Basher Basics: Creative Writing

Basher Basics

by Simon Basher, Mary Budzik

From the bestselling illustrator whose friendly take on science has revolutionized our understanding of everything from the periodic table to the universe, comes a fresh take on creative writing as only Basher can do it. Meet Plot, one of the many 'Schemers and Dreamers' who keeps a story running and its events moving in the right order; Atmosphere, known as a 'Scene Setter' because her job entails filling a scene with suspense, drama, or comedy; a cast of 'Heroes and Villains' including Protagonist and Narrator; and chatty, talkative Wordsmiths like Dialogue to name one in particular. Basher Creative Writing is a persuasive guide that includes tons of detail on the building blocks of narrative and what makes creative writing work.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Writing, Education

69 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2013

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative Writing is a book in the Basher Basics series published by Kingfisher. (Other titles in the series include: Grammar, Punctuation, Music, Weather, Math, etc. There are two other lines as well: "Basher History" and "Basher Science".) This one would be perfect for middle grade (upper elementary school and/or junior high).

In the first chapter entitled "What's The Story?" readers learn about genres. Seven genres are included in chapter one: adventure, horror, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, diary, and poetry. Each genre has its own two-page spread. Mystery is found on page sixteen.

Mystery
*Story in which a protagonist investigates a mystery or crime
*The detective (amateur or professional) often has a sidekick
*Canny clues help connect the dots

I'm a cagey type whose world is seldom as it seems. Wary Protagonist might look for the story behind the story but, dogged by dastardly deeds, seems instead to stumble into muddles, mayhem, and even murder.
I scatter clues for detectives, private investigators, and interfering old ladies. I lead Protagonist into some sticky situations and courageous capers, but good old Pro is always equal to the challenge, refusing to back off despite ominous omens, threats from thieves, or pleas from the police. It is a question of having to be supremely self-confident, of trusting that gumption and grit will save the day. Even then, with criminals corralled and cooped up for good, it won't be long before I set yet another trail of trouble. This game of wits is just too much fun to play.

Three to Read:
*Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfeld (1956)
*Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler (1980)
* Hoot by Carl Hiaasen (2002)

The second chapter is entitled "Scene Setters." This chapter explores the concept or significance of title, theme, setting, and atmosphere. Theme is found on page twenty-six.

Theme
*A Central message or idea expressed by a story or poem
*Usually woven into a story rather than stated outright
*Often has a significance beyond the story itself

I'm a thoughtful type and sometimes a bit shy. Sure, Plot likes to scurry here and there, Plot Device teases readers with its tricks and colorful Figurative Language draws all eyes. Meanwhile, I meditate peacefully at the very center of a story, waiting patiently for you to find me. I often speak through other elements of a story rather than in a voice of my own, which means I can be a little hard to spot. I am worth seeking out, though. If you pay close attention and, like me, practice quiet reflection, you will hear my message, I'm sure--I'm intuitive! Ask yourself: Are there subjects in the story that reappear in different ways in different episodes? What makes Protagonist especially happy or sad? Does the story's title offer any clues? Before you know it, you'll have found me!

Try these:
*Identify the different themes in your favorite novel
*Choose a simple theme (for example, "friends are found in unexpected places") then work on a story to illustrate the theme.

Chapter three is entitled "Schemers and Dreamers." It introduces these concepts: plot, structure, flashback and flashforward, plot device, and denouement. Structure is found on page thirty-six.

Structure
*The arrangement of the events within a plot
*Gives a story a beginning, a middle, and an end
*Getting the order of events just so increases a story's impact

I am Plot's conscience. Addicted to the roller-coaster ride of events, Plot has a tendency to overwhelm a story like a tsunami, scattering mishap and misfortune all around. Well, it's my job to make Plot stop and think. I show that hothead some restraint! Yes, with me on board, plot chooses balance over bedlam and cause over coincidence. You see, I have a set of tools that help organize events in a logical progression, each incident causing the next. Thus Plot is able to set the scene (exposition), get things moving (rising action), stir things up (conflict), put on the brakes (suspense), cue the thunder (climax), and let everything settle back to earth (denouement). If I've done my job well, you'll feel like everything that happened was meant to be!

