Myth writing planner

Myths & Masks Quest 2013Story PlannerName _________________________________________________________________________________What is a myth?A myth is a made-up story that explains the existence of a natural phenomenon(happening) in a creative way — such as where thunder comes from, why snow fallsfrom the sky or why the possums’ tail has no hair. Before humans found scientificexplanations for things, they tried to understand them by telling stories. Myths arepopular even when people know the actual reasons for natural phenomena.Myths often include gods and goddesses and other supernatural characters that havethe power to make extraordinary things happen.Before starting your myth, complete the following:1. Brainstorm a list of natural phenomenon (features and occurrences of our world)Weather/Earth:Volcanic eruptionLighteningTsunamisStars in the skyAnimals:Giraffe’s long neckZebra stripesHuman features:Different heightsColors of hair/eyesFingersOther:

2. Look over your lists and circle the one that you would most like to write about. Writedown what you know about that natural phenomenon and create a list of important ideasand words related to your choice. You will want to learn more about it before you startyour story. Think of yourself as a reporter, just include the facts.3. Include strong describing words for the important ideas and words above. For example:If you included the word “sand” in your list of important ideas, you would want to liststrong words that describe or may be related to sand – grain, granule, gravel, powder,gritty, pulverize, sifting. Think about the images behind these words. These images canhelp you build your myth.

4. Look at your word list and think about “WHAT IF?” Try this for several, or even all, ofyour words. Use your imagination to picture in your mind what the world might be like ifit did not happen or exist. What could have caused this to occur? Use one of yourimaginary ideas to create your story that explains why the natural phenomenon exists.Use the box below to outline your myth:Describe your main character: (include looks, abilities, personality, strengths, weaknesses).How does the myth (story) start? (What was the world like before the phenomenon/occurrence happened)How do the characters know each other?Where is the story taking place?What is the conflict/problem that needs to be solved or resolved? (this is what leads to the phenomenon) Whathappens to the characters along the way? (This is the main part of your plot)How is the problem resolved (this is what causes the phenomenon to occur)?

Create a time line of your myth. What happens first, second, etc. Be sure to have each part ofthe story make sense based on what happened before. Remember the reader needs everythingexplained to them along the way.1.2.