Hey! What's the big idea?

How do we arrive at big ideas while reading? Today we're going to work on putting the plot of a story in one sentence, without giving away the ending!

Plot usually consists of three major elements:

1. Who are the major characters?
2. What seems to be the major problem (conflict) or goal of the characters?
3. Why is this goal or problem there?

THEN, write ONE (yes, ONE!) sentence that captures the plot, but in an exciting way, like you're trying to get an audience to read or watch the story. Be sure to use present tense.

FINALLY, take the role of the audience. Ask 2-3 BURNING questions that might be on their mind, and since you've read the story, you know what important events do happen so your questions can HINT toward that.

Then presto, you've successfully written a basic story trailer/advertisement! Now imagine a dramatic, intense voiceover dictating your trailer.

Here are a few examples: Leaping Beauty

After accidentally stepping on a witch’s toe, the once extraordinary and cheerful Leaping Beauty becomes a Boring Beauty, putting all those around her to sleep. Will she ever break the spell? Will the people of Ordinary Kingdom wake up? Will the witch pay for her evil doings? Find out on the next Fractured Fairy tale, Leaping Beauty!

And another! (Based on "Mai and the Cliff Dwelling Birds)

Mai, the boundless, rule-breaking coyote, becomes obsessed with learning to fly when he believes he will never be satisfied as an earthbound creature. How much chaos will this trickster bring? Will he actually learn how to fly? Find out by reading Trickster tale, “Mai and the Cliff Dwelling Birds”