Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) School, Wendouree teacher and author, Jodi Toering, is passionate about inspiring children to write creatively and has collaborated with fellow author, Sue Lawson, to publish a practical guide for teachers and students.

‘Titled ‘Inside Story’, the guide aims to introduce young writers to the different approaches to storytelling and help them gain the confidence to put pen to paper.

‘The idea came from a combination of hearing of the challenges experienced by teachers and wanting to support them, as well as nurture young writers,’ Jodi and Sue said.

‘We wanted to create an accessible, fun, but most of all, practical guide.’

Jodi says in a ‘nutshell’, a story has a complication and a resolution – a problem and a solution – made more interesting by the impact on the characters experiencing them.

‘The guide includes ideas for story starters, tips for creating characters, and setting the scene.

‘It begins simply with ‘making a start’ and goes on in more detail to components such as dialogue and description, along with revision and editing.

‘It is written in a style and language that directly addresses the reader, so they are itching to get started, whether as teacher or young writer.

‘The students at OLHC have certainly responded enthusiastically to the guide.’

Sue and Jodi hope ‘Inside Story’ will become a well-used resource by teachers in classrooms and young writers everywhere.

The two writers will discuss ‘Inside Story’ with an audience of teachers and students from today.