Monday, July 13, 2009
Summer Wipe Out!
To all the followers of this blog, I am reconfiguring the site for the new incoming students. Its look and most of the links will be removed. All material from 2008-2009 will be archived. Thanks for your support.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Final Exam - Portfolio
There are two (2) parts to your final portfolio.
A. A 4-6 page, double-spaced, typed self evaluation essay
B. A variety of your best work chosen from all your CW classes
Your final portfolio will count for both 9th grade creative writing classes and will be reviewed by Mr. Craddock & Ms. Gamzon. It will constitute 25% of your final grade.
Part A. Self Evaluation Essay
Part B. Portfolio
Select work that you created this year in Ms. Gamzon or Mr. Craddock’s classes. All work should be copies of original work. No journals will be accepted. Follow the guideline below.
Table of contents. Your table of contents should order your portfolio into the following parts:
a. Poetry
b. Fiction
c. Non-fiction
d. Scripts
e. Special projects
Poetry. Choose 5-7 of your best poems. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of poetry. Each poem’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Fiction. Choose 3-4 of your best fiction pieces. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of fiction. Each fiction piece’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Non-fiction. Choose 1-2 of your best non-fiction pieces. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of non-fiction. Each non-fiction piece’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Scripts: Choose 1-2 of your best scripts. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of script writing. Each script’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Special Projects: Choose 2-3 of your special projects (newsletter, slideshow*, brochure, literary magazine, web design, blog, etc.) which show your growth and creative ability. Each project should be listed on the table of contents. If you have been working on a project not assigned in class, you may include this work in your special projects. (Example: I am working on a novel, and I haven’t told my teachers or I have written a musical, etc.) Please do NOT print your special project, unless you already have an extra copy. Instead, please talk about these projects in your reflection.
Self Reflection Non Fiction - Creative Essay:
During the entire freshman year, we have thrown quite a bit of information, projects, and assignments your way. We did not do this to be cruel, but to see how you react to pressure, deadlines, writing & reading skills, and so that you had the opportunity to grow as a writer and a student. It is true that the most important qualification for writers is that they write. Apart from this, reading is also the most important way to improve your writing at this stage. These introductory courses are designed to get you to know yourself as a student and writer a little better. Part of this is the need to self-reflect. Examine the writing rubrics and the material in your portfolio. Reflect on your work this year.
Reflective piece: 4-6 pages, double-spaced. Write about how you’ve grown as a writer this year, what has been easy/hard for you, what areas you feel you need more work in; reflect on your progress as a writer, a reader, and as a student. Write about each selected piece you have chosen to include in your portfolio (per genre): why did you include these pieces in your portfolio? How does the piece show your growth and development as a writer in this particular genre? What did you learn about yourself concerning writing from this assignment or project? Discuss the writing process you used to create the work, where you got your ideas, what you learned about the form or genre of the work as you wrote and revised it, what you learned about yourself as a writer, etc. Discuss special projects and reading that had an impact on you. What did you learn about writing and about yourself through these assignments this year?
Rubric
_____ Table of Contents 10 points
_____ Reflective Essay (4-6 pages) 30 points
_____ Poetry (5-7 poems) 10 points
_____ Fiction (3-4 short stories) 10 points
_____ Non Fiction (1-2 creative essays) 10 points
_____ Special Projects (1-2 special projects) 10 points
_____ Grammar (Work is clean, copy-edited, free of errors) 10 points
Penalty: (-1/2 point for each grammar error. Up to -10 points)
_____ Portfolio turned in complete and on time 10 points
Penalties:
• Late portfolios (-10 points per day late)
• Handwritten work (-1 for each handwritten page)
• Grammar errors (see above)
The final portfolio is due Friday, June 12 along with your journal.
A. A 4-6 page, double-spaced, typed self evaluation essay
B. A variety of your best work chosen from all your CW classes
Your final portfolio will count for both 9th grade creative writing classes and will be reviewed by Mr. Craddock & Ms. Gamzon. It will constitute 25% of your final grade.
