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How to Write a Better Blog |
| Keep in mind that how you write is how you are seen by others. If you wish to submit an entry, please remember to use correct capitalization, spelling, and grammar. You should use standard English rather than street/slang language or texting language. |
Use these questions to help you write a good blog entry |
What was your favorite part of this book? Why?
Do you wish this book had a sequel? What would you want to have happen in a sequel?
Does this book or does a character in this book remind you of a character in another book? If so, what book is it and what are the characters' names?
Who is someone you know who would like this book? Why do you think they would like this book? Keep in mind that we don't publish names so just give a description such as my friend, my relative, etc. |
Genres |
Books fall into two main categories: Fiction and Nonfiction. Within each category, there are subcategories. Often we call these “genres.” We can describe genres as types of writing that share certain characteristics. Here are some definitions of a few genres. Using the definitions, where would you place this book? Why?
Fiction/Story – writings that come from the imagination
Story – A story has characters, a setting, and a series of events (plot
or action). The best stories have a theme (message from the author)
about the human condition. Within the broad category of story, there
are subcategories as shown below.
Realistic fiction – a story in which the setting and characters could
possibly exist and where anything that happens in the story could
possibly happen
Historical fiction – a story that happens in a time and place in the
past. The details of vehicles, clothing, food preparation and the like
must fit the time and place.
Science fiction – a story that stresses scientific laws and
technological inventions
Modern fantasy fiction – a story of known authorship that creates
a world outside of the realm of what we know is true, but this world
and all that is in it are believable within the framework of the story
Adventure fiction – a story that stresses the action and events or plot
Mystery fiction – a story in which something difficult to understand or
explain plays a controlling part (This is often accompanied by a mood
of suspense.)
Folktales/Fairytales – stories that were once told orally or that imitate
oral stories. These stories are easy to remember and tell because the
characters are flat (easily recognized as good or bad), the events are
repeated, the setting is not specific, and the text contains well-worn
phrases, rhymes and rhythms
Myths – stories that originate in the beliefs of nations, races, and
cultures. These stories present episodes in which supernatural forces
operate. They generally focus on the gods.
Legends – Legends also are part of the beliefs of nations, races, or
cultures. These stories, however, have more historical roots and focus
on the human or natural world.
Fable – a very brief story, usually with animal characters, that points
clearly to a moral or lesson. Usually the moral is given.
Tall tale – a story that uses exaggeration to stretch what is believable.
The teller usually tells the story as if it were true. Humor is a common
characteristic of this type of story.
Nonfiction – writings that convey factual information and are not primarily works
of the creative imagination.
Information book – a book that conveys factual information
Biography – the account of the life of a specific individual or collected
individuals written by others
Autobiography – the account of the life of an individual written by the
individual
Poetry – a kind of compact imaginative and artistic writing that says more than the literal meaning of the words. Two major types of poetry are narrative (story) poetry, and lyric (songlike) poetry.
Play (Dramatic) – a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story. This is typically designed for theatrical presentation.,
Picture book – a book containing a large number of pictures. The book may be fiction (a story), nonfiction (an information book) or poetry. The picture book could have no words at all.
Above definitions adapted from:
Lukens, R. J. A Critical Handbook of Children’s Literature. Boston: Pearson, 2007.
Encarta® World English Dictionary. [North American Edition] © & (P) 2009 Microsoft Corporation.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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