Patience can be the key to success
Patience Thomson is a writer, lecturer, an expert on reading and now a Quick Reads* author. Since the doors have now opened for you to become a 2010 Quick Reads author, Patience was only too happy to share her wisdom on how to write for the less confident reader.
More about QR competition www.unionlearn.org.uk/qrcompetition
Ten tips for writing for less confident readers.
- Don't patronise. The form of your story should be simple, but the content must be adult and challenging.
- The story should be gripping throughout. Less confident readers will often run it like a TV script in their heads. If it gets boring, they will switch off.
- Avoid flashbacks. Weaker readers can easily get 'lost in time'.
- Avoid too much jumping from one setting to another. Weaker readers are often 'lost in space' too.
- Create just a few characters and give them simple names, like Dan, Zac , Jess or Anna. All the names should start with different letters.
- Use simple words on the first couple of pages. Once the reader is hooked you can widen the vocabulary.
- Conversation is easy to read. Make it natural, and make it clear who's talking.
- Don't use very long words. Restrict the number with 4 syllables (use familiar ones only) and avoid those with 5 syllables.
- Sentences and paragraphs should not be too long.
- Try your story out on lots of different people, including less confident readers if possible. Listen to their comments - though the final decision is always yours.
About Patience Thomson
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| Patience Thomson has been head teacher of a school for dyslexic children and she co-founded Barrington Stoke, a publisher of books for reluctant readers. Michael Morpurgo , OBE, is a bestselling writer of children's books who has won many major prizes for his work. He and his wife run the charity Farms For City Children (FFCC), which brings young children from urban areas to live and work in the countryside. |
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Patience Thomson's new Quick Reads book 101 Ways to Get Your Child to Read on World Book Day, on the 5th of March 2009.
This is an accessible, friendly and valuable book for all parents by an author with thirty years of experience teaching reading and publishing books for reluctant readers. Introduced by Michael Morpurgo and with celebrity tips and hints.
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More about Quick Reads 2009 visit www.quickreads.org.uk
Briefing document (500 words) issued 13 Nov 2008