Part A. Self Evaluation Essay
Part B. Portfolio
Select work that you created this year in Ms. Gamzon or Mr. Craddock’s classes. All work should be copies of original work. No journals will be accepted. Follow the guideline below.
Table of contents. Your table of contents should order your portfolio into the following parts:
a. Poetry
b. Fiction
c. Non-fiction
d. Scripts
e. Special projects
Poetry. Choose 5-7 of your best poems. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of poetry. Each poem’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Fiction. Choose 3-4 of your best fiction pieces. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of fiction. Each fiction piece’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Non-fiction. Choose 1-2 of your best non-fiction pieces. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of non-fiction. Each non-fiction piece’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Scripts: Choose 1-2 of your best scripts. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of script writing. Each script’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Special Projects: Choose 2-3 of your special projects (newsletter, slideshow*, brochure, literary magazine, web design, blog, etc.) which show your growth and creative ability. Each project should be listed on the table of contents. If you have been working on a project not assigned in class, you may include this work in your special projects. (Example: I am working on a novel, and I haven’t told my teachers or I have written a musical, etc.) Please do NOT print your special project, unless you already have an extra copy. Instead, please talk about these projects in your reflection.
Self Reflection Non Fiction - Creative Essay:
During the entire freshman year, we have thrown quite a bit of information, projects, and assignments your way. We did not do this to be cruel, but to see how you react to pressure, deadlines, writing & reading skills, and so that you had the opportunity to grow as a writer and a student. It is true that the most important qualification for writers is that they write. Apart from this, reading is also the most important way to improve your writing at this stage. These introductory courses are designed to get you to know yourself as a student and writer a little better. Part of this is the need to self-reflect. Examine the writing rubrics and the material in your portfolio. Reflect on your work this year.
Reflective piece: 4-6 pages, double-spaced. Write about how you’ve grown as a writer this year, what has been easy/hard for you, what areas you feel you need more work in; reflect on your progress as a writer, a reader, and as a student. Write about each selected piece you have chosen to include in your portfolio (per genre): why did you include these pieces in your portfolio? How does the piece show your growth and development as a writer in this particular genre? What did you learn about yourself concerning writing from this assignment or project? Discuss the writing process you used to create the work, where you got your ideas, what you learned about the form or genre of the work as you wrote and revised it, what you learned about yourself as a writer, etc. Discuss special projects and reading that had an impact on you. What did you learn about writing and about yourself through these assignments this year?
Rubric
_____ Table of Contents 10 points
_____ Reflective Essay (4-6 pages) 30 points
_____ Poetry (5-7 poems) 10 points
_____ Fiction (3-4 short stories) 10 points
_____ Non Fiction (1-2 creative essays) 10 points
_____ Special Projects (1-2 special projects) 10 points
_____ Grammar (Work is clean, copy-edited, free of errors) 10 points
Penalty: (-1/2 point for each grammar error. Up to -10 points)
_____ Portfolio turned in complete and on time 10 points
Penalties:
• Late portfolios (-10 points per day late)
• Handwritten work (-1 for each handwritten page)
• Grammar errors (see above)
The final portfolio is due Friday, June 12 along with your journal.
End of Year Projects
Take 3 minutes to review the quest archetype.
After your Hobbit quiz, please complete your fantasy story. The draft of this is due at the end of class. Those of you not completing the assignment have homework to finish the draft by Wednesday.
I will be collecting your journals Friday. Please prepare them.
When you are finished with your fantasy story, please begin working on the FINAL PORTFOLIO. This assignment will count as a final exam for both classes.
After your Hobbit quiz, please complete your fantasy story. The draft of this is due at the end of class. Those of you not completing the assignment have homework to finish the draft by Wednesday.
I will be collecting your journals Friday. Please prepare them.
