Task 1: The First Line

 

Keith & Cathy's introduction

Task 1 Video Intro

Task 1

THE FIRST LINE TASK:

Imagine a day that begins as normal. But ONE thing has happened that is going to make everything different.

What could it be?

Make it the first line of your story.

It can be funny, scary, disgusting, supernatural; the choices are endless!

Try to make your first line ONE SENTENCE LONG and no more than 20 words.

Need some examples?

I tipped Corn Flakes into my bowl and a rat plopped out the packet.

Half asleep as usual, Fiona shuffled into the kitchen and skidded in a giant puddle of blood.

‘Well good morning, everyone!' said Bob: Bob the dog.

 

When mum turned round to ask if I wanted toast, I screamed. She had no face any more.

 

Don't forget to submit your own first lines to Scottish Book Trust: teen@scottishbooktrust.com

FUN EXTRAS

  • What are your favourite first lines from books you've read?
  • Write your own first line on a piece of paper, fold it over and pass it on, ask your friends to do the same and read them out in sequence when everyone's added theirs.

Click here to find out the Scottish Book Trust team's favourite first lines.

 

TOO EASY? [aka EXTENSION TASK]

 

If something completely out of the ordinary interrupted a typical school day on a much bigger scale, what would YOU want it to be? I might write a story about a teacher behaving completely out of character.

Here are some other examples of what might happen to get you thinking:

You could have an accident involving a fellow pupil or a teacher. Maybe in the science lab or gym.

Some kind of natural disaster?

Something happening on or just outside school premises?

A UFO landing?

One of your friends turning into a vampire?

Have a think and write down your ideas:

What happens?

Why does it happen?

Who else witnesses the incident?

How do people involved react?

What happens next?

Perhaps you want to STORYBOARD the development of your idea, or scribble everything on a MIND MAP. Some of you might end up with all the ingredients for a complete story.

If you HAVE come up with a good idea, don't let it slip away, write down all the details that jump into your head.

Don't forget to submit your own first lines to Scottish Book Trust: teen@scottishbooktrust.com.