Monday, March 31, 2014
Sleeping Beauty and Sharing Time
Today, you'll be printing out and sharing your story progress. In the past blogs, it's been suggested that you have your stories at a certain length. Today, you'll be in discussion groups, sharing what you have thus far and giving feedback to your peers. It's a nice time to have some creative sharing. Here's how it's going to work:
1) Print out your stories.
2) Take turns reading stories aloud to each other in your groups. Everyone does this. No recording, no notes, nothing. Just read out loud; give your words life!
3) After hearing a story read out loud, take 30-60 seconds to record impressions, thoughts, etc.
4) Once everyone has read aloud, pass the stories around the group and read them quietly, adding comments to the paper. This way, there should be comments from everyone in the group on each story being shared
At the end of class, I'm collecting these printed out stories, with comments on them. Each story must have your name on it, along with comments from your group. Again, this is due at the end of class.
If there's more time after you've gone through the stories of each group member, you're not done. Use the comments, continue writing. Bear in mind I'll still be collecting the printed copies with comments on them.
Also:
Some of you haven't really gotten much done in the way of your stories. If this is the case and you have nothing (or very little) to share in a group, you'll be writing instead. Except today, you're to print out your story and hand it to me by the end of class. No exceptions. The 750-1000 word mark isn't a suggestion. This is where you should be. If your story isn't at this length, it will be by Wednesday. The stories must continue. A full-story due-date is coming soon.
Homework:
If I don't receive a substantial story (with or without peer comments) by the end of class today, bring it on Wednesday. No exceptions.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Grimm vs. Disney
Stories change a great deal over time, we're going to start looking at how that works. Why? When you see that stories change with time, you see that authors (such as yourselves) invent new ways to share stories that have been around for a very long time. We've been looking at symbolism since last class and it's interesting for us to note that while stories may change a great deal, symbols remain quite steady over the passage of time. The way they're shown through evolving stories might be different, but the underlying meanings have deeper roots, established over a long history of continued use...
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
The Robber Bridegroom, Symbolism, Stories
Before we start anything today...
Read:
3rd Period:
Since I don't give out reading as optional, and literally one of you responded with a blog post, you're required to read this story. Now the blog post is going to be specifically aimed toward symbolism. You've heard this term before, but in case you've forgotten what it is, I'll tell you.
Symbolism: The use of concrete objects to represent abstract ideas and emotions.
This is similar to allegory, but the two are not the same. Omg, I know, it's complicated. Check this out.
Allegory: A form of extended metaphor in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself.
Okay, in simpler terms, symbolism applies to physical objects representing something that isn't physical. Meanwhile, allegory applies to an entire narrative and all the characters within it having an underlying meaning.
Fairy tales contain a great deal of symbolism, that is, physical objects standing for something other than their physical appearance or definition. Can you find some examples? In The Robber Bridegroom there are several symbols waiting to be unmasked. They're hidden in plain sight, too! Read and look for them, then blog about a symbol of your choice. This is to be done by the end of 3rd period. Beyond that, if it's not done, too bad. Grade missed. You have plenty of time, so work. I expect a full blog post that really explores symbolism in this tale. This assignment is for the exercise of critical reading.
Remember, I've read this tale 1000 times. I know the symbolism, so don't just tell me what you think might be symbolic. Explain why, how, what, etc. Think below the surface. Go one deeper! Now write. Kthx.
4th Period:
You've started writing your long, creative fictions. 4th period is more writing time to continue your stories, revise what you've written, and generally continue the composition part of the writing process. You can revisit last class's blog to see how to begin a story. Today we're going to look at another part of the process: revisiting what you've written and continuing. This will likely spill into Thursday, so here are some tips:
For those of you who've solidly started your stories, now is the chance to do one of two things: 1) write to a decent stopping point and then re-read/edit. 2) stop where you are and re-read/edit. Why would we do any of these things? Writing process, foo. Mr. Craddock has even more tips on his blog, too! Check them out. Here's some stuff to consider:
1) When starting a piece of writing, the first words on the page are sometimes a way of the author getting out the nonsense before actually getting into the meat of the story. Like when someone clears their throat before speaking.
2) Read it out loud to yourself. Or, even better, have someone else read your work aloud. When reading ou own writing, we automatically correct any awkwardness in our own heads, making us sort of blind to the imperfections in our own writing. When someone else reads your writing aloud, everything becomes much more clear. It's weird. Like when Aleah reads my blog posts out loud. I'm like, "Ugh, is that how I really sound?"
