Blog Archives

We all know the story...

Goldilocks finds the three bears’ house, wanders in, tries their chairs, porridge, and beds, they find her asleep with half of their porridge eaten.

In your journal, explore this tale by experimenting with the following points of view:

- 1st Person, Major Character (Goldilocks)

- 1st Person Peripheral (Mama)

- 1st Person Peripheral (Papa)

- 1st Person Unreliable (Baby Bear)

- 3rd Person, Single Vision (Mama or Papa)

Write an account of the story’s events from your assigned viewpoint.

Magazine Mixup

9/28/2015

Neighbors A and B have each received the other’s magazine by mistake. (See image)

Adopt the persona of either Neighbor A or B and write a scene (from their P.O.V.) in which they meet to correct the postal worker’s error.

Use the magazines as the basis to make choices about each character, but you must avoid relying on stereotypes.

Exact circumstances such as

- familiarity (how well they know each other)

- location (where they live, both large and small scale)

- time (what day/month it is, time of the day they are meeting)

and so on are entirely up to you but those choices must be made.

(click for a closer look)

Worst-Case Scenario Prompt 1

9/25/2015

Create a character and write a scene in which he/she tells someone about this experience.

Feel free to use the step-by-step instructions as guidelines to help you structure your story OR your character can go in their own direction—either way, they must survive to tell the tale.

(click for a closer look)

“Dialogue” - excerpt from "Bird by Bird"

9/24/2015

PART ONE
On a separate sheet of paper, read and take notes over the passage from Bird by Bird, Dialogue (p. 64-73)

PART TWO
Write (in your own words) the four most important things you learned in this chapter (p. 64-73).
Then write three ways you will apply this knowledge as you rewrite and enhance/embellish the conversation from the eavesdropping activity.

The Nicest Thing...

9/23/2015

Think back on the events of the last month or so.

What is the nicest thing that has happened to you?

Write a scene that tells that story. Be sure to include descriptive details, avoid clichés, use fresh language and vivid verbs, incorporate dialogue (if applicable).

NOTE: At least one other student will see this journal. Please keep this in mind as you choose the subject of your writing.

Not All Bad

9/22/2015

STEP ONE
Watch the video to the right.

STEP TWO
Recall the worst person you’ve ever met. A psychotic boss, a back-stabbing friend, a playground bully. Or make someone up.

Next, assign one redeeming quality to this character—kindness, courtesy, sympathy, a fondness for animals. Then write a scene with this person in action, conversing with others.

Perhaps you show a sadistic ex-spouse helping a homeless person find shelter, or a bank robber arranging a baby-sitter on behalf of a woman he’s just tied up.

The result? A fully dimensional villain.

Your Choice!

9/21/2015

It’s your choice of topic today!

Thoughts on Dialogue

9/18/2015

Respond to the following questions in your journal. This entry should still be at least one full page, single-spaced.

What do you believe are the qualities of strong dialogue in writing? In film? In television?

Why do authors use dialogue?

Who are some writers you believe utilize quality dialogue in their work? Explain your reasoning.

What films or television shows do you believe contain examples of quality dialogue? Explain your reasoning for these choices.