The answer is to practise. Just write lots of stories.

So here are some story starters. Finish the stories then read them to your friends and see if they think they are interesting or exciting or funny. You can write several different stories using one beginning. Don't be afraid to change any names you don't like.

It's up to you and your imagination!

1 In my grandmother's house, the door at the top of the stairs was always locked. Until I was ten, I never dared to go near it. But on my tenth birthday, I suddenly became brave and I decided to look for the key.

2 'If you really want something,' said Mum, 'one day your wish will come true.' So Alex decided to put it to the test.

3 Three dogs lived in Green Lane - Rufty, Tufty and Ben. They usually met every morning in the park for a walk and a chat. But one morning, Ben didn't arrive so Rufty and Tufty went to number 1 Green Lane to find out what had happened to him.

4 The competition was to be held on Saturday - most people at school thought I would win. No problem. But on Friday, the worst thing happened.

5 The dragon had lived happily in the wood for years but someone was stealing his sausages. Someone was taking his favourite chocolate cake. Could it be one of the village children? Or was one of the knights from the palace? Or maybe even the Princess Peapod? He had to find out.

6 My dad was always making machines - like a baby rocking machine or an egg boiling machine - but they never worked. His shed was full of them. But one day, when I was messing about in there, I found one that looked very interesting. I started to fiddle about with it. I added a screw here and a wheel there and then,,, You'll never guess what happened!

7 Long ago when London was no bigger than an ordinary town, the most terrible thing happened. A spark from a baker's oven started a fire. A boy was sleeping in the house next door and he smelled the smoke at once.

8 The island was small and we found that we could walk round it in less than an hour. There were trees at the far side with wonderful fruits. We were safe and we had food. That was lucky.

9 Kaz never thought there could be such a thing as a magic stone. But when she found one in the garden and held it in her hands, there was no doubt about it. It sparkled. It fizzed. This was the most exciting day of her life and she couldn't wait to try it out.

10 There was a full moon when the rocket landed on the common and I saw everything. I saw the door open and I saw those strange creatures slide out. I couldn't decide what to do. Should I stay or should I run?