example, we look at reviewing a restaurant.

Cavanaugh Cafe for your Cuppa!

Located at the corner of the High Street and Mains at Sandringham is a quaint little cafe called Cavanaugh Heights. The cafe opens its doors at 07:00 a.m. and is known for the best latte in the neighbourhood. At a stone's throw away is the Sandringham train station, and the cafe buzzes like bees between the hours of 07-09:00 a.m. In fact, every other person that hops onto the train from Sandringham station carries a cuppa that reads, 'Come to Cavanaugh to find your cuppa!’ Quite a catchy one at that, don’t you think? The cafe runs through Tuesday to Sunday from 07:00 a.m.-04:00 p.m.

As soon as you turn the corner of Main Street, a waft of waffles, scones and latte invites you to the white-walled cafe with French windows. A lovely woman at the coffee counter sweeps in and registers your order on the computer in the blink of an eye. You are then directed to stand in the waiting bay for about three and a half (3.5) minutes precisely, before handing out your order. The cafe owner is quite charming. Every time you visit, he entertains you with his short, riveting stories. It really gets you going for the day.

Cavanaugh Heights is famous for its butter croissants and sourdough bread. Last weekend, I tried their 'Big Boy Brekky,’ and indeed, it was a big boy! Served with creamy mashed potatoes, burnt tomato, stir-fried mushrooms and baked beans are sourdough breads that are so soft that they melt in your mouth like chocolate. The best part, you can choose how you like your eggs (sunny side up, poached, boiled, etc). They even club it (poached or fried with a sunny side up), if you are in the mood to have more than two eggs. With a secret dash of herbs added to sausages and salamis, they cook the meat to the perfect temperature. Interestingly, it gets your palette craving for more.

There are about six tables in total: three inside and three outside on the pavement where you can hear the waves splashing against the rocks in the ocean, soak in the midday sun, hear the whistling of the trains and enjoy your leisurely day. One downside to the cafe is that during weekends, the place is packed to the brim. Sometimes it's difficult to enjoy your breakfast that way. However, the snow-white interior with wooden bookshelves on the sides, cosy couches at each table, smiling servers, and of course the ever-charming owner who knows almost everyone by name, is something no other cafe can beat. It's the charm, warm nature and the special care that each customer receives that makes one go over and over to the cafe.

My overall experience in the cafe is awesome and I make sure I visit the cafe at least twice a month to try the various items on the menu (sandwiches, burgers, pastries, etc.). The cafe even goes creative during the weekends by introducing some specials such as exotic smoothies (Kiwi is my personal favourite), carrot and walnut pastries, spinach and corn sandwiches, etc. Besides the lively charm of the cafe, the pricing too is nominal. An average price for two would be £30.00. I would rate the cafe as 4.5/5. Next time you are in the Sandringham neighbourhood, step in for a taste of butter croissant and latte—it’d make your day!

The example covers an overall opinion of the restaurant/cafe, in addition to presenting the mood of the cafe. The review also covers the best as well as the downside. Key elements to notice in the example are location, timings, price, service and a summary of overall feelings.  If you are planning to visit a restaurant this weekend, keep a note of the mentioned elements. You could possibly write a review about it later. 

In the last blog about review writing, we talked about writing movie reviews (https://learn2write.co.uk/Blog/post/a-review-on-your-mind-today). What movies have you watched lately? For the second part of the series, let us look into writing book reviews. 

Part 2: Review of a book

For a book review, we start by mentioning the name of the book and the author. In addition, we mention the genre of the book (adventure, mystery, fantasy, historical, etc). While reviewing the book, we might also want to mention if the book is an individual one or a part of book series. Consider the following example:

Wearing the Sorting Hat!

‘Alohomora!’ folks—open your mind and heart to dive into the world of magic (Alohomora—means unlock in magic world). Originally published in 2007, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone tops the charts of favourite books (between the age group of nine- to twelve-year-olds) even today. It has undergone many revised editions (to include an attractive book cover). Interestingly, the book was adapted into a movie too, and it gained so much popularity that all the books were adapted as movies. When the book was first released, author J.K Rowling became nothing less of a movie star. ‘Choo, choo’—there comes the Hogwarts train to take you into the whimsical land of adventure, fun and magic, where everything seems possible: facing demons, three headed monsters, drinking magic potions, flying on brooms, encountering ‘friendly’ ghosts (and some not so friendly), mystery mirrors and much more. 