When you are finished with your fantasy story, please begin working on the FINAL PORTFOLIO. This assignment will count as a final exam for both classes.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Fantasy Project - Beginning Your Draft
Today, write.
Write. Write your fantasy story.
Start by describing your setting. Then introduce your character in his/her normal duties. Then introduce the inciting incident. After you introduce your inciting incident that draws your protagonist into the story, continue to write the story. You should include 3 episodes (the last episode should reach your story's climax). Order your events/episodes so that they build on one another and that the events illustrate some aspect of your protagonist. Of course, use dialogue and description where appropriate in your story.
Try to use the quest archetype in your story.
Homework: Read up to chapter 15 in the Hobbit. There will be a test on chapters 10-15 next class.
Write. Write your fantasy story.
Start by describing your setting. Then introduce your character in his/her normal duties. Then introduce the inciting incident. After you introduce your inciting incident that draws your protagonist into the story, continue to write the story. You should include 3 episodes (the last episode should reach your story's climax). Order your events/episodes so that they build on one another and that the events illustrate some aspect of your protagonist. Of course, use dialogue and description where appropriate in your story.
Try to use the quest archetype in your story.
Homework: Read up to chapter 15 in the Hobbit. There will be a test on chapters 10-15 next class.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Fantasy Draft
Choose from your character list and event list. Pick only the events that help distinguish your character.
Begin your first page of your story. Describe the setting, introduce your protagonist, and create your inciting incident.
4th period - be prepared to take the quiz on chpt. 7-9 and bring your Hobbit books to room a240.
Begin your first page of your story. Describe the setting, introduce your protagonist, and create your inciting incident.
4th period - be prepared to take the quiz on chpt. 7-9 and bring your Hobbit books to room a240.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Fantasy Project - Character & Events
In any writing, character is key. It is the most essential element of writing, even in poetry, plays, or fiction writing.
For fantasy, the protagonist generally falls under one of the following types:
1. The quiet, but deadly warrior (ex. Conan, Elric of Melniborne)
2. The innocent who is swept up in the plot unexpectedly (ex. Bilbo, Frodo, Harry Potter)
3. The determined youngster out to prove him/herself (ex. Frodo, Harry Potter)
4. The outcast (ex. Harry Potter, Shrek)
The hero/heroine always has a goal. There is usually something in the character's personality that becomes a helpful tool, for example: bravery, stick-to-it-ness, chutzpah, innocence, determination, etc. It is usually a positive, but dormant trait that the events of the story help bring into focus.
What's in a Name?
Fantasy names can be a little odd. They are often determined by the type of mythology that the author uses as a background. Bilbo, for example, recalls the type of Norse names common in Anglo Saxon literature; however, he is an innocent, foolish sort of character so the ending of his name suggests a softness or feminine quality to it. Harry Potter, by contrast, is undoubtedly English. Conan just sounds "tough."
XsnickerX
So, create a protagonist for your story. Write notes in your journal. Choose one of the types of characters and describe, flesh out, motivate your character. Use the link to the side to help create a name. Then move on to part 2.
Part 2:
Events.
Stuff happens in stories. Events. Problems. Things that keep the reader interested. This means that, like in the quest, the hero/heroine is going to be challenged. Usually the type of challenge to the character(s) reflects their personality and the type of "strengths" they have. For example: Bilbo is a simple, unassuming fellow who doesn't like to travel or move, constantly complaining about needing a bath or a good meal. But in the inside, Bilbo longs for adventure. He is resourceful, lucky, adventurous, and quite brave. The events that he finds himself in help illustrate and bring out this "hidden" talent or personality trait.
Make a list of POSSIBLE events or problems that your new character can face. Use some of your world design or map to come up with both physical challenges as well as mental or spiritual ones. Make a huge list in your journal of possible events that will help bring out your character's inner-personlity.
4th period we will be moving next door to take our quiz and continue reading the Hobbit. Please bring your books and journals with you.
