Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Who's Writing This? Writing for Self Discovery in 3rd Person POV

EQ: Who might we be as authors in the future? How can I write about my personality as a writer in 3rd person POV & Why? Creating a fictional projection of my success. Finding our author's voice.

This morning please complete the instructions given to you to create a quick sketch of yourself as an author in 10, 20, 30, or more years in the future. Take about 5 minutes to quickly sketch yourself or your self concept--your "author's" picture.

Then add words as instructed to the margins of your index card.

Jorge Luis Borges (Argentina's famous author) wrote a short story about himself as an author called "Borges and I" -- Let's take a look at this.

Other writers have borrowed the idea and wrote their own "Author and I" articles. Let's take a look at Edward Albee's together.
  • Get into small groups of 3-4 and read the other sample models.
  • With your group, annotate your articles, then...
  • Discuss with each other key ideas, literary devices you noticed, or ask examining questions of your choice for each article. Take 10 minutes to do this.
On the back of the index card, please write a narrative of your bio similar in style to the models we read in class. Take about 10-15 minutes to do that. We will share out at the end of the lesson.

In the lab: REVISE your bio, add or cut parts of it, and type it out for your portfolio. When you have a completed 2nd draft, please upload the bio to your blog for publication!

HOMEWORK: None.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Revision Project; Genre Writing

This morning, please take the first period to complete your revision project. Please attach old first drafts with your new drafts (new drafts should go on top of the old ones).

In the lab (after your drafting): Please view the following videos (if you did not watch them last class):
A. Fantasy/Sci-fi: Creating Worlds & Tips for Writing Fantasy & Top Five Tips in Fantasy/Sci-fi
B. Writing Detective Fiction & How to Write a Mystery  & Thriller Crime Fiction #1 & Thriller Crime Fiction #2 & Episode 1: Writing Detective Fiction
C. Tips for Writing Romance & Writing Lovable Romance Heroes & How to Write Erotic Fiction & Romance Authors: About the Writing Process & How to Plot a Romance Novel/Story & Historical Fiction Advice
If you finish before the end of the period, please use this time to:

  • Read in your collection of short stories or the handout based on your genre (see homework).
  • You should take notes of important details (annotate, for example) as you read the handout article on your chosen genre.
  • Write on your blog about what you learned about writing for your genre and/or other topics

HOMEWORK: Please read the handout/article on your chosen genre and annotate or take notes on the article. Decide with your group what stories to read in your story collection.

ATTENTION: Detective Fiction/Mysteries: please read this story online as a model...
Dashiell Hammett's "Arson Plus"

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Revision Project

Please brainstorm plots, premises, and characters that would likely fall into your genre or style.
A. Characters: make a list of characters in your journal
B. Create premises for short story ideas. A premise is a 1-sentence description of the basic idea of your story.
C. Plot: create plot events for your story ideas. Include lists of plot events appropriate to your chosen genre.
If you complete the assignments before the end of today's class, please use the lab to write on your blog.

Fiction Videos for Groups: (please watch and learn!--feel free to take notes in your journal and/or write what you think/learn on your blog!)
A. Fantasy/Sci-fi: Creating Worlds & Tips for Writing Fantasy 
B. Writing Detective Fiction & How to Write a Mystery 
C. Tips for Writing Romance & Writing Lovable Romance Heroes 
D. Literary fiction versus commercial fiction & How to Write Fiction Stories 
E. Writing Historical Fiction tips & Memoir Writing
F. Don't Mistake Words for Writing & Bad Writers Have Nothing to Say (Tips for Screenwriters)
REVISION PROJECT

Grammar help:

How to format a narrative story in prose.
How to punctuate dialogue correctly.
Common misspelled words.
Its/It's and Their, There, They're
Too, to, two

If you need grammar help, take a look at these videos:
  

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Reading Groups; Fiction Advice

The Clues to a Great Story: Ted Talk with Andrew Stanton (author of John Carter of Mars, Wall-E & Toy Story)

Please get together in your reading groups and spend our next 20 minutes doing the following tasks:

1. Discuss the stories you were to have read for homework. Which stories in the collection did you rate high? Discuss the craft of these stories. What in your opinion helped make the story successful in your opinion? Does your opinion reflect the opinion of the other writers in your group? Are you being biased based on your reading interest or style (consider the genre of the stories you read, etc.) How do these stories fulfill the advice you learned from Andrew Stanton?

