How Writers Studio Teachers Improved My Stories: Building Scenes and not Summaries

Writing has always been a passion of mine, whether it’s in the inspiring halls of Writers Studio, during my primary school days, or simply as a hobby. There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with crafting something uniquely creative from my imagination.

Despite my near-flawless grammar and spelling, I often find myself yearning for better grades. I wonder how I can elevate my writing with rich, vivid descriptions—something my primary school teacher often stressed as a key factor in scoring well in the PSLE exams. With those exams looming, the pressure to excel mounts.

Thankfully, at Writers Studio School of English, I’m blessed with an exceptional teacher who imparted invaluable wisdom. During my time at Writers Studio, I had the opportunity to submit a draft for critique by my teacher, Ms Goh. I was pleasantly surprised when she went the extra mile to evaluate my writing after our lessons, a gesture that I find commendable considering that most tutors charge by the hour. She guided me to approach creative writing with a series of strategic thoughts that I believe every student can benefit from.

1. Significance of Multiple Challenges

One of the most impactful lessons was to not just give my main character one problem, but to introduce multiple challenges. This not only adds complexity to the plot but also provides ample opportunities to enrich the narrative with descriptive language, using adjectives, similes, and metaphors to paint a vivid picture for the reader. It’s these elements that truly bring a story to life and captivate the reader’s imagination.

2. Leveraging Tension and Conflict for Impact

Moreover, increasing tension or introducing conflicts in scenes allows for engaging dialogues that further enhance the vividness of the narrative. Creative writing, akin to a beautifully crafted painting, relies on these nuanced details to captivate its audience. A plot devoid of vividness is akin to a lacklustre painting—one that fails to leave a lasting impression.

Despite my desire to pursue another field, deep in my heart, I have an inner fire to also pursue my passion as a published writer with a book that could inspire, excite, and encourage. A book that will resonate with young adults, harnessing the lessons I had gained through my writing classes at Writers Studio.

Kai Xian, an avid reader and keen student, graduated from the O levels with an A1 and is currently pursuing a degree in Singapore. His brother, Kaiyi, was a student of both Ms Goh and Teacher Diana, further fuelling their passion for writing and learning English.