3) Look for the unnecessary information and cut it out! In the first stages of writing, we sometimes tend to get overly excited and start going into such gruesome detail that it bogs down the pace of the story. Look for this! remember to choose only the most important pieces of information to include. You have to be disciplined with yourself and your own writing habits. Constantly ask yourself, "Do I need this? Is this important?"
4) Share with each other. I know y'all do this anyway, but take some time to really listen to, read, and critique stories of your peers. When ideas are tough to come by, it's often just a little nudge that's needed from a friend or someone who sees things a smidgen differently. So, never say you're stuck or don't know what to write. Ask the opinion of other people. Do you have to do what they say? Nope. It helps to have ideas coming from other people. Use everything around you, twist it, cut it up, blend it, turn it into your own.
1) When starting a piece of writing, the first words on the page are sometimes a way of the author getting out the nonsense before actually getting into the meat of the story. Like when someone clears their throat before speaking.
2) Read it out loud to yourself. Or, even better, have someone else read your work aloud. When reading ou own writing, we automatically correct any awkwardness in our own heads, making us sort of blind to the imperfections in our own writing. When someone else reads your writing aloud, everything becomes much more clear. It's weird. Like when Aleah reads my blog posts out loud. I'm like, "Ugh, is that how I really sound?"
3) Look for the unnecessary information and cut it out! In the first stages of writing, we sometimes tend to get overly excited and start going into such gruesome detail that it bogs down the pace of the story. Look for this! remember to choose only the most important pieces of information to include. You have to be disciplined with yourself and your own writing habits. Constantly ask yourself, "Do I need this? Is this important?"
4) Share with each other. I know y'all do this anyway, but take some time to really listen to, read, and critique stories of your peers. When ideas are tough to come by, it's often just a little nudge that's needed from a friend or someone who sees things a smidgen differently. So, never say you're stuck or don't know what to write. Ask the opinion of other people. Do you have to do what they say? Nope. It helps to have ideas coming from other people. Use everything around you, twist it, cut it up, blend it, turn it into your own.
Last time I wanted 750 words, by now you should have between 750-1000 revised, polished words. Your story's beginning should, at this point, be developing nicely. By the end of 4th period, this is what I expect.
Homework:
Read Brier Rose and pay close attention to symbolism. Next time we'll be visiting some of the more steamy symbolism in Fairy Tales.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Blue Beard and Writing
So, Blue Beard is a bad dude. I want you to keep thinking about how we've connected to themes, a dark historical past, and the ability to hide all these things under the layers of good storytelling. If you feel like using my presentation, it's here. Today, you'll be starting your own stories. You've been "Padletting" the past few classes, and today you're going to start your stories.
Check out this Blue Beard inspired short film. Use it as an example for you to experience a newer, creative adaptation of the tale. The use of classic subject and stories can certainly be transformed to do what you want with them.
Writing:
Check up on your brainstorms and begin your stories! By the end of class, you should have a solid idea of the form you'll use and a rough beginning to your story. If you get done with this, discuss it with me or a partner. By the end of 8th period I want at least 750 words of your story. Stop whining, it's not that bad. remember, this is a draft, so it doesn't have to be pretty.
Some advice on starting a story:
1) Make a declarative statement. Start bold, don't be afraid. Beginning in this way, you establish power and can grab interest quickly. It can also set the tone for the rest of the story. Beginning with a powerful statement or dialogue is a great way to grab attention. Remember hook and inciting incident. Be bold, be clear!
2) Start with an interesting flashback. You have already practiced writing flashbacks and are familiar with how powerful they can be. They have the ability to set the reader in the fragmented nature of a character's mind. This is a powerful tool to use when beginning a story.
3) Start with what's at stake. What's the chief crisis of your story? Start with that. Introduce the conflict, a character flaw, a secret, or a memory that pulls the reader in immediately.
4) Don't fall into story starting cliche! Beginning stories with an information dump, boring descriptions, fanciful language, and a needless amount of questions, paths, or characters for a reader to follow are a few ways to disinterest the reader. Don't fall into these traps.
This is creative fiction, so have some fun (this beat is sick) and create something you'd want to read. If you need help, talk to each other. Or talk to me, my brain is weird. You're surrounded by creative people, talk to them. Write!