Note that the review begins with a mystery word to attract readers’ attention. It also informs readers about the name of the book, genre and name of author. For the body paragraphs, take the readers through the plot (not revealing key details), some characters and the parts of the book that you liked as well as disliked.

The protagonist of the book is a ten-year-old boy named Harry Potter and his so-called mundane, frustrating life with the humans (referred to as Muggles—rather has a catchy ring to it, doesn’t it?). Harry thinks his life at Privet Drive is all he could ask for; however, one day, out of the blue, a surprise awaits his eleventh birthday. The brilliant unravelling of the character's background to the magical world is somewhat emotional, yet uplifting. The book carries on to reveal Harry's friendship with Ron and Hermione (other characters from the book), who later turn out to be more like family (that Harry never had). 

What's hilarious is when Harry is confronted with countless magical questions, he freezes. Every page in the book contains some intriguing details, a mystery plot and suspense at every turn that makes it difficult to put the book down. The world created by J. K Rowling comes alive and the words start dancing, just like the Hogwarts stairs (and its many mysteries). 

However, my personal favourite (but otherwise understated) is how a boy, named Neville Longbottom (funny name, right. On that note, all the names in the book are quite catchy too), stands up for his beliefs despite hesitations. Rightly, the principal, Albus Dumbledore at the end states that, “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends".

A few plotlines, however, seemed dragged. For example, Harry's many night adventures using the invisibility cloak (yes, that’s a real and rare thing in Harry’s world) and every time escaping the starry eyes of Mrs. Norris (the watchman’s cat). Or, how easily Harry realises the key to make a gigantic three-headed monster sleep (key to revealing the mystery). Hermione, being the intelligent one, could be the one that figures the three-headed monster mystery. Anyway, the magical details, intriguing plot, interesting characters and lively dialogues outweigh the negatives.

If you have not read this book yet, you are surely missing the lighter side of life and letting your imagination live in a box. Even if you are not a fan of magic or fantasy, this book is something you'd not want to miss. Not just that, the book carries a serious message: never be afraid to experiment, be bold, and value the importance of relationships. In my opinion, the book deserves a 4.5/5. Grab a copy today; the Sorting Hat awaits. What is a Sorting Hat you ask—you’d have to read the book to find out!

In the body paragraphs, a few details of the plot are revealed, along with the names of characters. To make it more interesting, you could even include some magic words or talk about the world of Quidditch and even include some quotes. Furthermore, note that some points about the parts that the reviewer dislikes are also mentioned, but ultimately the reader is swayed in favour of the book (which is the author’s intention). Thus, the goal of the review is achieved— to inform and persuade. 

Have you read this book called Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll? This is another classic and quite a famous one. 

Falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world, Alice is unafraid to explore the unknown: be it drinking the potion to shrink enough to explore life in the rabbit garden or eating a slice of cake to grow to an enormous size. The book wonderfully weaves through its words and reflects the message of bravery.

Would you like to give the book a read and try writing a review about it? Go ahead. Try it!

Review writing is a part of the report writing genre. The aim of review writing is to inform and persuade. A review maintains a personal analysis of the positives and the negatives. Ultimately, a reviewer leaves it open ended for the audience to make their own decision(s). You can write reviews of a movie, a book or an experience. First off, we look at reviewing a movie.

Part 1: Movie Review

Let's say you watched a movie today, and you loved it so much that you couldn't wait to share it with your friends. What would you discuss? Most likely, you would talk about the main character, the villain, the plot (without revealing the end) and the parts of the movie that you liked/disliked. Probably, you would recommend your friend(s) to watch the movie (or not) based on your experience.

Consider the following example:

Minion Mania

Minion—the word does have a funny, yet adorable tone, doesn't it? Just like the word, the movie called Despicable Me (2010) features some unusual and interesting tiny yellow characters called Minions. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, this movie takes you through a whirlwind of adventure and comedy. The quality of animation is out of this world: unusual characters, the energy, the background setting and the quality of voice (animated) are top-notch.

The title of the review above is short and attempts to capture the attention of the audience. Introductory paragraph mentions the name of the movie, director(s), release year and the genre. You could even add the name of the actors (if you are aware). The middle paragraphs could include the story plot, snippet of an adventure, the prime characters, etc. Let’s continue with our movie review then.

The movie gained worldwide attention on its release as the round, wobbly yellow bodies and oversized grey glasses (what they refer to as eyes) of the tiny Minions walking the Earth melted our hearts. The movie takes you through a roller coaster of laughter, adventure and thrill.

