Remember that Narrative Transitions . . .

1. Are not the same as expository transitions. Paragraphs, reports, and essays are organized in a different way. They call for transitions that list or present the key/star supporting ideas (one, another, next, nally). Narratives need transitions of time and place (a week later, sometime during the night, as we walked). Stick to story transitions as you write.

2. Are also called connectors or signal words.

Story transitions connect all of the events in the narrative. Story transitions help sequence the events in a clear and logical order. Story transitions serve as a signal to readers that the character(s) will be doing something new.

3. Often appear at the beginning of a paragraph.

When a change in the action takes place, its time to start a new paragraph. When a change in the action takes place, it is also the perfect time to use a narrative transition.

4. Are not needed at every paragraph.

Narratives have many paragraphs. Some paragraphs indicate a change in the action; some do not. Use narrative transitions to make a point when the action changes. Check books with collections of fables, tall tales, myths, legends, and fairy tales. Check magazines with feature articles about peopletheir journeys, their work, their successes. Read, enjoy, and gather ideas for your own narratives and the narrative transitions they will need. Think of narrative transitions as the frame of a story. Use them to point out the events and important action in the story. Add description, details, and dialogue to bring the events and action to life.

5. Can be found in a number of places.

6. Help the writer develop the story.

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Story and Narrative Writing Step Up to Writing Secondary

Tool 6-15a