Bring a powerful contemporary author into your classroom and show pupils how real stories can spark unforgettable fiction.

In this episode of Author In Your Classroom, bestselling author Phil Earle (When the Sky Falls) explains how one small, true story can grow into a gripping novel. Inspired by a family anecdote from World War II, Phil explores how asking simple ‘What if…?’ questions helped him shape characters, tension and atmosphere.

This teaching sequence helps pupils understand where story ideas come from and shows them how to transform real-life anecdotes into compelling fiction. It supports children in developing ideas, crafting atmosphere and making deliberate vocabulary choices to show emotion and action, rather than simply telling the reader what is happening.

Short extracts from the podcast are suggested throughout the unit to introduce each stage of learning. These are optional but highly effective, helping pupils connect classroom writing with the decisions made by a professional author.

Resource pack contents

This free classroom pack supports a complete fiction-writing unit and includes:

• A ready-to-use PowerPoint
• An extract from When the Sky Falls
• Planning sheets for developing ideas, characters and plot
• Working wall images and quotes
• Themed writing paper

Teaching overview

Across five sessions, pupils will:

• Explore where stories come from: Share stories they have heard from friends or family and identify ideas that could become the seed of a story.
• Ask ‘What if…?’ questions: Develop story ideas by exploring alternative possibilities and imagining how events might unfold differently.
• Study atmosphere and character: Analyse how Phil Earle uses precise vocabulary, sensory detail and action to build tension and reveal character.
• Plan and write a story: Use a real-life inspiration and ‘What if…?’ questions to plan and write an original story, experimenting with story openings.
• Edit and improve writing: Add extra ‘layers’ to drafts by refining description, emotion and historical detail.

The unit also includes opportunities for oral storytelling, editing and reflection, helping pupils build confidence as thoughtful, independent writers.

How to listen

Search for Author In Your Classroom wherever you get your podcasts. A free resources pack is available with every episode.

Subscribe to hear more brilliant children’s authors share writing advice that helps pupils write with confidence, purpose and imagination.

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