Try these:
*See if you can find the exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, and denouement in your favorite book
*Can you reorder some of the events without altering the outcome of the story?

The fourth chapter is "Heroes and Villains." It introduces these concepts: character, protagonist, antagonist, viewpoint, first person, and third person.

The fifth and final chapter is "Wordsmiths." It introduces the following: figurative language (more can be found in the glossary), diction, and dialogue.

I found Creative Writing to be packed with information in a reader-friendly way. I thought they did a great job in defining terms. I think the book could be just as useful for helping people talk about literature (stories, poems, novels, etc.) as it is for helping people write creatively.

[Brittany Herrera]

Title: Budzik, M. F., & Basher, S. (2013). Creative writing. New York: Kingfisher.

Name: Brittany Herrera

Type of Reference: Handbook

Call Number: 808

Description: This book breaks down writing for students. It covers nine different styles of writing. Following chapters cover topics such as theme, plot, structure, etc. This book is geared for 3-5 graders and explains each topic of creative writing clearly.

Review:
Part of the expansion of the Basher series into topics other than science, this concise guide breaks down stories and storytelling, illustrated by Basher's recognizable brand of cute, animesque cartoon iconography. The book is divided into five sections: "What's the Story?" examines nine genres of writing, including adventure and horror ("Scads of my once wild predictions have collided smack into ordinary reality," boasts Science Fiction, wearing a spacesuit and balancing a futuristic city on its head), and subsequent chapters cover theme, setting, plot, structure, viewpoint, diction, and more. Each topic is explained clearly and with light humor--"You can't shut me up!" says Dialogue, represented as two sharp-edged sets of lips--and a foldout poster underscores how these many parts come together to create a story. Ages 8-up. (July)

Citation Review: Basher Basics: Creative Writing. (2013). [Review of the book Creative writing]. Publishers Weekly, 260(27), 89.

[Karen davisstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Creative Writing: The Plot Thickens” is a terrific book to use with third to fifth grade to teach genres and other creative writing elements. I would love to have a copy for every one of my students and use it almost like a text for Writer’s Workshop. This book has a section for genres that goes through each one and has characters drawn like anime. The book has them speak in first person. Each description is one page and they give 3 facts about the genre, a first person description and then a list of three books that fit within the genre to read. Then there are sections for different story elements and types of characters. It discusses first, second and third person and tells about them in a way that is very easy to understand. I’ve had quite a few students over the years have a lot of problems understanding this concept and I am thrilled to find a book that makes it so easy to understand. I would use it like a textbook in the classroom and take advantage of all the wonderful elements that I mentioned above. When we discuss a certain genre we would get out our books and read about it, then talk about what we read. It would help us create anchor charts for these concepts to keep in our rooms. This book was chosen because I’ve never seen one like it. Even the ones around it in the library were totally different; they focused mainly on one concept instead of so many different ones.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book for children, even teens. It covers the basics of creative writing in the most casual and fun manner. The exercise at the end of each page is helpful for new writers.

Though the visual could be improved to reflect the contents and the structure flow of the contents could be done better, I think this is one book that helps me to explain to children what creative writing is all about. It even has industry jargons!

[Jazz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro for kids. It covers concepts they probably won't discuss in class until high school, so they can get a good head start on both the craft of fiction and non-fiction writing. I would be cautious, however, in giving this book to a young writer too early, as so many concepts might overwhelm their creativity.

[Shadallark · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmmm... a decent introduction to creative writing. It was a bit short though and ended rather abruptly. It would have been nice if there was a bit of wrap up at the end to bring it all back into perspective. My son, eleven years old, claims that he has learned many new things that he is going to try in his writing, so that is good.

[Jes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great beginner guide for a younger audience on how to get started writing your own stories. The structure of the book was helpful in breaking down complex story techniques for younger audiences. I intend to draw from this book a great deal to structure a CW class geared towards younger children.

[Donalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite Basher title to-date. Seems thin and poorly categorized.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially loved the format of this book. For such short entries, there was a wealth of information on each page. Quick read, great fun.

[J.D. Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basher books are cute. This one taught me the meaning and pronunciation of denouement, too.

[Tracy Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Basher fashion, all of the elements of good writing of fiction are present in this great resource for writing.