Name: ____________________
Short Story Brainstorming Guide
Please answer all questions in complete sentences.
Take a look at your notebook and tell me about which piece of writing from this unit has been your favorite. Can you imagine this piece of writing developing into a short story?
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Tell me about something crazy that has happened to you or someone you know. Think for a few minutes about the wildest story you’ve ever experienced and tell me about it.
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Take a minute to tell me about something that you know more about than any of your classmates. Maybe you have a hobby that no one else has? Maybe you’ve had an experience that no one else has had? Maybe you’ve travelled somewhere no one else has? Maybe you’ve done something no one else has?
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Think about the different aspects of creative writing we’ve spent time with: plot, characterization, dialogue, description, etc. Which aspect do you feel most comfortable with? Do you have a great character you want to write about? Do you have a great scene for a short story in your head? Do you have an interesting story to tell?
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Now give me three quick ideas for a short story. Don’t worry if you feel like they suck; they are at least a place to start.
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Are you leaning toward one of these ideas over the others? If so, which one.
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After you’ve answered the past questions, give this sheet to someone else (maybe a classmate). What is their opinion? Does one of your ideas sound better than the others? Be sure to tell me who has reviewed your brainstorming ideas and what their opinion is.
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Would you like feedback from Mr. Sotheran or classmates on short story ideas? Would some sort of discussion be helpful?
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