Test on Plot Elements/Character; Hint Fiction

During period 3, please take the test on your chosen novel. When you complete the test, please go to the lab next door and complete the writing activity explained below:

LAB WRITING ACTIVITY:

With the popular and frequent use of Twitter (read about tweeting here)...writers have turned to a specialized type of short, short, short story called: HINT FICTION

What is it? 

Hint fiction is defined as a story of 25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story.

Where does it come from & what are some examples?

Click here and read the article, particularly the examples.

See? Short, short stories in 25 words or less. The perfect byte size fiction for tweeting.

• A famous example from Ernest Hemingway: hint fiction: "For Sale: Baby shoes--never worn." 
• From science fiction writer Damon Knight: "The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door."
• And even poetry: from Margaret Atwood: "You fit into me like a hook into an eye. A fish-hook. An open eye."

How do I start?

Step by Step Instructions:

• 1. Read through the examples of hint fiction. It's always good to have a model. As you read, consider how you might write your own story. What might your story be about? How would it differ from the examples you are reading? Do you detect patterns forming in the work you're reading?
• 2. Brainstorm (perhaps in your journal) a story. Include a beginning, middle, end. For example: write a three sentence story where each sentence is either the beginning, middle, or end of a story. Do a series of these, then pick your favorite ones. Since they're short, try a few. Keep writing!
• 3. Just like a poem, create a creative title to clarify or make a point about theme or tone or character or setting.
• 4. Trim your story to the most essential parts. Remove all unnecessary words. This is tricky. Your story should be complete, but also hint at the larger story that does not need to be told. Be as specific with your diction as possible.
  5. Post your story on an index card. Put your name and title on the heading. Turn in at least one example of your hint fiction by the end of class today.

Robert Swartwood is the writer behind hint fiction. Take a look at his blog for further ideas/models.

CLASSWORK: Write 3-5 hint fiction stories of your own.

HINT: if your first sentence is your beginning, then your second sentence is your middle, and your third sentence is your ending. If you are only writing one sentence, then the first few words are your beginning, your next few words are your middle, and your last few words are your ending.

When you've completed your drafts, share these with your peers, then turn in your samples for credit.

HOMEWORK: None.