What's not to love about the movie—searching through the Arctic to the deserts of the world, and a desire to serve an evil person, three minions set out on an adventure. The story comes alive with the use of eye-catchy colours, brilliant animation, impressive voice-overs and a striking Minion language. Believe me, you’ll have a hard time understanding the Minion language, but you'll surely have a stomach cramp with non-stop laughing. 

Moreover, the movie carries a meaning: the protagonist (a character named Gru) is a clever villain who uses three innocent girls as pawns; however, it is incredible to see his change of heart to become a caring person. The movie breaks the stereotype of the word ‘villain’—after all, some situations might convince people to take unreasonable steps, but with the right guidance and goodness in the world, people have the power to change for good. Universal pictures have created a masterpiece with this unique and original portrayal of characters, groovy music, vibrant colour setting and the creative Minion language.

Carry on with the review to talk about some parts that seemed painfully dragging or did not seem convincing— a part (of the movie) that you disliked. You could also give an idea about other characters in the movie. Moreover, note the use of certain persuasive devices such as direct address, rhetorical questions, use of triples and figurative comparisons (alliteration, metaphor and hyperbole).

In the concluding paragraph, mention if you'd recommend the movie to your friends and the rating (according to you). For example:

If you like watching hilarious, animated and light movies, then you can't miss Despicable Me. The movie became so popular that many sequels have followed over the years. I am eagerly waiting to watch the next movie in the series. Overall, I would rate ‘Despicable Me’ as 5/5. What are you waiting for? Go, grab a tub of popcorn and get ready for a bite of Minion adventure! 

The review (in the example) reflects on the opinion of the reviewer, attempts to persuade and leaves it in the hands of the readers’ to decide. To make the review stronger, you could also talk about the movie’s sound effects, lighting, direction, etc. So, next time you watch a movie, remember to write a review about it.

Hello there! Welcome to the fascinating world of stories. Today, we'll learn about an incredible writing method called flashback, which can add a lot of depth and essence to your story. 

Have you ever come across a movie or a book that takes you back in time to show you an event that occurred in the past? That's a flashback. It's a technique of telling a story that transports the reader or viewer to a specific moment or event in time. But how can you effectively include a flashback scene without causing confusion for your readers? This blog has all the answers you seek.

Positioning Flashback Scenes in your Story

The key is to position the flashback after a few scenes in your story's present time. Once the flashback is over, your readers will be able to recognise where the present-time narration left off. Consider it like a movie that alternates between the past and the present. It's simple to follow because the present-day scenes serve as anchors, reminding us where we are in the story.

For example, in her Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling employs flashbacks to reveal important information about the characters' backstories. We see a flashback to Snape's childhood in the fifth book, ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,’ which helps to explain his intentions and actions. The author informs the reader when the flashback begins and ends by inserting it after a few scenes in the present-day story.  This is just the tip of the iceberg; let's dive in and learn more about how to use this technique to craft a memorable story!

The Trigger

The incident or circumstance that leads to the flashback is referred to as a trigger. It can be compared to a key that opens the door to the past. The trigger can be a smell, a sound, a sight or a feeling. Anything that reminds the character of a past incident can set off a flashback.

Examples: a) The protagonist witnesses an accident, which immediately triggers horrible memories within the character, and the hero is transported to his past, where he may have been involved in a terrible accident and may have suffered the loss of loved ones.

b) When the main character hears a song on the radio, which she used to listen to with her best friend, it reminds her of their lost friendship as well as the happy times they shared.

Understanding Your Characters' Past Traumas and Fears

Imagine reading a book about a valiant soldier who appears to be invincible in the face of danger. However, the author abruptly transports you to a memory that alters everything. You discover that the soldier was just a child when his country was invaded and plundered by the enemy army. This moving flashback scene explains why the soldier is so brave and committed to protecting his country. The author's exploration of this memory gives the character depth and complexity, making the story more exciting and captivating. So, if you're writing a story with a flashback scene, make sure to vividly describe why this memory is so important to your character and how it has profoundly affected their life.

Bringing Characters Back to the Present Using Sensory Triggers

Let's imagine a young girl lost in a daydream about the past, reliving a happy memory of playing with her beloved pet dog in their garden. Suddenly, a loud noise startles her back to reality— the thunder! Alternatively, her mother's voice calling her for dinner might bring her back to the present. As an author, you can use these sensory triggers to snap your character out of the reverie and back to the present, keeping the story moving forward. While flashbacks are an excellent way to tell a story, it's equally important to ground your readers in the present. So, whenever you include a flashback scene, remember to bring your character back to the present with a sensory trigger that engages your readers and keeps the story flowing.

