It's a basic story map we use for writing stories. Granted, it's a bit formulaic, but it helps young writers to get out of that wide open space of imaginative ideas and tame them into a story that moves from one place to another. After identifying a star (main character) with a heart's desire, they can have the character do something about getting what they want (go on some sort of journey, take action). The character will run into difficulties (with all the drama of lightning strikes), as this what makes a story interesting, and eventually come upon a solution (the great light bulb or magical moment or new way of seeing) that brings them to a safe and secure ending.
As I am not a writer, it is hard to expect students to find quick success in writing fiction, but with a simple 8-frame storyboard to plan it out, students seem to make pretty good use of the pattern above. The writing is not meant to be elaborate or detailed, but it is meant to work as a satisfying story. Later, the skills of detailing can be added to their efforts, and voila - a tale is told!
