Narrative Development – Amber Rose Dalton

Introduction

The goal for this blog post is to craft a captivating short story that addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution, offering both insights into the problem and solutions. Tailored for both three to five-year-old’s and the adults sharing the experience, the narrative will draw inspiration from Julia Donaldson’s picture book ‘The Magic Paintbrush’ and her distinctive rhyming style. Despite the roots of her book in Chinese folklore, my story will not adopt an oriental style. Below, you’ll find some images capturing a few cherished pages from Julia Donaldson’s book, serving as inspiration for my own creative journey.

Figure 1 – Julia Donaldson, The magic Paintbrush. Page 10. Referring back to my initial proposal inspiration for my own children’s story. (Donaldson & Stewart, 2017).

Figure 2 – Julia Donaldson, The magic Paintbrush. Page 14. Referring back to my initial proposal inspiration for my own children’s story. (Donaldson & Stewart, 2017).

Figure 3 – Julia Donaldson, The magic Paintbrush. Page 18. Referring back to my initial proposal inspiration for my own children’s story. (Donaldson & Stewart, 2017).

Initial Story Writing Research

To begin the development phase some initial research into how to develop a children’s book was important for gaining a knowledgeable understanding of how to communicate my goals and articulate my ideas clearly throughout my own narrative development. Bookfox, 2023 provided great insight into the process and important assets that go into a children’s book. Below are some quick points that I will think about throughout the development phase.

Find your best idea
Build the character
Find the right length
Start it quickly
Create a problem
Use repetition
Write for illustrations
End it quickly
Choose a Title

The below images were taken from the Bookfox website and are helpful visual representations of how to develop a captivating narrative. I will refer back to these to ensure my narrative stays relevant and good quality (Bookfox, 2023).

Figure 4 – A narrative plot guide to be followed throughout development. (Bookfox. 2023).

Figure 5 – Ensuring my story fits the age group its targeted at. (Bookfox. 2023).

Figure 6 – Ensuring my story flows at the correct speed. (Bookfox. 2023).

Plastic Pollution Research

Arabella Ruiz states that ‘plastic is one of the most commonly used materials in the world. It is cheap to produce and can be moulded into just about any shape or size. This makes it a popular choice for many products. However, plastic is also one of the most harmful materials when it comes to the environment. It takes centuries for plastic to decompose, and during that time it can contaminate soil and water supplies. There are also huge quantities of plastic floating in our oceans, which has a hazardous effect on marine life.’ (Ruiz, A. 2023).

Taking this knowledge on board I am able to structure a realistic story with depth. Arabella Ruiz states that plastic can be moulded into just about any shape and size, this discovery has inspired me to craft a story where the main character will make new things out of plastic waste, therefore incorporating the reduce, reuse, and recycle ethos into my project.

She also states that our oceans are polluted with plastic waste, although this is a major issue my narrative is likely to be set in land and therefore the story may not incorporate the ocean but reference the issue in a different way.

Current organisations are taking on more responsibility when it comes to plastic pollution, most sustainable clothing company’s now offer clothing made out of recycled plastics. Items such as hoodies, bags and shoes. Arabella Ruiz also communicates that items such as furniture, toys, homeware, and utility items are also being made out of recycled plastic, (Ruiz, A. 2023).

The fact that these recycled plastic items are currently been introduced to reduce the impacts of plastic pollution, opens up new possibilities for the main character in my story to craft useful items. This will ensure my story remains fresh and relevant to our ever-changing everyday lives.

Figure 7 – Recycling plastic to reduce the effects of plastic pollution. (Ruiz, A. 2023).

Initial Narrative Ideas

In my initial mind map below, I sought to explore ideas and themes that aligned with my vision of crafting a unique story. The central concept revolves around a main character actively addressing the issue of plastic pollution. By highlighting the portions, I intent to develop further, it is clear that the journey of my protagonist will involve building useful things out of disregarded plastic items. This concept not only aligns with the environmental ethos of reduce, reuse, and recycle but also incorporates inspiration I have taken from Julia’s Donaldson’s story ‘The Magic Paintbrush’. The mind map also explores aspects of English language I intend to include throughout the book such as onomatopoeia to depict sound.