2. After discussing, please read the handout chapter together in your groups.

During the second half of class, please read one of the stories from the collection based on your genre.

For the remaining time...

Please brainstorm plots, premises, and characters that would likely fall into your genre or style.
A. Characters: make a list of characters in your journal
B. Create premises for short story ideas. A premise is a 1-sentence description of the basic idea of your story.
C. Plot: create plot events for your story ideas. Include lists of plot events appropriate to your chosen genre.
If you complete the assignments before the end of today's class, please use the lab to write on your blog.

Fiction Videos for Groups: (please watch and learn!--feel free to take notes in your journal and/or write what you think/learn on your blog!)
A. Fantasy/Sci-fi: Creating Worlds & Tips for Writing Fantasy 
B. Writing Detective Fiction & How to Write a Mystery 
C. Tips for Writing Romance & Writing Lovable Romance Heroes 
D. Literary fiction versus commercial fiction & How to Write Fiction Stories 
E. Writing Historical Fiction tips & Memoir Writing
F. Don't Mistake Words for WritingBad Writers Have Nothing to Say (Tips for Screenwriters)
HOMEWORK: None. If you did not finish reading the handouts, completing the journal exercises, or watching the videos, please complete for homework. Learn. 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Brochure; Reading/Writing Group Project

Please use period 3 to complete your brochures. Refresh your memory about the expectations of a particular genre. What do readers expect from this kind of genre? 

If you are done with your brochure, you have free time, but please do not bother students who are not done with their work. During 4th period, please go to our classroom next door.

In the next room, please come together in the following groups:

ROMANCE/REALISTIC FICTION:
  • Serita
  • Yanira
  • Liana
  • Carina
  • Ellie
  • Dan'nae
SCI-FI/FANTASY/HISTORICAL FICTION:
  • Kyra
  • Alexander
  • Frank
  • Jocelyn
MYSTERY/THRILLERS:
  • Isiah
  • Tamaron
  • Karina
LITERARY FICTION/GENERAL FICTION:
  • Emily 
  • Samuel
  • Alexis
  • Azana
FANTASY/SCI-FI/REALISTIC FICTION/MEMOIR:
  • Sara
  • Isabella
  • Nasmere
In your group, talk to each other. Complete the questions on the group handout. Decide on a group name, and then read the article "Time Frames" by Nancy Lamb. Discuss this article. What advice does the author give to us as young writers? As you begin and complete your homework (see below), apply the wisdom in this article to the stories you are reading.

HOMEWORK: Read the short story packet assigned for your group. Rate each story on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being Wow! and 1 being Yuck! Be prepared to discuss these stories with your reading group on Monday