For fantasy, the protagonist generally falls under one of the following types:
1. The quiet, but deadly warrior (ex. Conan, Elric of Melniborne)
2. The innocent who is swept up in the plot unexpectedly (ex. Bilbo, Frodo, Harry Potter)
3. The determined youngster out to prove him/herself (ex. Frodo, Harry Potter)
4. The outcast (ex. Harry Potter, Shrek)
The hero/heroine always has a goal. There is usually something in the character's personality that becomes a helpful tool, for example: bravery, stick-to-it-ness, chutzpah, innocence, determination, etc. It is usually a positive, but dormant trait that the events of the story help bring into focus.
What's in a Name?
Fantasy names can be a little odd. They are often determined by the type of mythology that the author uses as a background. Bilbo, for example, recalls the type of Norse names common in Anglo Saxon literature; however, he is an innocent, foolish sort of character so the ending of his name suggests a softness or feminine quality to it. Harry Potter, by contrast, is undoubtedly English. Conan just sounds "tough."
XsnickerX
So, create a protagonist for your story. Write notes in your journal. Choose one of the types of characters and describe, flesh out, motivate your character. Use the link to the side to help create a name. Then move on to part 2.
Part 2:
Events.
Stuff happens in stories. Events. Problems. Things that keep the reader interested. This means that, like in the quest, the hero/heroine is going to be challenged. Usually the type of challenge to the character(s) reflects their personality and the type of "strengths" they have. For example: Bilbo is a simple, unassuming fellow who doesn't like to travel or move, constantly complaining about needing a bath or a good meal. But in the inside, Bilbo longs for adventure. He is resourceful, lucky, adventurous, and quite brave. The events that he finds himself in help illustrate and bring out this "hidden" talent or personality trait.
Make a list of POSSIBLE events or problems that your new character can face. Use some of your world design or map to come up with both physical challenges as well as mental or spiritual ones. Make a huge list in your journal of possible events that will help bring out your character's inner-personlity.
4th period we will be moving next door to take our quiz and continue reading the Hobbit. Please bring your books and journals with you.
Friday, May 22, 2009
J.R.R. Tolkien & the Imaginary World project - part 1
Please see the links on the link page about J.R.R. Tolkien. Please visit this website and browse around. Take a few notes about Tolkien.
When you've had enough of that, please begin creating your own world. You may use Greek, Roman, Norse, Asian, African, European, Aboriginal, etc. mythology as a background setting, if you'd like--or create a new mythology of your own creation. Usually, the first step in creating a world is drawing continents or a specific area, naming lands or showing borders, etc. Make sure to put a few interesting landmarks on your map for potential use in a story.
1. Create a map of your imaginary world. (See Tolkien's examples in the book)
2. Brainstorm what the people, geography, culture in your setting is like and other details about the imaginary place. (For examples see Tolkien)
All of this material can be completed in your journal.
When you've had enough of that, please begin creating your own world. You may use Greek, Roman, Norse, Asian, African, European, Aboriginal, etc. mythology as a background setting, if you'd like--or create a new mythology of your own creation. Usually, the first step in creating a world is drawing continents or a specific area, naming lands or showing borders, etc. Make sure to put a few interesting landmarks on your map for potential use in a story.
1. Create a map of your imaginary world. (See Tolkien's examples in the book)
2. Brainstorm what the people, geography, culture in your setting is like and other details about the imaginary place. (For examples see Tolkien)
All of this material can be completed in your journal.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Fantasy Genres
Fantasy fiction is a wide genre suited to the fantasist reader. It has what fantasists like best: a strange or exciting world in which to lose themselves in, often an epic story with a lof of action, weird occurances, strange characters, and the best part: it's not OUR reality. Laws and physics do not work the same as in realist fiction.
Fantasy can be describes as fiction with elements of magic, unknown monsters, creatures, strange beings, and make-believe worlds. While many consider knights in armor, mystical elves, and burly dwarves swinging axes (thanks to the role playing industry) to be the staples of fantasy, there are other aspects to is as well. Here's an overview of the fantasy genres in fiction.
