Storybird #4: Types of writing formats to use with Storybird

Storybird is my favourite, free, story writing application on the web www.storybird.com. I use it with my classes all the time, and I love all its offerings. In this post I want to outline the types of formats you can use in Storybird.

1. Create picture books

Picture books are "multi-page books with high visual content and a low word count. As their name suggests, they're ideal for writers looking to make short visual stories and younger students who are flexing their storytelling chops. Readers will find picture books work beautifully on their tablets and laptops, but you'll have to squint a bit to read them on your phone." https://goo.gl/tUHYLR

Here is a video showing how to make a Picture Book.

2. Create longform books

Longform books are "multi-chapter stories with high word counts and not as many pictures. They're ideal for amateur and professional writers looking to engage readers through serialized chapters and mature students looking to master their narrative skills. For readers, longform stories can be easily be read on your phone and you're notified when new chapters are published." https://goo.gl/tUHYLR 

"Chapters are individual Longform 'books'. Once you finish writing them, you can join them together. 

• When the first chapter of a Longform book is published there is a link underneath to begin the next chapter, and this joins the books together automatically.
• If you haven't published the first chapter yet you can still write the next chapter and join them later.
• You can use a different artist for each chapter for the interior art, but they will all share the cover image of Chapter 1.
• When you're on your 'your stuff' screen you can join different chapters together into the same book. They will both need to be published before you can join them. 
• Find the second chapter of your longform book, and click on the gear icon just below the cover, and choose 'edit details'. Once you're on the edit details screen, choose the 'part of an existing book' option and then choose the 'first chapter' book from the list. Click on 'publish' at the bottom, and ta-da! - Chapter 2 has been added to your book." https://goo.gl/R9LTEz 

Here is a video showing how to make a Longform book:

So, if you want your class to write novelettes, Storybird's Longform format is the way to go.

3. Create poems

"Making poems on Storybird is super easy and fun.

• On the art page tap the "Use this Art..." button and select "For Poetry" and the artwork will load into the editor.
• In the editor, drag words onto the art page to create your poem. 
• Use the Refresh button in the bottom-right corner (or the top-right if you're using an iPhone) to refresh/change the words or the art.
• Use the Menu in the bottom-left corner to Publish your poem or leave the app (and discard the poem). Note that, unlike stories, you can't "Save and Close" and edit the poem later. 
• Poems appear on your profile and in your Subscribers' feeds immediately. And, if you add tags to them, they appear in tag collections too. "
  https://goo.gl/4gwssG 

If you haven't yet signed up any of your classes to Storybird, head over to www.storybird.com today and join. Your students will love this application.