Monday, March 9, 2015

Brochure Project

Classroom Project/Tasks:
Please complete the brochure project today. Follow these instructions to do so.
  • Choose one of the genres in bold--check the subcategories so that you know what you're getting into:
    • General fiction: chick lit, domestic drama, sports, vampire lit, LGBT, humor, war, urban/black or minority literature, literary (melange)
    • Historical fiction: romance, detective thriller, adventure, family saga, drama, multi-volume, African-American/urban
    • Romance: paranormal, historical, regency, horror/gothic, LGBT, inspirational, contemporary, African-American/urban
    • Mysteries and Thrillers: detectives, cozy, Christian, noir, forensic, police procedural, courtroom/legal, LGBT, historical, thriller, ghost story/paranormal, horror, spy, action
    • Science Fiction: soft, hard, apocalypse, cyberpunk, feminist, comic/humor, first contact, colonization, military, time travel, steampunk, space opera, dystopian, speculative
    • Fantasy: heroic, Arthurian, dark, urban, alternate history, RPG, high, science fantasy, speculative, magical-realism, fable
    • Autobiography & Memoir: boot strap, political, family, celebrity, travel, survival, extraordinary lives, confession/conversion, spiritual memoir, writer's memoir, new journalism
    • Literary Fiction: any of the above, but with better writing quality, skill, and attention to craft 
    • Children's/Young Adult: any of the above, usually with more fantasy or realist elements 
  • Have you chosen a genre? If so, continue on. If not, stop. Go back and choose.
  • You will be expected to create a brochure for your chosen genre.
  • Take a look at the questions bulleted below. You will want to be able to answer these questions in your brochure.
  • In Microsoft Word, from the FILE menu, please select New From Template.
  • Choose BROCHURE as a template. Select one you like. Create only a 6 panel brochure (not an 8 panel one or half page). 
  • Create a brochure about your chosen genre by following the steps below. Be creative. Play around with design and how you present the information in a clear and creative way. You may use graphics and lists to provide answers to these questions:
1. Describe this genre. What is it?
2. Who is the target reader (a fantasist, a realist, a pragmatist, or what combination?)
3. What are some expectations a reader of this genre might expect?
4. What are some categories of this genre? AND what are the expectations a reader might expect from this genre?
5. Examples of some popular or famous books or films that fit this genre; and/or examples of authors who write in this type of genre.
Please sign up for your interest in a book group/writing workshop group as well.

HOMEWORK: None. 

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Short Story Project: Due! & Genre Brochure Project

Classroom Project/Tasks:
Please complete either or both of the following tasks today in the writing lab:
  • Complete your draft of your short story project. See previous posts for details.
  • Choose one of the genres in bold--check the subcategories so that you know what you're getting into:
    • General fiction: chick lit, domestic drama, sports, vampire lit, LGBT, humor, war, urban/black or minority literature, literary (melange)
    • Historical fiction: romance, detective thriller, adventure, family saga, drama, multi-volume, African-American/urban
    • Romance: paranormal, historical, regency, horror/gothic, LGBT, inspirational, contemporary, African-American/urban
    • Mysteries and Thrillers: detectives, cozy, Christian, noir, forensic, police procedural, courtroom/legal, LGBT, historical, thriller, ghost story/paranormal, horror, spy, action
    • Science Fiction: soft, hard, apocalypse, cyberpunk, feminist, comic/humor, first contact, colonization, military, time travel, steampunk, space opera, dystopian, speculative
    • Fantasy: heroic, Arthurian, dark, urban, alternate history, RPG, high, science fantasy, speculative, magical-realism, fable
    • Autobiography & Memoir: boot strap, political, family, celebrity, travel, survival, extraordinary lives, confession/conversion, spiritual memoir, writer's memoir, new journalism
    • Literary Fiction: any of the above, but with better writing quality, skill, and attention to craft 
    • Children's/Young Adult: any of the above, usually with more fantasy or realist elements 
  • Have you chosen a genre? If so, continue on. If not, stop. Go back and choose.
  • You will be expected to create a brochure for your chosen genre.
  • Take a look at the questions bulleted below. You will want to be able to answer these questions in your brochure.
  • In Microsoft Word, from the FILE menu, please select New From Template.
  • Choose BROCHURE as a template. Select one you like. Create only a 6 panel brochure (not an 8 panel one or half page). 
  • Create a brochure about your chosen genre by following the steps below. Be creative. Play around with design and how you present the information in a clear and creative way. You may use graphics and lists to provide answers to these questions:
1. Describe this genre. What is it?
2. Who is the target reader (a fantasist, a realist, a pragmatist, or what combination?)
3. What are some expectations a reader of this genre might expect?
4. What are some categories of this genre? AND what are the expectations a reader might expect from this genre?
5. Examples of some popular or famous books or films that fit this genre; and/or examples of authors who write in this type of genre.
Please turn in your story draft today.