"High or Epic Fantasy Genre
The high or epic fantasy genre is probably the most recognized by the general public. In high or epic fantasy, knights go on quests, fair maidens need rescuing, and the general theme is usually Good vs. Evil. This fantasy genre is set in a pseudo-medieval world of kings and queens. It often has powerful wizards, bands of adventurers, and multiple quests to undertake. The stories scopes are large and vast, and often spread out over several books in a series.
Sword and Sorcery Fantasy Genre
The sword and sorcery fantasy genre is akin to Dungeons & Dragons games put in type. With similar characteristics of high or epic fantasy, sword and sorcery has a much smaller scope. One band of adventurers is going on one quest. There is often a lot of action involved.
Alternate History Fantasy Genre
This fantasy genre takes a snippet of real-life history and warps it to include fantasy elements. For example, an alternate history fantasy novel may be about WWII and how the goblins played a hand in defeating the Nazis.
One popular sub-genre of alternate history is steampunk. Set in Victorian or Edwardian era, steampunk fantasy incorporates steam-powered technology in often suprising or fantasic ways.
Urban or Contemporary Fantasy Genre
Urban or contemporary fantasy differ only in that urban fantasy is set in a city and is sometimes darker in nature than contemporary. Harry Potter is an example of contemporary fantasy. These fantasy genres combine magical beings or spells with modern socity.
Dark Fantasy
The dark fantasy genre is, by definition, dark. It often overlaps both the urban fantasy genre and horror. Vampires, demons rising from the underworld, and Lovecraftian stories are dark fantasy. What makes a story dark fantasy rather than straight horror is often the medieval type setting, or more emphasis on paranormal themes over simply scaring the pants off the reader.
Other Fantasy Genres
There are other fantasy genres besides the ones listed above. Elfpunk is a sub-genre in which fantasy creatures such as elves, dwarves, and fairies enter into, or are a part of, ultra-modern 'punk' society. Erotic fantasy has a strong overshadow of sex, while romantic fantasy is more subtle in the love plots. Mythic fantasy uses classic myths or legends to introduce the fantasy elements. There are science fantasy crossovers from classic science fiction, and even comic fantasy."
Fantasy can be describes as fiction with elements of magic, unknown monsters, creatures, strange beings, and make-believe worlds. While many consider knights in armor, mystical elves, and burly dwarves swinging axes (thanks to the role playing industry) to be the staples of fantasy, there are other aspects to is as well. Here's an overview of the fantasy genres in fiction.
"High or Epic Fantasy Genre
The high or epic fantasy genre is probably the most recognized by the general public. In high or epic fantasy, knights go on quests, fair maidens need rescuing, and the general theme is usually Good vs. Evil. This fantasy genre is set in a pseudo-medieval world of kings and queens. It often has powerful wizards, bands of adventurers, and multiple quests to undertake. The stories scopes are large and vast, and often spread out over several books in a series.
Sword and Sorcery Fantasy Genre
The sword and sorcery fantasy genre is akin to Dungeons & Dragons games put in type. With similar characteristics of high or epic fantasy, sword and sorcery has a much smaller scope. One band of adventurers is going on one quest. There is often a lot of action involved.
Alternate History Fantasy Genre
This fantasy genre takes a snippet of real-life history and warps it to include fantasy elements. For example, an alternate history fantasy novel may be about WWII and how the goblins played a hand in defeating the Nazis.
One popular sub-genre of alternate history is steampunk. Set in Victorian or Edwardian era, steampunk fantasy incorporates steam-powered technology in often suprising or fantasic ways.
Urban or Contemporary Fantasy Genre
Urban or contemporary fantasy differ only in that urban fantasy is set in a city and is sometimes darker in nature than contemporary. Harry Potter is an example of contemporary fantasy. These fantasy genres combine magical beings or spells with modern socity.
