7 Steps To Create Your Own I Survived Book

Crafting your own "I Survived" book, inspired by Lauren Tarshis' popular series, can be a rewarding and educational journey. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or an avid reader looking for a creative outlet, this guide will walk you through the process of building your own narrative of survival from a historical event or personal experience. Let's dive in:

Understanding the I Survived Series 🌍

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Before you start writing your own book, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the "I Survived" series. Each book features a young protagonist who must navigate through a dire historical crisis. Understanding the tone, structure, and themes will set a good foundation for your own creation.

Core Elements of the I Survived Series:

• Young Protagonist: The main character is typically a child or young teen, allowing readers to connect with the story on a personal level.
• Historical Events: Each book is tied to a real historical disaster or crisis, such as the sinking of the Titanic or the San Francisco Earthquake.
• Educational Value: The books blend factual information with fictional narrative to teach young readers about history.

Choosing Your Historical or Personal Survival Story 🗺️

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Select a historical event or personal experience that resonates with you or your audience. This could be anything from a major disaster like the Great Chicago Fire to something more personal like surviving a natural calamity in your region.

Tips for Choosing:

• Relevance: Ensure the event is relatable to your audience.
• Researchability: Look for events with plenty of documented evidence or personal accounts.
• Uniqueness: Choose an event that hasn't been overly covered in the "I Survived" series to offer a fresh perspective.

Researching the Event 📚

Once you've selected your story's setting, extensive research is crucial. Here's how you can approach it:

• Primary Sources: Letters, diaries, photographs, newspapers from the time.
• Secondary Sources: Books, articles, documentaries, and historical fiction that can give you broader insights or perspectives.

Here’s a sample table for organizing your research:

| Source Type | Example | Notes |
|-------------|---------|-------|
| Primary | Diary entries | Look for emotional accounts for authenticity. |
| Secondary | Historical Books | Use these to understand the broader context. |
| Visual Media | Photographs | Visual cues can help describe settings. |
| Academic Journals | "Journal of Historical Studies" | Provides a scholarly perspective on events. |

Crafting Your Characters 🎭

The Protagonist:

• Background: Give your character a backstory that makes them relatable.
• Skills or Traits: What will help your character survive? Bravery, cleverness, or perhaps a unique skill?
• Emotional Journey: Show how the event changes or affects the protagonist.

Supporting Characters:

• Family: Perhaps a young sibling or an elderly grandparent who adds depth.
• Antagonist: Not necessarily a villain, but someone or something that challenges the protagonist.

Setting the Scene 🏞️

Your setting must come alive to immerse the reader in the time and place of the event. Use sensory details:

• Visual: Describe the landscape, the destruction, the remnants of civilization.
• Auditory: Sounds of chaos, cries for help, the unsettling quiet after a disaster.
• Olfactory: The smell of burning, damp wood, or polluted air.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: Overdoing sensory details can overwhelm the reader, so balance is key.</p>

Plot Development 📝

Introduction:

• Introduce the world before the disaster, establishing normalcy.

Catalyst:

• The event that kicks off the survival story.

The Struggle:

• Challenges and obstacles the protagonist faces.

The Resolution:

• How the protagonist overcomes or learns to live with the aftermath.

Writing with Educational Value 📖

• Integrate Facts: Slip in historical facts naturally within the narrative.
• Learning Through Story: Use the survival tale to teach about resilience, community, and historical understanding.

Polishing Your Manuscript ✍️

Editing for Authenticity:

• Ensure your depiction of the historical event is as accurate as possible.

Voice and Style:

• Adopt a style that matches the "I Survived" series while allowing your unique voice to shine.

Final Touches:

• Proofread for grammar, consistency, and ensure that every element contributes to the story.

Here’s a step-by-step checklist for editing:

- [ ] Ensure historical accuracy
- [ ] Edit for clarity and coherence
- [ ] Check for unnecessary repetition
- [ ] Proofread for grammatical errors
- [ ] Verify that characters’ actions and emotions align with the plot

Publication and Sharing 📘

Traditional Publishing:

• Research publishers interested in children's historical fiction.

Self-Publishing:

• Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing can be excellent for reaching an audience.

Education and Community:

• Consider donating copies to schools or community centers, especially if your story resonates with local history.

Now that you've followed these steps, you're well on your way to crafting an engaging and educational "I Survived" book. Your creation not only entertains but also teaches, leaving a lasting impression on readers and connecting them with the rich tapestry of history through the eyes of the young survivors.

Key Takeaways:

• Delve deep into the essence of the "I Survived" series for inspiration.
• Thoroughly research your chosen event to provide an authentic backdrop.
• Develop characters that readers can root for, with growth arcs and emotional depth.
• Use the setting to evoke a sense of place and time, engaging the reader's senses.
• Balance the educational aspect with an engrossing narrative.
• Edit meticulously, ensuring every detail supports the story.
• Consider various publication options to share your story with the world.

By creating your own "I Survived" book, you're not only telling a story but also making history accessible and relatable for new generations. Happy writing!

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I write about a personal experience rather than a historical event?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, personal experiences can be very impactful, especially if they offer a unique survival story.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I keep my book appropriate for children?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Keep the narrative hopeful, use age-appropriate language, and focus on lessons of resilience and community.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if the historical event I choose is already in the series?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Offering a fresh perspective or focusing on a different aspect of the same event can still provide unique content.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I ensure historical accuracy?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Conduct thorough research, use fact-checking, and maybe consult with a historian or expert on the subject.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I publish my book online without formal publishing?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Platforms like Wattpad or personal blogs can be used to share your story with a global audience.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>