# How to Build a Story . . . Or, the Big What If - Hardcover

by **Frances O'Roark Dowell** (Author), **Stacy Ebert** (Illustrator)

**From bestselling author Frances O'Roark Dowell comes a fresh and accessible guide to storytelling that breaks down the sometimes-daunting writing process into straightforward, doable steps, just right for budding writers**

If you've written anything, ever, you're already a writer--so, congratulations As many aspiring authors know, though, telling an actual, complete _story_ is, well, a different story.

As unfinished drafts pile up and writers' block strikes, it may start to feel like there's a special formula to finishing a project that you're just not getting. But crafting a story isn't magic, if you have a little know-how And here it is--know-how In her witty, clever way, critically acclaimed author Frances O'Roark Dowell explains the storytelling process with simple, easy-to-understand steps. Follow along as she shares sample stories and identifies building blocks and obstacles to conquer--all hilariously illustrated, in a way that'll have you typing all the way to the end of your _own_ story.

In addition to writing many books including _Shooting the Moon_ and _Dovey Coe_, Frances O'Roark Dowell has over a decade's experience teaching writing workshops for kids. Ready, set, write

### Author Biography

Frances O'Roark Dowell is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of _Dovey Coe_, which won the Edgar Award and the William Allen White Award; _Where I'd Like to Be_; _The Secret Language of Girls_ and its sequels _The Kind of Friends We Used to Be_ and _The Sound of Your Voice, Only Really Far Away_; _Chicken Boy_; _Shooting the Moon_, which was awarded the Christopher Award; the Phineas L. MacGuire series; _Falling In_; _The Second Life of Abigail Walker_, which received three starred reviews; _Anybody Shining;_ _Ten Miles Past Normal_; _Trouble the Water_; the Sam the Man series; _The Class_; _How to Build a Story_; and most recently, _Hazard_. She lives with her family in Durham, North Carolina. Connect with Frances online at FrancesDowell.com.

Stacy Ebert is an illustrator and writer for children. She's been creating art since she was young and has worked as a graphic designer. She wrote for her college newspaper and _Her Voice_ magazine and penned a memoir before turning to picture book stories. If not illustrating, writing, telling, or reading a story--you might find her pressing dough, painting, teaching, or chalk labeling anything and everything. She creates on the prairie with her husband, three sons, one painted piano, and three coral peonies. Visit her online at StacyEbert.com.

**Number of Pages:** 128

**Dimensions:** 0.6 x 8.3 x 5.6 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** July 28, 2020

**Accelerated Reader:**

**Quiz Name:** How to Build a Story...Or, the Big What If

**Interest Level:** Middle Grades, 4-8

**Reading Level:** 5.7

**Point Value:** 3

## Details

- **Price:** 18.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 18.99 USD | In stock |

## Images

- How to Build a Story . . . Or, the Big What If - Hardcover

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