Check up on your brainstorms and begin your stories! By the end of class, you should have a solid idea of the form you'll use and a rough beginning to your story. If you get done with this, discuss it with me or a partner. By the end of 8th period I want at least 750 words of your story. Stop whining, it's not that bad. remember, this is a draft, so it doesn't have to be pretty.
Some advice on starting a story:
1) Make a declarative statement. Start bold, don't be afraid. Beginning in this way, you establish power and can grab interest quickly. It can also set the tone for the rest of the story. Beginning with a powerful statement or dialogue is a great way to grab attention. Remember hook and inciting incident. Be bold, be clear!
2) Start with an interesting flashback. You have already practiced writing flashbacks and are familiar with how powerful they can be. They have the ability to set the reader in the fragmented nature of a character's mind. This is a powerful tool to use when beginning a story.
3) Start with what's at stake. What's the chief crisis of your story? Start with that. Introduce the conflict, a character flaw, a secret, or a memory that pulls the reader in immediately.
4) Don't fall into story starting cliche! Beginning stories with an information dump, boring descriptions, fanciful language, and a needless amount of questions, paths, or characters for a reader to follow are a few ways to disinterest the reader. Don't fall into these traps.
This is creative fiction, so have some fun (this beat is sick) and create something you'd want to read. If you need help, talk to each other. Or talk to me, my brain is weird. You're surrounded by creative people, talk to them. Write!
Remember the advice of this guy:
#Imagination
Homework:
None. Happy weekend.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Catching Up, Bloody Storytime
Today you'll be given a chance to catch up with any missing work from this marking period. Update your blogs, refer to the list from Mr. Craddock's blog to see a list of the assignments from this marking period. Real talk, get that stuff done. Use this time wisely, catch up with things you don't have handed in.
If you're totally caught up with all of the things, awesome. You've been drafting on Padlet, creating fictional worlds. You've done this for the last few classes and by now you should have a decently formed idea of what your story is going to contain. It should have characters, message, conflict, setting, and--most importantly--imagination.
For those of you who are totally caught up, return to your Padlets and begin transferring those ideas to a document. You should name this document and save it in a safe place, because you'll be referring to it, adding things, taking notes, and keeping a constant brainstorming page. Why? Because just like people change every day, so do ideas. Through this, your writing will change. It's good to have a place to put those ideas. So do it!
We've been talking about how authors often use some forms, ideas, and inspiration from other authors. I agree with this 100% and it's about time you read some fiction. I have a fairly short attention span and love reading short, but powerful stories. It almost feels like that's why Fairy Tales were made in the first place. There are tons of them, they're popular, reconfigured, remade, and retold all the time. You're all probably familiar with the Walt Disney remakes of many of the classic fairy tales.
I hate to burst your bubble, but the real versions are actually quite different. So, to start, I'm not going to give you a happy one or a popular one. In fact, I'm willing to bet you've never heard of this one. Why? Because this isn't the kind of Fairy Tale that gets told as a bedtime story to kids. It's the stuff of nightmares and this is the nicest version: Charles Perrault's Blue Beard. There are other versions of this tale, but I want you to read this one. Read it with a neighbor, talk about it, read it out loud, whatever. Then, blog about it. A critical reaction, not a plot summary. Think of metaphor, analogy, and allegory. Underneath, what might the message be? Remember that stories are nice to read, but there's always something from deep inside ourselves laced into the words. How is it different from Fairy Tales you're familiar with? How might it impact your own writing.
Homework:
1) Finish your marking period work before Friday, obvi.
2) (If you haven't already) read Blue Beard. Blog an analytical reaction. This isn't a plot summary (hint: I know what happens already). Between 200-500 words. Make it good.
If you're totally caught up with all of the things, awesome. You've been drafting on Padlet, creating fictional worlds. You've done this for the last few classes and by now you should have a decently formed idea of what your story is going to contain. It should have characters, message, conflict, setting, and--most importantly--imagination.
For those of you who are totally caught up, return to your Padlets and begin transferring those ideas to a document. You should name this document and save it in a safe place, because you'll be referring to it, adding things, taking notes, and keeping a constant brainstorming page. Why? Because just like people change every day, so do ideas. Through this, your writing will change. It's good to have a place to put those ideas. So do it!