HOMEWORK: None.

Geva's Playwriting Contest & Other Events

Geva's Young Writer's Showcase:

Submit up to 3 of your 10-minute play scripts (after you proofread them) to this link:
youngwriters@gevatheatre.org

Please include a title page with clear contact information:
Name
Address
Phone #
Email

In the post below, please make a comment if you have entered your play so you can get credit from me.

Upcoming Events:
  • March 19: period 2/3 - Master Class with Karen Thompson Walker, author of The Age of Miracles. Bring your journals and your imagination!
  • March 25-28: Playwrights' Festival:
    • March 25: Guest Writer's Panel on Writing for the Stage: 7:00 Black Box (free event)
    • March 26: Play script readings: Please submit play scripts you would like to see staged and/or read! 7:00 Black Box (free event)
    • March 27: 24-Hour Play Festival: if you are interested in acting, directing or writing, please let Ms. Gamzon or Mr. Craddock know.
    • March 28: 24-Hour Play Festival Performance: Black Box ($5 admission/fund raiser for our department--tickets available at the door)
  • Senior Coffeehouse: May 28 at 7:00

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Genre Brochure/Short Story Project

Classroom Project/Tasks:
Please complete either or both of the following tasks today in the writing lab:
  • Continue writing your short story project.
  • Choose one of the genres in bold--check the subcategories so that you know what you're getting into:
    • General fiction: chick lit, domestic drama, sports, vampire lit, LGBT, humor, war, urban/black or minority literature, literary (melange)
    • Historical fiction: romance, detective thriller, adventure, family saga, drama, multi-volume, African-American/urban
    • Romance: paranormal, historical, regency, horror/gothic, LGBT, inspirational, contemporary, African-American/urban
    • Mysteries and Thrillers: detectives, cozy, Christian, noir, forensic, police procedural, courtroom/legal, LGBT, historical, thriller, ghost story/paranormal, horror, spy, action
    • Science Fiction: soft, hard, apocalypse, cyberpunk, feminist, comic/humor, first contact, colonization, military, time travel, steampunk, space opera, dystopian, speculative
    • Fantasy: heroic, Arthurian, dark, urban, alternate history, RPG, high, science fantasy, speculative, magical-realism, fable
    • Autobiography & Memoir: boot strap, political, family, celebrity, travel, survival, extraordinary lives, confession/conversion, spiritual memoir, writer's memoir, new journalism
    • Literary Fiction: any of the above, but with better writing quality, skill, and attention to craft 
    • Children's/Young Adult: any of the above, usually with more fantasy or realist elements 
  • Have you chosen a genre? If so, continue on. If not, stop. Go back and choose.
  • You will be expected to create a brochure for your chosen genre.
  • Take a look at the questions bulleted below. You will want to be able to answer these questions in your brochure.
  • In Microsoft Word, from the FILE menu, please select New From Template.
  • Choose BROCHURE as a template. Select one you like. Create only a 6 panel brochure (not an 8 panel one or half page). 
  • Create a brochure about your chosen genre by following the steps below. Be creative. Play around with design and how you present the information in a clear and creative way. You may use graphics and lists to provide answers to these questions:
1. Describe this genre. What is it?
2. Who is the target reader (a fantasist, a realist, a pragmatist, or what combination?)
3. What are some expectations a reader of this genre might expect?
4. What are some categories of this genre? AND what are the expectations a reader might expect from this genre?
5. Examples of some popular or famous books or films that fit this genre; and/or examples of authors who write in this type of genre.
HOMEWORK: Complete your short story project for Wednesday, March 4 or Friday, March 6.

The Graveyard Book - Discussion Questions

  In your discussion groups, please answer 5 of the 10 discussion questions. Choose a member of your group to record your answers. Make sure...