Creative Writing Rubric

Here's a glimpse of our creative writing rubric.

4 = Exemplary (A+)
3 = Accomplished (B - A)
2 = Promising (C+ - B-)
1 = Beginning (D - C)
0 = Missing

4 = Work is exemplary with no errors in formatting; grammar and punctuation is effective and accurate; sentence structure is artistic, relevant and creative--the piece flows and is thought provoking. Literary elements abound and are used artistically to create a desired effect. Work shows careful attention to detail and demonstrates artful skill. Work exceeds assigned task--author goes above and beyond requirements to create an artistic, creative piece. Work is original, thoughtful, and very creative (Student thinks outside the box.) Uses lab time effectively and efficiently, completing excellent work on time and moving on to other projects ahead of schedule. Keeps focus on writing and class assignments/projects.

3 = Writing is presentable, few or minor errors in formatting; few errors in grammar and punctuation occur, but the work is understandable and easily understood; sentence structure is varied and attempts to create an artistic style, although there may be gaps. Literary elements are used occasionally to some effect, but piece may not be as strong as exemplary models. Work shows attention to detail but not as much as exemplary models. Work achieves assigned task. Work is creative overall, but may have some gaps. Uses lab time to accomplish required tasks. Often keeps focus on writing and class assignments/projects.

2 = Writing is presentable, although some errors in formatting occur; while common errors in grammar and punctuation occur, the work is not unintelligible or overly difficult to understand. Sentence structure is appropriate, but not necessarily effective. Literary elements are unconsciously used or used but with little effect. Work shows some attention to detail, but work has some gaps. Work attempts to complete assigned task, but may fall short. Work is somewhat creative, but may be typical for age or level. Uses lab time somewhat. Sometimes keeps focus on writing and class assignments/projects.

1 = Writing is not presentable (not typed) or work is not formatted correctly. Many errors in grammar and punctuation occur that makes reading or comprehension difficult. Little understanding of sentence structure occurs. Work lacks literary devices (work is too abstract, cliche, undeveloped, etc.) Very little attention to detail, work seems hastily or quickly composed. Work is incomplete or fails to accomplish required task. Work lacks sensitivity to the creative impulse, relies too heavily on abstract and standard or ordinary thought, plot, characters, themes, settings, etc. Work implies skill level below grade level. Often needs to be prodded to work in the lab or is distracting to others. Rarelyi keeps focus on writing and class assignments/projects.

Horror Story draft due! Love That Dog

Today during 3rd period, please finish your horror story drafts. They are due by the end of 3rd period. Please print these out or send the file to the DROP BOX (not the workshop box) with your name clearly stated in the file name. Points will be taken off if you do not indicate your name on the file or you put your file in the wrong box.

Your draft should have the following:
A title.
Your name on the heading with the name of the assignment: "horror story draft"

At the first bell, please log out and retire to room a240 to continue reading "Love That Dog."

In preparation, please read these poems:

"The Tyger" by William Blake
"Love That Boy" by Walter Dean Myers
"The Pasture" by Robert Frost

Horror/Speech, Odds & Ends

During the first few minutes of class those of you who have not yet given your speeches will be asked to perform them. This is the last day we are delivering speeches, so please participate in order to get a passing grade. After the speeches, please continue to work on your horror stories.

If you are done with these things (and work has been turned in), you are free to work on personal projects or surf the internet for inspiration.

Here's a few links for AFTER you complete your horror stories:

On line games.

Online webcomics

Youtube videos

4th period: let's meet in room a240 for poetry stuff.

Coffeehouse Response!

Congratulations, Freshmen!

You have successfully completed a public performance. I hope you enjoyed the coffee house and will participate in future ones.

Part of our goal this year is for you to get to know your strengths and weaknesses by completing a myriad of assignments, projects, and performances. Self reflection is an important component to learning. As such, please post a comment on:

How you felt you did last night as a performance. If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently? What did you learn about public speaking by performing your writing last night? What suprised you about the performance? Who's performance did you particularly enjoy? Did you notice anything different between the Freshman performances and the other Creative Writing performances? What did your parents say or think about the performance?

(You may post your comment on this blog entry, if you'd like)

Done before 4th period? Please continue working on your horror stories. Aim to complete these drafts by Tuesday, Nov. 24.

4th period we will deliver more speeches in room a240. Those students who have not yet delivered their speeches, please prepare to peform them today.

Coffeehouse Rehearsal

Today, quickly print out a copy of the piece of writing you will be performing at the Coffeehouse tomorrow. To prepare, please mark your script with places you will stress, indicate pauses, indicate rate of speech or pacing, look for places to include gesture or vocal variety. Identify the emotion or tone of the piece. If this shifts, make note of this as well.

On stage, I will call you up in the order you will present tomorrow (alphabetical). On stage, please speak your name and the title of the piece. Then take a moment to collect yourself and perform.

Homework: None. Prepare for the Coffehouse: 6:45 Tuesday, Ensemble Theatre.

Coffeehouse Readings!

