Problem: Article: Your reader doesn't need to read about every event that lead to the problem your character is dealing with. They only want to see a snapshot of your character's life. Pick an inciting incident that gets the reader into the plot quickly. This will help you ensure your story doesn't move too slowly. For example, starting with Esther walking to the hospital is a better place to start than when she enrolled in medical school. However, it might be even better to start when she arrives at the hospital. Dialogue breaks up your paragraphs, which helps your reader's eyes move down the page. Additionally, dialogue lets you present what your characters are thinking in their own words without having to include a lot of internal monologue. Use dialogue throughout your story to convey your character's thoughts. However, make sure each piece of dialogue is driving the plot. For example, this piece of dialogue shows us that Esther is frustrated: "But I'm the top student in my class," Esther pleaded. "Why should they get to examine patients but not me?" It's hard to do mean things to your characters, but your story will be boring if you don't. Give your characters obstacles or hardships that keep them away from what they want. That way, you'll have something to resolve in order for them to reach their desires. For example, Esther being denied entry to the hospital as a doctor is a horrible experience for her. Similarly, being grabbed by security would be frightening. Use the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste to bring your reader into the story. Make your setting more dynamic by showing your reader what sounds they would hear, the smells they would notice, and the sensations they'd feel. This will make your story more engaging. For example, Esther could react to the smell of the hospital or the sound of beeping machines. Try to make your readers feel what your character is feeling. Do this by connecting what your character is going through to something universal. The emotions will draw readers into your story. For instance, Esther has worked really hard for something only to be denied it based on a technicality. Most people have experienced a failure like this before.
Summary: Begin your story as close to the end as you can. Incorporate dialogue that reveals something about your characters. Build tension by having bad things happen to your characters. Stimulate the 5 senses by including sensual details. Use emotion to help the reader relate to your story.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Set a colander in the sink and put the sauteed vegetables into it. Leave the vegetables to sit for 5 minutes so any liquid left in the vegetables drains into the sink.

SUMMARY: Drain the vegetables in a colander for 5 minutes.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: It is important to discuss feelings with your toddler. Through your discussion of how they feel, they begin to learn words associated with those feelings and can later use those words to talk out their feelings. This will help them transition to talking about feelings instead of acting out their frustrations. You might say something like "I know you are sad that it is bedtime, but we can play with your toys again tomorrow." It is important to observe how your children play and act out to understand their feelings. By watching and understanding your toddler's feelings you can more effectively discuss them. You can also teach your toddler to express their feelings in more socially constructive ways. If your toddler is angry, you might say something like "I know that you are upset that the candy is gone, but you cannot hit people. Instead, you can show us you are upset by taking a deep breath and just telling us you are upset." Toddlers need to understand what is expected of them. They will naturally push the boundaries, but if you set firm limits and give explanations for those limits, most toddlers will begin to respect the rules. This gives them the structure and boundaries they need to feel secure. Emphasize the positive aspects of rules with your toddler. For example, explain that the your child must get enough sleep tonight so that he or she can have more fun tomorrow. Babies do not interact very well with each other, but once children start to reach the toddler phase, they begin to socialize a bit with other kids. Encourage your toddler to make friends, and teach him or her how to do things like introduce him or herself. This is one of the early milestones in socializing your child. Do not be surprised if your toddler plays more "beside" the other children than they play "with" the other children. Parallel play is common in this stage.
Summary:
Teach your toddler about feelings. Observe your toddler's feelings. Discuss limits with your toddler. Encourage your toddler to make friends.