Julia Donaldson, author of the popular children's book 'The Smeds and the Smoos' sat down with us, to share what she thinks will help children write their 500 Words stories.
Having published over 200 stories, Julia Donaldson's passion for writing all began when she too was at school. The first story she remembers writing was about a rabbit with orange ears that looked like carrots.
Julia's breakthrough came in 1990 when she published 'The Gruffalo', and the book was illustrated by her longtime illustrator and friend, Axel Scheffler. Since then, she has since gone on to become the UK's fourth biggest-selling writer.
Play Julia's tips in class or to children at home to inspire them if they become stuck or don't know where to start.
Play Julia Donaldson's tips in class or at home home to inspire children to write their 500 Words stories.
Tip #1 Ending comes first
Julia Donaldson: Think about the ending of your story before you start to write. Don't just start to write and then think, I wonder what's going to happen. It's a good idea to have the story in your mind and know how it's going to end.
Tip #2 Set a challenge
Julia Donaldson: It's also really important in a story to make things get worse before they get better. It would be very boring in a story if everything was lovely the whole time. You've got to have a few problems which maybe then get even worse before you get your happy ending.
Tip #3 Read aloud!
Julia Donaldson: To read your story aloud to someone, maybe one of your parents or to a friend or get them to read it aloud and if there's any bit that seems a bit boring, or if you see them kind of nodding off, just remember that bit and maybe write that bit again.
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