English 9

Mr. Svabdashian

2015-16

Creative Writing - Your Own Short Story

We have read quite a few short stories of varying styles and on various topics. Your next task will be to write your own short story.

We spent some time discussing plot: introduction/exposition, character development, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement. We spent time discussing characters: dynamic, static, heroic, anti-heroic, protagonists, antagonists. We spent time discussing setting and symbols as well. Your short story may involve all of these elements.

(Your story does not have to include death or creepiness like some of the ones we read.)

You will work with me and your peers in the writing process, fleshing out details about plot and characters in class and at home. We will work on a rough draft, and eventually your goal is a publishable short story with depth and eloquent writing. (The Flame and The Match are always looking for submissions, as are myriad writing contests.)  

The goal of this exercise is twofold:

1. to allow you a chance to practice creative (as opposed to analytical) writing, and
2. to allow you to demonstrate creatively your understanding of the function and importance of the all the various literary elements that make up a short story (or any piece of fiction).

Be CREATIVE, and AVOID CLICHES. Go beyond a genre story or a typical Hollywood plot—no torture, vampires, science fiction, war heroics, or benignly sappy love stories. You can write from a historical era, but this will only work if you have a solid factual understanding of that era.

Some of the stories we have read detail only a few moments, or an afternoon, in the characters’ lives. You can write a story from the perspective of another person—old, young, like you, or completely different from you. You can even write a story from the perspective of an animal or an object. Refrain from simply trying to be silly or funny or piling on inside jokes that your classmates will giggle about. The story doesn’t have to detail a monumental, life-changing event, but something has to happen.

The Steps:

1. Writing a hook: Each story has a “hook”—something that draws in the reader. A hook piques the curiosity and interest of the reader—you want to keep reading.

2. Plot: You will sketch out a basic plot—this may be in paragraph summary form, bullet points, or an actual sketch (like below).                                                        

                                                                climaxintroduction/exposition                        rising action                                        end/denouement

3. Characters: You will write a list/bullet points/paragraph(s) about at least one of your characters. This may include biographical information, physical or psychological characteristics, or other important details. Not all of the details you think of will necessarily be in the story—you can write them to help you visualize this character and the situation(s) you, as the author, have put him/her into.

Remember: It’s better to give a few key details about a character or a setting. Don’t say “a guy” when you can say “Bob, the shoe salesman from Duluth, in the grubby tan jacket.” A few key details can reveal a great deal about a character.

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One of the great pieces of advice writers often get is “Show, don’t tell.”

Bad example: “She was angry.”

Good example: “She slammed her hand down on the table in frustration, rattling the plastic salt and pepper shakers.”

The bottom one is better because it is specific, uses better vocabulary, and shows an image that conveys anger.

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A story and the characters in it sometimes take on a life of their own, and sometimes inspiration will hit you at the most surprising moments. Be creative, thoughtful, and eloquent. Avoid chichés and work on using more creative and interesting language.  

You will be evaluated on how seriously you approach this task, the amount of preparation you put into it, and the level of thought, detail, and eloquence put into the final product.

TIMELINE:

Thurs., 10/22: BRING notes/outlines/bullet points on at least 2 short story ideas.

Mon., 10/26: DUE: Rough Draft #1.

Wed., 10/28: DUE: Rough Draft #2.

Fri.., 10/30: DUE: Final Draft.

Good Luck!

Name: __________________________________________                                Mr. Svab - English 9

Creative Short Story – Final Rubric

1. Story structure (20 points):

• How does the story arc provide a sense of completion?
• How well does the story make sense? Are there plot holes?
• How well are the components of plot integrated (introduction, rising action/development, climax, falling action, denouement)?
• Is there a climax (there should be)? If so, is it effective?
• How well does the story handle the passage of time? Is it too ambitious in scope? Not enough?
• Originality: How original and creative is the story?

2. Detail and Description (20 points):

• How well are details described?
• How do details about the setting contribute to the story’s overall effect?
• How well is the author “showing,” not “telling,” the setting?

3. Character(s) (20 points):

• How well are characters described and developed?
• How do details about characters contribute to the story’s overall effect? How do the character(s)’ development (or lack thereof) contribute to the story?
• How well is the author “showing,” not “telling” about the characters?

4. Tone and Mood (20 points)

• How well does the diction contribute to the tone and mood of the story?
• How do details about characters and setting contribute to the tone and mood of the story?

5. Format (20 points)

• Is the rubric stapled to the front?
• Is the story in correct MLA/SVAB format (double-spaced, 12 point font, etc.)?
• Is the story devoid of grammar/usage/mechanics/spelling errors?
• Are the diction and syntax appropriate for the story?