Writing Tip: Storyboard

In Hollywood, before a director begins to film a movie, he/she will often sketch a rough layout of how the scenes will fall into place. They call it a storyboard, a collection of pictures in sequence. You can do the same thing with your writing. Here's how...

Think of it as a visual outline; instead of words only, you'll have pictures of your story, and alongside of these pictures you'll write a brief description of the action taking place.

Start with an easy sketch that describes the setting of your story. Place it in a box, one that looks kinda like this:

Does your story take place in a school cafeteria? Draw what that looks like, and include some interesting details; these will end up in your written story.

Or what if your story is set in a magical world with dragons, or some other mythical beasts? Imagine how that world might look, and then sketch it on paper. Have fun with it, because that spirit will translate into your finished work.

Remember, next to your drawing write a brief description, using just a handful of words.

Next, draw three more boxes. Inside of these you'll sketch the body of your story. The first two can cover the rising action within the story, while the third one will describe the climax. Don't forget your interesting details, along with the brief descriptions that you write beside them.

The fifth and final box will illustrate the falling action, when your story wraps up all the loose ends. And, of course, your brief description will go along with it. You should now have five sketch boxes, each with a visual image of your story as it moves along.

Creating a storyboard is similar to a traditional outline, but gives you a chance to visualize some details that might otherwise get left out of your story. It's a great tool to ignite your imagination and give your writing a little more depth.  Have fun!

Leave a Reply

Fields marked with  * are required.

Name *
Email * (will not be published)
Website
Comment