Thursday, February 26, 2015

Motif Story Project

After our quiz on The Thief of Always, please go to the lab to work on the following task:

1. Choose a month
2. Choose an event in that month. Look here for help.
3. Create a rough character list (you may always add to this list as you write)
4. Select a specific place for most of these characters to meet (or at least 2-3 of them)
5. Write a 1-2 sentence statement about what you believe to be true: examples:
  • Good people win in the end. 
  • Parents are important models for children.
  • Time should not be wasted
Use this statement to create a metaphor and story "spine"--a premise for your story or themes. 

6. Create a motif or symbol--a recurring event or object that helps create a metaphor for your theme. Consider how Barker uses motif or symbols to comment on his theme: (time, for instance)...

7. Choose one of your characters from your character list (see #3) to be your protagonist.

8. Start your story with a problem that AFFECTS your protagonist. Describe in your opening paragraph how this is a problem for your character.

9. Add a better hook or opening sentence once you get started.

10. Keep writing. What does your character do to solve his/her problem? Usually, our actions to solve problems cause other problems. How do these consequences cause problems for the protagonist? Keep writing and find out!

Write a short story of AT LEAST 1,000 words (that's about 3-4 pages double-spaced). Genre and story line is up to you, but you should follow the steps above to set up your premise.

Now: write. See what you create!

HOMEWORK: Work on your story. Continue writing. 

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