An Ultimatum and More Short Fiction

Let's look at some of your blogs real quick:

This is your blog, post as much as you want!

Have some fun with your blogs!

It's your blog, so write like you!

Take care of your stories!

Classwork:

A few of you may be under the impression that some of the classwork can be glazed over. A perfect example is the book review assignment. Few of you actually did it. Unless I say otherwise, everything assigned in class should be posted by the end of class. It's okay if it's still in the drafting stages. A huge part of writing is editing and revisiting more than once. Also, a great thing about having your own blogs is the ability to go back and edit a published post. I would ask you if this makes sense, but it totally does.

Okay, on to better stuff...

Hi friends! Last time, most of y'all started (or finished) writing 500-ish-word short works of fiction. A major part of writing, especially for publication, is sharing your work. Otherwise, why would people publish books, have blogs, tweet, or write in general? It's all about the followers, sharing, retweets, etc. In essence, people put pieces of themselves into words for others to read. So, today you're going to have a chance to finish, revisit, edit, tweak, and/or write another story.

3rd period: 

1) Finish your 500 word short story (or stories), revise any mistakes from before, make any changes that need be made, and post it to your blog. Remember, you'll be sharing this with your classmates in small groups, so make it work you're proud of.

2) Some things to think about as you edit: Is everything you've included necessary? Are there misspellings, grammatical mistakes, confusing sentences, etc.? Is it something that you want to read (if not, make it be!)?

4th period:

1) Small group sharing of short fiction. We're focusing mostly on the short fiction you wrote that's 500 words or less, but if there are other things you'd like to share as well (hint/micro fiction), that's awesome. Go for it. As long as the 500 word stories are the first priority.

2) When sharing in your small groups, be courteous. Listen, avoid interrupting, put your phones away, and provide meaningful feedback. After groups read, discuss, and review the stories being shared, all of the feedback should be applied to the story! Take another look, consider the feedback that's been given, and make your story into something polished and fabulous. 

3) Post. On. Your. Blog. Don't stop. If you think you're done, you're not. You've practiced hint fiction, micro fiction, and now the 500 word fiction. Keep writing. The only thing that makes this process easier and more natural is practicing it. Plus, remember, creative writing can be exactly what you make it. I'm here to help, too, so if you're having trouble let me know and we'll work together.

4) Please return my video release forms. If you forgot them, don't forget them next time! PLEASE AND THANKS. 

HOMEWORK:

I'm sending you home with an article about writing and procrastination. It's a great read and really speaks volumes on something we all do: put things off until the last minute. Please read this article and post a reactionary post by next class. If you're not a big fan of paper, you can access the article online here.