Since we didn't get a chance to introduce each other yet (and there is another class using the room next door 3rd period) I'd like to start today's class off with some writing.
Character exercise:
Most writers design and build their characters from people they know. Interviewing interesting people is a great help in coming up with realistic characters. However, remember in fiction, the name of the character should be "disguised" so as not to bring unwanted attention to that single person. Writers usually begin with what they know, but then branch out and add details that have nothing to do with the original model. In this exercise, it is perfectly okay to change details, add false information, and, otherwise, fictionalize your character completely.
Please follow these directions today to start a fictional story:
1. Take your notes from your interview. Read them over.
2. Choose those traits or parts of the interview that were most interesting. Begin there.
3. Use those interesting parts to design a character (your protagonist).
4. Put this character in a specific setting (a specific house, a specific room, a hospital ward, under the elms in Durand Park, on the precipice of a cliff, etc.) The more specific and detailed your setting, the easier your character can react to its environment.
5. Give your protagonist character something to do.
6. Give your protagonist character something to desire or want.
7. Write a story.
Your story can follow any genre (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, western, romance, realistic, action, comedy, etc.) Want to write about teenage vampires? Go ahead! Choose a genre or topic that you are interested in. This helps a writer write a story successfully.
Your story should be relatively short (approx. 2-5 pages, double spaced). You can always add to it later. When you have completed your first draft, please title your story, put your standard heading on the top left (or right) and proofread your work for spelling/grammar errors. When satisfied that this is your 'best' work, please print and turn in.
During the second period of our class, you and your partner will present each other to the class in a short introductory speech.
Take a few minutes to prepare your notes, and decide what you learned from your interview and want to share with the class. Speeches usually open with an interesting statement or lead-in. This is usually called The Hook. Begin your introductory speech with a clever attention-grabber. Write an interesting opening line for your speech to introduce your partner.
When called, please stand up and introduce your partner. You may use your notes if you get stuck, but try to also "talk" to us. No one likes to be "read" to.
As a class politely listen to each speech. Listening is an important element in the communication process. It is extremely rude to chat, ignore, or otherwise distract a speaker. Please be courteous in this class. As class rules state: Respect all NOUNS (that includes you and me and each other).
HOMEWORK: None. We will finish our fiction stories next class in the lab.
Character exercise:
Most writers design and build their characters from people they know. Interviewing interesting people is a great help in coming up with realistic characters. However, remember in fiction, the name of the character should be "disguised" so as not to bring unwanted attention to that single person. Writers usually begin with what they know, but then branch out and add details that have nothing to do with the original model. In this exercise, it is perfectly okay to change details, add false information, and, otherwise, fictionalize your character completely.
Please follow these directions today to start a fictional story:
1. Take your notes from your interview. Read them over.
2. Choose those traits or parts of the interview that were most interesting. Begin there.
3. Use those interesting parts to design a character (your protagonist).
4. Put this character in a specific setting (a specific house, a specific room, a hospital ward, under the elms in Durand Park, on the precipice of a cliff, etc.) The more specific and detailed your setting, the easier your character can react to its environment.
5. Give your protagonist character something to do.
6. Give your protagonist character something to desire or want.
7. Write a story.
Your story can follow any genre (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, western, romance, realistic, action, comedy, etc.) Want to write about teenage vampires? Go ahead! Choose a genre or topic that you are interested in. This helps a writer write a story successfully.
Your story should be relatively short (approx. 2-5 pages, double spaced). You can always add to it later. When you have completed your first draft, please title your story, put your standard heading on the top left (or right) and proofread your work for spelling/grammar errors. When satisfied that this is your 'best' work, please print and turn in.
During the second period of our class, you and your partner will present each other to the class in a short introductory speech.
Take a few minutes to prepare your notes, and decide what you learned from your interview and want to share with the class. Speeches usually open with an interesting statement or lead-in. This is usually called The Hook. Begin your introductory speech with a clever attention-grabber. Write an interesting opening line for your speech to introduce your partner.
When called, please stand up and introduce your partner. You may use your notes if you get stuck, but try to also "talk" to us. No one likes to be "read" to.
As a class politely listen to each speech. Listening is an important element in the communication process. It is extremely rude to chat, ignore, or otherwise distract a speaker. Please be courteous in this class. As class rules state: Respect all NOUNS (that includes you and me and each other).
HOMEWORK: None. We will finish our fiction stories next class in the lab.
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