Dark Fantasy
The dark fantasy genre is, by definition, dark. It often overlaps both the urban fantasy genre and horror. Vampires, demons rising from the underworld, and Lovecraftian stories are dark fantasy. What makes a story dark fantasy rather than straight horror is often the medieval type setting, or more emphasis on paranormal themes over simply scaring the pants off the reader.
Other Fantasy Genres
There are other fantasy genres besides the ones listed above. Elfpunk is a sub-genre in which fantasy creatures such as elves, dwarves, and fairies enter into, or are a part of, ultra-modern 'punk' society. Erotic fantasy has a strong overshadow of sex, while romantic fantasy is more subtle in the love plots. Mythic fantasy uses classic myths or legends to introduce the fantasy elements. There are science fantasy crossovers from classic science fiction, and even comic fantasy."
Quest Archetype
The quest is traditionally a journey about the self.
1. The story starts at Protagonist’s home
2. Protagonist is pushed or spurred into action
3. The decision to ACT leads to the first major event
This first event is called a Motivating Incident
The main character has both:
Intent= to find the goal
motivation=reason for wanting to achieve it
4. The protagonist rarely travels alone; helpful characters aid the protagonist
5. Usually the quest includes a series of incidents (actions) that help to develop the protagonist
The author must ask: what difficulties would make the most interesting and challenging obstacles for the protagonist.
6. The final act of the story includes a revelation, epiphany, discovery or realization about the main character’s life or personal situation.
7. Often, additional complications arise as a result of the protagonist obtaining his goal.
8. The protagonist usually returns home, making a complete circle. He returns changed, developed.
How to do it:
1. The quest should be about a search for a person, place or thing (noun).
2. Your plot should move around a lot, visiting many people and places. Movement should result from a cause to an effect pattern.
3. Character should return to the location where he started having changed in some way. (We call a changed character DYNAMIC)
4. First act includes motivating or inciting incident; clearly understand the intent and motivation of your main character.
5. Include a companion and a helpful character
6. The protagonist should come to a realization about himself through his quest
1. The story starts at Protagonist’s home
2. Protagonist is pushed or spurred into action
3. The decision to ACT leads to the first major event
This first event is called a Motivating Incident
The main character has both:
Intent= to find the goal
motivation=reason for wanting to achieve it
4. The protagonist rarely travels alone; helpful characters aid the protagonist
5. Usually the quest includes a series of incidents (actions) that help to develop the protagonist
The author must ask: what difficulties would make the most interesting and challenging obstacles for the protagonist.
6. The final act of the story includes a revelation, epiphany, discovery or realization about the main character’s life or personal situation.
7. Often, additional complications arise as a result of the protagonist obtaining his goal.
8. The protagonist usually returns home, making a complete circle. He returns changed, developed.
How to do it:
1. The quest should be about a search for a person, place or thing (noun).
2. Your plot should move around a lot, visiting many people and places. Movement should result from a cause to an effect pattern.
3. Character should return to the location where he started having changed in some way. (We call a changed character DYNAMIC)
4. First act includes motivating or inciting incident; clearly understand the intent and motivation of your main character.
5. Include a companion and a helpful character
6. The protagonist should come to a realization about himself through his quest
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
3rd Annual Rochester Grand Slam Off
Monday, May 25 the Countywide teen poetry slam finals will be held from 2:00 to 7:00. The event will include teen poets representing SOTA, Wilson, Monroe, West Irondequoit, and Writers & Books. Admission is free (with suggested donation) and refreshments will be served. The event will be located at 142 Atlantic Ave.
Come support our school and performance poetry!
Extra credit available for those who attend.
Come support our school and performance poetry!
Extra credit available for those who attend.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
More Play Exercises
Friday my substitute did not give you the correct materials for a play exercise. As a result, you had two periods to complete marking period work. Today, we will complete that play exercise. Open a new word document and put your name on this page. Please await instructions.
4th period we will move to A240 to read together.
4th period we will move to A240 to read together.
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