Expanding on my initial mind map, I further explored the ideas by producing a focused narrative mind map. Drawing inspiration from Julia Donaldson’s rhythmic style. Choosing Sheffield as the story’s setting stems from a personal fondness for the city, adding a distinctive backdrop to the narrative, which will also be useful when developing illustrations as I am familiar with the setting. Moreover, I decided to base the main character on my niece Penelope, infusing the story with a personal touch and making the narrative resonate and relatable. This deliberate development choice aims to create a connection between the narrative and my own experiences, enhancing the emotional depth and authenticity of the story.

Figure 9 – Mind map exploring initial narrative and rhyme ideas.

Narrative Development

I have generated three distinct mind maps to shape and explore aspects of the developing narrative. The first mind map explores potential openings, setting the stage for an engaging introduction that captures the audience, and introduces the theme and main character.

Figure 10 – Mind map exploring initial story openings and ideas.

The second mind map explores various possibilities for the middle of the story, allowing for an exciting development throughout the middle of the narrative.

Figure 11 – Mind map exploring ideas for the middle of the narrative.

Finally, the third mind map focuses on potential endings, offering a resolution to the problem created throughout the narrative. This organized approach helps me structure the narrative cohesively, ensuring a well-rounded and compelling narrative from start to finish.

Figure 12 – Mind map exploring initial story endings.

Scenario Overview

Below is an overview of the developing narrative scenario, developed from the initial research/idea generation process. The narrative overview ensures my narrative stays relevant and doesn’t sway from my meticulously throughout vision. Each section of the story will be in four parts, along with each paragraph that tells the story. This will ensure a clear rhythm and structure is articulated throughout the narrative from start to finish.

First Draft

Figure 14 – Julia Donaldson’s initial creative process for her narrative developments. (Donaldson , 2022).

Figure 15 – My initial narrative draft from my notebook, design process inspired by Julia Donaldson.

Figure 16 – The first draft of the picture book narrative structured in Miro for tidyness.

The initial draft has been inspired by the scenario overview. As I began writing this in my notebook, content took over the need for structure. However, upon organising the story into 12 paragraphs, to cover the whole of the book my previous intention of maintaining a consistent four-line length for each segment fell through. This realisation prompted me to acknowledge the importance of adherence to the initial plan. Therefore, in the upcoming drafts, I will ensure this is rectified by ensuring each paragraph adheres to my intentions, enhancing the overall flow of the story for young readers.

Narrative Alterations

The below images show how my final narrative has developed, using Edward Tufte’s layering and separation technique I have highlighted the changes to be made to the narrative in red.

Figure 17 – Alterations to be made to the picture book narrative.

Figure 18 – Second draft, Rewritten and altered picture book narrative.

Figure 19 – Alterations to be added to the final picture book narrative.

Final Narrative

Through the initial process of drafting and refining my children’s book narrative on the subject of plastic pollution, a dynamic evolution has taken place. The initial inspiration from the scenario overview set the foundation, but it was in the drafts that the story found muse. Each draft served as a canvas for alterations and bettering the narrative. I identified and rectified inconsistencies throughout the story and added in new exciting and colourful language to describe each scene. This will aid in creating illustrations for the narrative. Which will really bring life to the story.

Figure 20 – The final picture book narrative.

References

Bookfox (2023) How to write a children’s book in 12 steps (from an editor), Bookfox. Available at: https://thejohnfox.com/2019/02/how-to-write-a-childrens-book/ (Accessed: 14 December 2023).

Donaldson, J. and Stewart, J. (2017) The magic paintbrush. London: Macmillan Children’s Books.

Donaldson, J. (2022) Julia Donaldson: Writing children’s picture books, Julia Donaldson | Writing Children’s Picture Books | BBC Maestro. Available at: https://www.bbcmaestro.com/courses/julia-donaldson/writing-children-s-picture-books/lessons/what-is-a-picture-book-practicalities?autoplay=true (Accessed: 07 December 2023).

Ruiz, A. (2023) 21 everyday products made from recycled plastic – theroundup, TheRoundup.org. Available at: https://theroundup.org/everyday-products-made-from-recycled-plastic/ (Accessed: 15 December 2023).

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