Search results

Listed under:  Language  >  Language modes  >  Creating texts
Video

How to Build Stories, Ch 5: Using language to flavour your story

Language is like the flavour of a story. It helps relate your imagination to readers in a way they'll understand. But you have to add the right flavours; otherwise your story will be like a bad meal. Learn how to write what you want your readers to imagine and feel.

Video

Andy Griffiths' tips for starting your story

Get some tips from Andy Griffiths on what to think about when you start to write a story. What does he say about plot? Why not take Andy's advice and start a story by thinking about something that has happened to you and then exaggerate it somehow. Concentrate on writing a short, dramatic moment by using lots of detail ...

Video

Can We Help?: Can seahorse dads really have babies?

Peter Rowsthorn visits Melbourne Aquarium to answer the question 'Do male seahorses give birth to their young?' Discover the answer as a marine expert describes Syngnathids, a unique family of fish. Learn what makes the seahorse and the sea dragon so unusual in the marine animal world.

Video

The Navigators: Shipwrecked off 'New Holland'

Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders are ready to take their maps and discoveries home. They have been exploring the coasts of 'New Holland' for many months. Both men suffer tragedy on their return voyages. Watch this clip to find out what happens to them.

Video

Differences between writing a picture book and a novel

As a writer, what are some of the things you have to consider when writing a picture book as opposed to a novel? Think of the differences in format, layout and work processes. Why does Lili Wilkinson think it is harder, in some ways, to write a picture book? What makes it easier in other ways?

Video

The Navigators: Confrontation on King Island

Governor King is commander of the British settlement in Port Jackson (now Sydney). He suspects French explorer Nicolas Baudin of planning to claim a French colony in 'New Holland'. King sends a ship to race Baudin to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). Watch this clip to find out what happens next.

Video

The Navigators: Baudin arrives at Ile de France

Discover a surprise that waits for Nicolas Baudin on his voyage to explore 'New Holland'. Baudin visits Ile de France (Island of France), a French colony in the Indian Ocean. Baudin and his crew are desperate for rest and fresh supplies here. Imagine their distress when they find trouble instead.

Video

Creating characters with Sally Rippin

Listen as Sally Rippin talks about how her characters come to life. What does she say about the link between the writer and the characters they create? Why does she say that imagination is like a muscle?

Video

Planning and writing

How do you write? Do you get an idea and jump right in and start writing, or do you plan and think about your idea before you start? Everyone has their own writing style that works for them. Watch Lili Wilkinson talk about how she writes, and the importance of editing and being flexible with your original plan.

Video

How to Build Stories, Ch 6: Giving your story a heart

Emotions help create connections with your audience. So filling your stories with your hopes, dreams and fears can make your stories more relatable and memorable for your readers. Find out more with this fantastic video!

Video

Reading with Rebecca Lim

Watch this clip to find out what author Rebecca Lim liked to read when she was younger. How have these early interests influenced her writing as an adult? Do you get creative inspiration from books you read? What advice does Rebecca give to people who want to be writers?

Video

What's With Poetry?, Ch 3: Rhythm and metre

Have you ever had a song or a jingle that got stuck in your head? This can happen because of the rhythm in the song or the jingle. Rhythm helps us to remember a song, jingle or poem by reminding us of other songs, jingles or poems with the same rhythm. Once you get a rhythm stuck in your head it can be very difficult to ...

Video

ABC News: Insects - food of the future?

Did you know that one-third of the world's population consumes edible insects? Although insects are known to be a good source of protein, some people may need more convincing. In this clip, hear from a professor who has recently written a cookbook to help people get the most out of bugs!

Video

BTN: Daily bread

Do you eat bread? How often? Discover why bread has been important for human survival for thousands of years. Find out how to find the healthiest types of bread to eat. See how you can make your own bread at home.

Video

The Navigators: Cape of Good Hope

How would you like to be sailing in a leaking boat over rough seas, far from home? As explorer Matthew Flinders makes the long voyage to 'New Holland', his ship begins leaking water. This short clip describes the poor state of Flinders's ship, 'The Investigator'. The crew must stop and make repairs at the Cape of Good Hope.

Video

How to Build Stories, Ch 2: Creating characters for your story

Great characters help us fall in love with stories. Characters need to keep readers excited, but they also need to think and feel in ways we can all understand, and they need to remind us of people in our own lives. Follow these fantastic tips to create interesting, relatable characters!

Video

Rebecca Lim and her writing process

How long does it take to write a YA book? Rebecca Lim fills us in and explains the role reading plays in the writing of her books. Why does she say that having an editor is important? Try challenging yourself to write a story in 100 words.

Video

Writing drafts with Sally Rippin

Listen as Sally Rippin describes how her reading feeds into her writing. Why does she sometimes stop reading when she's in the early stages of writing a new story? Do you write a few drafts of your stories before you get to your final version? What does Sally say about the first draft of a story?

Video

What's With Poetry?, Ch 6: Why do we create poetry?

There are many reasons why you might write poetry. Maybe it's because you saw something beautiful and you want to share that feeling with others. Or maybe something funny happened to you on your way to school and you want to remember it. You don't have to be a creative genius to write poetry and you don't have to have the ...

Video

Sculpting ideas into stories with Andy Griffiths

Watch this clip to learn how Andy Griffiths turns his ideas into stories. In particular, listen to the way Andy describes how his collaboration with illustrator Terry Denton works. Now team up with a friend or family member and take on the roles of author and illustrator. What ideas can you come up with by working together? ...