Today, please continue to write your horror stories during 3rd period. At some point today, if you can, please select a piece of your writing to read at the coffeehouse performance. 4th period, move to room a240 to deliver your speeches.

Q: What should I pick?
A: The performance is to show you off to the public. We like to celebrate the fact that you created something out of nothing, wrote down your ideas, and are furthering your education. As such, please pick a piece of work that you are PROUD of. Look over your work that you have done from September until now and pick a piece that you feel best represents you and your talent.

Q: Do I have to perform a poem?
A: No. Listening to 26 students peform the same type of poem is maddening. You can choose: Your Hitman Story, Your Questionnaire story, any of your Sudden Fiction short stories, your wordspill poem, your Pablo Neruda poem, your Elk's Club speech, your horror story (if finished), your Run, Lola, Run story, or any other assignment we asked you to write. You can even perform a piece of writing we did NOT ask you to write, provided that you are proud of it and want to perform it.

A helpful hint: please select only one piece to perform as a requirement. This should be your top choice. Then select 1-3 other pieces that you MIGHT want to perform. During our open-mic section, you are free to read an additional piece.

Q: So, I just go and read, is that it?
A: No. All performances need rehearsing. To help you prepare for the event, we will spend Monday (and possibly Tuesday) rehearsing for next Tuesday night (Nov. 17). To help prepare, make some decisions about your piece. What moods happen in the story, what rate of speaking is most appropriate, which words will you stress, where will you pause, when can you make direct eye-contact, etc.? Decide and then rehearse.

Q: What time do I have to be there?
A: 6:45. It is sometimes helpful to get to a performance a few minutes before you have to perform so that you can get yourself ready. The Ensemble Theatre will be open at 6:30 for you to prepare.

Q: How long is the performance? Can I leave after I read?
A: The performance lasts about an hour and a half (depending on how many readers read during the open-mic portion of the evening). Please plan on staying for the entire performance. It is rude to leave after you've read. Refreshments are served after the performance. Please join us for those.

Horror Writing/Speech Giving

3rd period, please use your storyboard and journal notes to create a "horror" short story.

Some tips to help you:
1. All good stories (horror or otherwise--it doesn't matter which genre) are based on interesting, well-drawn characters doing something "important" (at least in their eyes). Make sure you have an idea as to who your character IS--before you write. Give your character a name, an occupation, a goal or motivation, etc. Review the articles I gave you in class to help flesh out your character before you rip up the flesh of your character.
2. Horror stories are much more about what we DON'T see. Do not reveal the surprise or twist ending until...well, the ending. The most common error young horror writers make is that they reveal the "shocker" or "monster" too early. Leave clues and details. Let your reader know your characters are in for a dangerous ride, before the climactic battle between monster and protagonist. Save this for the last paragraph or two of your short story (or chapter, if you are writing a horror novel).
3. Remember to use imagery. To use imagery you will need to use some of these techniques: similes, metaphors, symbols, description of smells and touch, description of heat and temperature (or lack thereof).
4. Create a "unity of effect" as Edgar Allan Poe says. All your details should word together toward a mood-setting goal. After all, mood is created by details--and details in ANY story (horror or otherwise) is very important.
5. Have fun. A story that YOU, as the writer, get into--the more enjoyable for the audience/reader.

4th period, we will be delivering speeches. Please log off from your station at the first ring. By the second bell, you should be in room A240 and ready to deliver your speech. Have your cards ready.

Horror Writing/Rehearsal - Speech

Well written characters are essential in fiction and particularly horror writing. In the article "Such Horrible People" the author gives good advice about writing about a well designed character. Whether we borrow from life, use a picture file, or create a character sketch, the author is responsible for designing interesting characters. You should have your protagonist first, before you worry about plot. Plot is simply the sequence of events. Some horror writers suggest that you work backwards from your "horrible idea".

Please follow directions in class to prepare for your horror writing story.

At the end of 3rd period, we will "rehearse" your speeches. This time, while working with your partner, slow down, make decisions and choices about how to perform your speech. Memorize single lines so that you can make eye contact during your delivery. Decide on a gesture and think about body position when delivering your speech.

4th period - move to room 240. We will begin delivering speeches.

Homework: Please read the article: "Darkening the Mood." Apply this advice to your horror story. Please finish your reading of Thief of Always and Nightmares and Dreamscapes.

Speech Rehearsal - Horror Writing

During period 3 (20 minutes): please gather in groups of 2 or 3. Using your prepared speech cards, peform your speech for your "audience". Get the feedback from your peer(s) on performance skills: are you speaking too fast, is the speech understandable, does the speech hook the listener, can the speaker make appropriate eye contact, what body position, gesture or facial expressions might best convey meaning, etc.

After "rehearsal" we are going to brainstorm some ideas for a horror story. With your group of 1 or 2, spend about 5 minutes coming up with things that scare or worry you as a human being. Make a list in your journal.

After you have a list, pick one fear that you would like to focus on in a story.

Await further instructions in class.

Homework: Please read the articles we don't finish in class. Please finish reading The Thief of Always or Stephen King's Nightmares and Dreamscapes. You should completely finish by the end of this week.