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Writing fiction

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English Learning Content: Writing Fiction

Dialogue

Alice: Bob, guess what? I’m going to be a famous author!

Bob: Alice, what are you talking about? Are you writing a book?

Alice: Yes! A novel! My cat, Mittens, gave me the idea.

Bob: Mittens? Is it a story about a superhero cat fighting aliens?

Alice: Exactly! How did you know? But also, a love story.

Bob: A superhero cat, aliens, and romance? That’s… ambitious.

Alice: It’s a sci-fi rom-com with a furry hero! I just need to write the plot.

Bob: The plot? So, you have a hero, a genre, but no story yet?

Alice: Well, the cat saves the world, then falls in love with a tuna can.

Bob: A tuna can? Alice, that’s… unique. What about the characters?

Alice: Mittens is the brave hero. The tuna can is the mysterious love interest. And the aliens are really bad at math.

Bob: Bad at math aliens. Okay. Do you have a title yet?

Alice: “‘Mittens and the Cosmic Can of Love’. Catchy, right?”

Alice: It needs a villain. Maybe a grumpy dog who hates cats?

Bob: Perfect! Just write it, Alice. I can’t wait to read it.

Alice: I will! First, I need more coffee and maybe a plot twist involving a talking hamster.

Bob: Of course. Good luck, future bestselling author!

Current Situation

Writing fiction means creating stories from your imagination. Many people enjoy writing fiction, either as a hobby or as a job. You can write short stories, novels, or even scripts for movies. There are many different types of stories, called genres, like fantasy, science fiction (sci-fi), romance, mystery, and comedy (rom-com is a romantic comedy). With computers and the internet, it’s easier than ever to write your own stories and even share them with the world. Everyone has a story to tell!

Key Phrases

  • Guess what?: Used to get someone’s attention before sharing exciting news.

    Example: Guess what? I got a new job!

  • Are you writing a book?: A question to ask if someone is creating a written story.

    Example: My friend likes to tell stories. Are you writing a book, too?

  • gave me the idea: To inspire or provide the start of a thought.

    Example: The beautiful sunset gave me the idea for a painting.

  • How did you know?: Expresses surprise that someone knew something without being told.

    Example: I was thinking about pizza. How did you know?

  • That’s ambitious.: Describes a goal or plan that is very big and difficult to achieve.

    Example: Running a marathon without training? That’s ambitious!

  • I just need to write the plot.: To express what is still required to complete the storyline.

    Example: I have characters, I just need to write the plot.

  • What about the characters?: A question asking for information about the people (or animals) in a story.

    Example: I like the story, but what about the characters? Are they brave?

  • Do you have a title yet?: A question about the name of a book, movie, or song.

    Example: This song is great! Do you have a title yet?

  • Catchy, right?: Asking if something (like a name or a song) is easy to remember and pleasant.

    Example: “Happy Day” is a catchy song. Catchy, right?

  • I can’t wait to read it.: Expresses strong excitement and anticipation for something.

    Example: Your new book sounds great! I can’t wait to read it.

  • plot twist: An unexpected change or turn in the story.

    Example: The detective was the thief – what a plot twist!

  • Good luck!: An expression used to wish someone success.

    Example: You have a big exam tomorrow. Good luck!

Grammar Points

  1. The Present Continuous (for future plans and current actions)

    We use the Present Continuous to talk about actions happening now or around now.

    • Example: Alice is writing a book. (She is doing it now or in this period of her life.)

    We also use it for future plans that are already decided.

    • Example: I am going to be a famous author. (This is Alice’s plan.)
    • Example: Are you writing a book? (Is this your plan or current activity?)

    Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing.

  2. The Simple Present (for general truths, habits, and descriptions)

    We use the Simple Present for facts, things that are always true, habits, or to describe something.

    • Example: Mittens is the brave hero. (Description/fact in her story.)
    • Example: The aliens are really bad at math. (Description/fact in her story.)
    • Example: It needs a villain. (General truth about a story.)

    Structure: Subject + base verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it).

  3. Wh-Questions

    These questions use words like what, where, when, why, who, how. They ask for specific information.

    • Example: What are you talking about? (Asks for information about the topic.)
    • Example: How did you know? (Asks about the method or reason.)
    • Example: What about the characters? (Asks for information on a specific part.)

    Structure: Wh-word + auxiliary verb (do/does/did/be) + subject + main verb?

  4. “To be going to” (for future intention)

    This structure is used to talk about plans or intentions for the future, or to make predictions based on current evidence.

    • Example: I am going to be a famous author. (Alice’s intention/plan.)
    • Example: She is going to write a novel. (Her plan.)

    Structure: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the box.

plot twist, famous, title, hero, good luck, writing, genre

  1. Alice wants to be a ______ author.
  2. She is ______ a novel about a cat.
  3. The book’s ______ is “Mittens and the Cosmic Can of Love”.
  4. Mittens is the brave ______.
  5. What ______ is the book? Sci-fi rom-com!
  6. The story needs an exciting ______.
  7. “You can do it!” Bob said. “______!”

Exercise 2: Match the Phrases

Match the key phrase on the left with its meaning on the right.

Key Phrase Meaning
1. Guess what? a. I am very excited to read it.
2. That’s ambitious. b. Asking for the name of the book.
3. What about the characters? c. An unexpected change in the story.
4. Do you have a title yet? d. A goal or plan that is very big and difficult.
5. I can’t wait to read it. e. Used to share exciting news.
6. Plot twist f. Asking about the people/animals in the story.

Exercise 3: Make Sentences

Use “I am going to” to make sentences about your future plans.

  1. (write a story)
    • I am going to ____________________________.
  2. (learn English)
    • I am going to ____________________________.
  3. (read a book)
    • I am going to ____________________________.

Exercise 4: Answer the Questions

Based on the dialogue, answer the following questions.

  1. Who is Mittens?
  2. What kind of book does Alice want to write?
  3. Who is the villain in Alice’s story idea?
  4. What does Alice need before she finishes writing?

Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. famous
  2. writing
  3. title
  4. hero
  5. genre
  6. plot twist
  7. Good luck

Exercise 2: Match the Phrases

  1. e
  2. d
  3. f
  4. b
  5. a
  6. c

Exercise 3: Make Sentences

  1. I am going to write a story.
  2. I am going to learn English.
  3. I am going to read a book.

    4. (Answers may vary slightly but should follow the “I am going to + base verb” structure.)

Exercise 4: Answer the Questions

  1. Mittens is Alice’s cat and the hero of her story.
  2. She wants to write a sci-fi rom-com novel.
  3. The villain is a grumpy dog who hates cats.
  4. She needs more coffee and maybe a plot twist involving a talking hamster (and to write the plot).

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