It Happened To Me | Writing Guide

Write Your Story in Six Easy Steps

1. Choose a memory that stands out: a meeting with someone, a journey or a romantic encounter. It may have been a chance happening or it may have held a deeper significance for you.
2. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Note key words: what people were wearing, how they spoke, the colours, tastes and smells of the place, your reaction to what happened. Relive the experience in your imagination – closing your eyes can help – and note down the very smallest detail. (Read A Perfect Day by John Graham-Hart and his descriptions of the colours and smells of the south of France.)
3. Give your tale a structure - a beginning, a middle and an end. It doesn’t have to be told chronologically, although with a short piece of writing of 600 words, don’t attempt too complicated a storyline. Write a brief outline. If your experience happened a long time ago, allow space for your reflections now. (Read Partition by Syed Ghulam-us Syedain for his thoughts on modern-day Pakistan, in the context of his journey from India to Pakistan in 1947.)
4. Write a first draft. It’s best to adopt a style that suits your natural voice. Imagine you are writing a letter, if that makes it easier. Write in short paragraphs as they look better on web pages, and keep punctuation simple. Use speech to move the action along (see Summer’s High Note by Peter O’Leary for a comic use of speech). Refer to your notes from Steps 2 and 3.
5. Revise and edit. Read your story out loud to yourself, it’s one of the best ways of finding out if it flows naturally. You could also show the story to someone and get some feedback.
6. Send your story to YouByYou Books! You can post it or email it to us, using the Contact Us details below.

Good luck with your writing! Please contact me if you would like further guidance in the process of writing your story. I will be happy to help you.

Anna Foster
Founder, YouByYou Books