Richard Matheson (1926-2013) was a very prolific writer, having penned many of the now classic science fiction and horror stories of the 20th century. Of his best known work: I Am Legend (made into the films The Omega Man, the Last Man on Earth, and I Am Legend), The Shrinking Man (also made into the films The Incredible Shrinking Man and The Incredible Shrinking Woman), A Stir of Echoes (made into a film), The Legend of Hell House (also made into a film), What Dreams May Come (made into a film), and many others.
Nightmare at 20,000 Feet was one of the most popular Twilight Zone episodes, starring a young William Shatner. Let's take a look at it today. As you watch, note/compare how television has changed over the years.
It may be important to note that successful stories tell an intriguing and interesting story. Writers can become interesting by being interested in our world. As a young writer your job is to learn as much as possible as potential sources for your ideas. Some journal/writing prompts to try:
Work to complete a first draft of your action-adventure story. Proofread and print out by end of class today.
HOMEWORK: Please read the two fantasy short stories: "The Tower of the Elephant" by Robert E. Howard, and "Troll Bridge" by Terry Pratchett. Take a look at the links and start learning author's names and their experiences.
If you did not complete your first draft of your adventure story in the lab today, please finish it and turn in by next class. You will be asked to work on a fantasy story next, so clear your writing tasks to get ready for that next week.
Nightmare at 20,000 Feet was one of the most popular Twilight Zone episodes, starring a young William Shatner. Let's take a look at it today. As you watch, note/compare how television has changed over the years.
It may be important to note that successful stories tell an intriguing and interesting story. Writers can become interesting by being interested in our world. As a young writer your job is to learn as much as possible as potential sources for your ideas. Some journal/writing prompts to try:
- Find a newspaper or magazine article and read it. Try to use the source material to tell a story.
- Be passionate! Sleepy, lazy, non-committed people do not make good artists. Have an opinion. Make a list of your pet peeves, your desires, your passions--and then use these as the golden well from which to dredge up your ideas.
- If you can't live it, read about it! You cannot expect to experience everything, but the more open you are to new experiences, the more you will have an understanding about how people think, feel, and act. Get involved in life! Then write about it. Failing that, at least read!
- Be curious. If you don't know something find the answer...
- Exercise or take a walk. Lower your stress situations. Take care of yourself. We cannot write when we're sick, extremely stressed, or too tired to stay awake.
Work to complete a first draft of your action-adventure story. Proofread and print out by end of class today.
HOMEWORK: Please read the two fantasy short stories: "The Tower of the Elephant" by Robert E. Howard, and "Troll Bridge" by Terry Pratchett. Take a look at the links and start learning author's names and their experiences.
If you did not complete your first draft of your adventure story in the lab today, please finish it and turn in by next class. You will be asked to work on a fantasy story next, so clear your writing tasks to get ready for that next week.
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