Flashback Method in Children's Books and Movies

One well-known example of a children's movie that uses flashbacks is Pixar's ‘Up,’ which follows an elderly man named Carl on a journey to fulfil his lifelong dream of travelling to South America. The movie starts with a flashback to Carl's childhood, when he met and fell in love with his wife, Ellie. This sequence establishes the story's emotional core and explains why Carl is so motivated to realise their shared dream. Another example is ‘The Lion King,’ in which a young Simba recollects his father's teachings, which he later utilises to become the king he was destined to be. Shel Silverstein's ‘The Giving Tree’ is another children's book which applies flashbacks to tell the tale.

Now it's your turn to write a flashback story! Choose an interesting event from your own life or imagine a character and a scenario that piques your interest, and let your imagination run wild.

Good luck with your writing!

In the earlier blog of report writing (Write the Journalist Way), we discussed writing magazine articles. How is that going for you? In this blog, we will talk about the second aspect of report writing—newspaper articles.

Consider the example below. The following article was published in BBC News on Friday, 17^th February 2023:

Antarctica Sea-ice Hits New Record Low

By Jonathan Amos and Erwan Rivault, London

There is now less sea-ice surrounding the Antarctic continent than at any time since we began using satellites to measure it in the late 1970s.

It is the southern hemisphere summer, when you would expect less sea-ice, but this year is exceptional, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center.

Winds and warmer air and water reduced coverage to just 1.91 million square km (737,000 sq miles) on 13 February.

What is more, the melt still has some way to go this summer.

Last year, the previous record-breaking minimum of 1.92 million sq km (741,000 sq miles) wasn't reached until 25 February.

Three of the last record-breaking years for low sea-ice have happened in the past seven years: 2017, 2022 and now 2023.

What are some of the key features that you notice in the article? First, note the title of the report. See how the prime motive of the content is summarised in the headline. Next, shift your focus to the By-line—name of the journalist(s) and place is mentioned, which gives you an idea about where the report is compiled from.

Note the use of facts and statistics to provide a general idea on what the article is about. In addition, can you tell who the target audience is. In this instance, it is the broader audience (adults as well as young group). Following through the article, you notice the use of alliteration and facts (again).

In the subsequent paragraphs, the article talks about the how much of sea ice is missing in Antarctica, while subtly comparing with previous years (between 1981-2010). Content exudes confidence in the report, persuades one to listen (at the worrying cause of climate change) and presents a strong visual imagery (by including contrasting examples, facts and statistics). It does not end there; the article moves ahead to even consider a way forward: what could be expected (as per research) and actions that could be taken to minimise the damage (all based on experiments and research). Would you not be a tiny bit convinced to at least consider giving the article a serious thought? Sure enough, it moves ahead to compare it to Arctic ice melt and how it could affect our daily lives.

Another critical detail to consider while in the journalist’s shoes is that only factual details are included in newspaper article. Refrain from stating personal opinions. Let us look at the difference:

Example 1:

Continuing from the example mentioned above, consider the following statement:

It is likely this year's record sea-ice minimum has been influenced by the unusually high air temperatures to the west and east of the Antarctic Peninsula. These have been 1.5C above the long-term average.

Researchers think the more positive trends seen over the longer term are probably linked to the presence of an ozone hole over Antarctica and the rise of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Example 2:

Undoubtedly, there are variations in the air pressure causing the winds to be severe, which has influenced the continent’s climate change.

Do you see the difference in the two examples? The first example supports its statements with reasoning based on actual research. It also contains additional technical details related to the research; whereas, in the second example, it seems like stating an opinion without any proof. Which one would you say is more convincing?

Let us look at the key takeaways for a newspaper report:

·      Must contain a title and a by-line.

·      The introductory paragraph must explain the 5Ws (who, what, where, when, why and how).

·      Supporting paragraphs should elaborate the event/incident in a concise, objective and chronological order.

·      Mention only factual details and report in past tense. Using phrases such as It is likely that../Sources close to the incident reported../Police (or any other authoritative body) believe../According to Mr. Doe../Many claim.. etc.

·      The concluding paragraph summarises the key points of the article. It could also include a relevant quote from a related source or shed light on any expected outcome.

Go ahead—read a newspaper article, and slowly claw your way into a journalist’s hat!