The Monster part I

Chapter 1: The Sounds

In this chapter we are going to practice how to write a thrilling beginning

● This chapter should take place somewhere in the school where you mix things, e.g. Chemistry class, the canteen, Domestic science class or in the school's nurse room.

● The main character has to be between eight and thirteen years old. Give your character a name suitable for a child.

● The main character is hearing strange noises from the floor in the room you've chosen.

● Add a harsh adult (teacher, nurse, canteen assisstent etc.)

● There has to be a pupil in the class the main character thinks is mean is scared of.

● You have to write as if you were writing about someone elese and that it happened earlier (imperfect tense).

● Begin in media res. Start with action and descibe the environment and the characters later. It might be a good idea to start with a line, like this:

”Did you hear the sound?”

Tom's classmate Steve turned around and stared at Tom.

”What sound? Everyone is talking.”

Harsh Harry gave Tom and Steve an icecold glare...

● End this chapter with everyone leaving the room. This whole chapter is taking place in the room.

● No sign of a monster yet.

● Questions to help you: What's the main character like? What does the main character look like? Who is the harsch adult? Are there any rumours going around about the harsh adult? Is he/she really mean? Does the main character have a really good friend? What does the bullying classmate do to scare the main character? What does the room look like? What are the sounds like? What are they doing in the room when the events take place?