Read “Kath and Mouse,” by Janet McNaughton.

Responding to the Story

• What does it mean to play “cat and mouse”? Give an example from a personal experience or from a movie, book, or TV show you have seen.
• In what way does Kath play a “cat and mouse” game with Helen?
• What pun has the author used in the title?
• Explain the significance of the character Christine. Why did the author bring her into the story?
• Revisit the definition of narrative conflict. Discuss how the author used the conflict between characters to create tension. Why is conflict an important element of a story? How does conflict create a tense, fast-paced story? Discuss the types of conflict that exist in other stories(novels) you have read recently.

Create a Sequel
What happens to Kath, Helen, and Kevin after the story ends? Continue the story. Be sure that the details and events you relate are consistent with the original story.

Here are a few suggestions to help you write your own short story sequel:
Developing an Idea

• Think about “Kath and Mouse.” What do you think the characters have learned in the story? Try to predict what they will do next.
• Develop a plot idea. Does Kath continue to bully others around her?
• List the characters that you want to include

Drafting

• Write an outline that describes the plot, setting, point of view, and main conflict. Will you tell the story from Kath’s or Helen’s point of view, or as an outsider looking in on the situation?
• Using your outline as a guide, write your story. Think about an exciting way to start. Grab your reader’s interest right at the start.
• What will the mood or tone of your story be – funny, serious, or realistic?
• Use dialogue between characters to move the plot along and to reveal character

Revising
Read your story, and ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the plot make sense? Is it interesting to the reader?
• Have you remained true to the original story?
• Are the characters’ actions believable?

Oh, and one more thing…
First, … look up the word “eclectic”. If you think you know what it means, identify example from the story of something “eclectic.” Include something eclectic in your sequel.

Second, … look through several quotes from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.” Include a direct or indirect reference to at least one quote from “The Art of War.”