November: National Novel Writing Month & National Family Week| Creativity, Family & Stories: A Weekend to Remember

November: National Novel Writing Month & National Family Week

Creativity, Family & Stories: A Weekend to Remember

TINA KHATRI

As National Novel Writing Month and National Family Week draw to a close, let imagination bloom and hands create.
Roll dough into tender ravioli, fold paper into a proud rooster, and fill blank pages with daring tales.
In the kitchen, at the craft table, or with pen in hand, joy and adventure await — where family, creativity, and stories intertwine.

 

Homemade Ravioli

Ingredients

·         1 cup flour

·         1 egg

·         ½ cup filling (cheese, spinach, or mashed veggies)

·         Pinch of salt

·         Optional: water, olive oil

Instructions

1.     Mix flour, egg, and salt to make a smooth dough.

2.     Knead dough 5–7 minutes and let rest 15–20 minutes.

3.     Roll dough into a thin rectangle.

4.     Place small teaspoons of filling evenly on the dough.

5.     Brush around filling with water and cover with another sheet of dough.

6.     Press around filling to seal and cut into squares or fun shapes.

7.     Boil ravioli in salted water 3–5 minutes until they float.

8.     Drain and top with cherry tomatoes, butter, or cheese.

 

Origami Rooster – Quick Steps

Materials:

·         One square sheet of paper (color side down).

Instructions:

1.     Fold square diagonally to make a triangle.

2.     Bring bottom corners up to form a diamond/kite shape.

3.     Fold in half lengthwise.

4.     Squash fold top flap.

5.     Repeat on back; use inside-reverse fold for legs/feet.

6.     Fold top corner back for comb.

7.     Inside-reverse fold tip to make beak.

8.     Adjust folds for final shape (head, tail, wings, feet).

 

The Plot Puzzle

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with your own ideas. Be creative with characters, settings, conflicts, and plot twists. Once complete, expand your story into a full chapter!

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Title: The Secret of (1) ___________________________

(2) _____________________ had always been (3) _____________________, but nothing prepared them for the day they discovered (4) _____________________.

At first, (2) _____________________ tried to (5) _____________________, but (6) _____________________ forced them to (7) _____________________.

In the heart of (8) _____________________, they met (9) _____________________, a mysterious (10) _____________________ who promised to (11) _____________________.

But there was a catch: (12) _____________________. If (13) _____________________ failed, then (14) _____________________ would happen.

Determined, (2) _____________________ used (15) _____________________ and (16) _____________________ to overcome the first obstacle: (17) _____________________.

But just when it seemed safe, (18) _____________________ appeared, revealing (19) _____________________.

With courage, cunning, and (20) _____________________, (2) _____________________ finally faced (21) _____________________. In that moment, they realized that (22) _____________________ was the key to everything — and that the greatest adventure is (23) _____________________.

The End.

Answer Key

1.     Mysterious location, artifact, or secret 2. Protagonist name 3. Character trait or ordinary routine 4. Unexpected discovery / event 5. Initial reaction / attempt 6. Opposing force / conflict 7. Alternative action / decision 8. Critical setting (forest, city, castle, etc.) 9. Supporting or strange character 10. Role / species / profession of that character 11. Promise, offer, or clue 12. High-stakes condition or rule 13. Person or protagonist who might fail 14. Consequence if the challenge fails 15. Skill, tool, or talent 16. Another skill, tool, or ally 17. First major obstacle 18. Twist or surprise antagonist 19. Secret or revelation 20. Special quality, magic, or strategy 21. Final antagonist or challenge 22. Key lesson, object, or realization 23. Moral, personal growth, or ultimate adventure