~~if you're "done" or something~~
We've been talking about how authors often use some forms, ideas, and inspiration from other authors. I agree with this 100% and it's about time you read some fiction. I have a fairly short attention span and love reading short, but powerful stories. It almost feels like that's why Fairy Tales were made in the first place. There are tons of them, they're popular, reconfigured, remade, and retold all the time. You're all probably familiar with the Walt Disney remakes of many of the classic fairy tales.
I hate to burst your bubble, but the real versions are actually quite different. So, to start, I'm not going to give you a happy one or a popular one. In fact, I'm willing to bet you've never heard of this one. Why? Because this isn't the kind of Fairy Tale that gets told as a bedtime story to kids. It's the stuff of nightmares and this is the nicest version: Charles Perrault's Blue Beard. There are other versions of this tale, but I want you to read this one. Read it with a neighbor, talk about it, read it out loud, whatever. Then, blog about it. A critical reaction, not a plot summary. Think of metaphor, analogy, and allegory. Underneath, what might the message be? Remember that stories are nice to read, but there's always something from deep inside ourselves laced into the words. How is it different from Fairy Tales you're familiar with? How might it impact your own writing.
Homework:
1) Finish your marking period work before Friday, obvi.
2) (If you haven't already) read Blue Beard. Blog an analytical reaction. This isn't a plot summary (hint: I know what happens already). Between 200-500 words. Make it good.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Why Even Tell Stories?
It's been a while since I've seen you, so here's another reminder: the marking period ends on Friday. If you have missing work, it can be made up. It can't be made up after Friday, though. All of the assignments from this past marking period are on Mr. Craddock's blog, neatly listed for you. Awesome, right?
Actually, though, why even tell stories? Think about how weird that is. Making up something fictional and writing it down is rather strange when you think about it. Before we start figuring out why we even tell stories, I want you to think about your own favorite stories. We certainly didn't start our lives by writing stories, we started by having them told to us, watching them, listening, looking at pictures, reading them, etc.
3rd Period:
We're going to do some talking and writing.
1) What are your favorite stories? Think it out, talk it out, and list three on the card. If three is too difficult to narrow down to, list five.
Everyone has favorite stories. Sometimes it's not easy to choose them when we're put on the spot, but there are certainly our top choices. Think about your own choices. What makes these so special? Why are they favorites? Characters? Plot? Emotion? Action? Climax? Moral? Something you can't explain? Any of these things are valuable to consider when reading our favorites, but they’re also important to remember when writing, because the same things that hook all of us, will hook other readers as well.
2) Why are these stories your favorites? Think, talk, write. Use the back of the index card to record your thoughts.
At times, it's not quite so easy to figure out why we love certain stories. There can be any amount of reasons and they can change daily, with our moods, situations, thoughts, feelings, etc. You know that we tend to speak through our writing, projecting some of the things going on within ourselves.
4th Period:
Last period we spoke and wrote about our favorite stories, whilst exploring the reasons behind our choices. This leads us to some lab/writing time. On your blogs, I want you to think about what we've discussed last period and address one of the following prompts:
1) To you, what makes a story?
2) To you, why do we (or you) even tell stories?
This is creative writing, title your blog posts. Be creative. I'd like to see a substantial blog post (500-ish words). As you begin writing longer pieces of creative work, it will be helpful to understand why you're telling a story and what enters into your stories. If you find yourself done posting, remember your Padlet brainstorming walls. Look yours up in the comments from last class, access it, and continue brainstorming for your own story. We will be starting them very soon.
Homework:
Look for missing work for the marking period. If you have missing work, get it done by Friday (and do it well)! If you don't have missing work, nicely done, relax a little.
Actually, though, why even tell stories? Think about how weird that is. Making up something fictional and writing it down is rather strange when you think about it. Before we start figuring out why we even tell stories, I want you to think about your own favorite stories. We certainly didn't start our lives by writing stories, we started by having them told to us, watching them, listening, looking at pictures, reading them, etc.
3rd Period:
We're going to do some talking and writing.
1) What are your favorite stories? Think it out, talk it out, and list three on the card. If three is too difficult to narrow down to, list five.
Everyone has favorite stories. Sometimes it's not easy to choose them when we're put on the spot, but there are certainly our top choices. Think about your own choices. What makes these so special? Why are they favorites? Characters? Plot? Emotion? Action? Climax? Moral? Something you can't explain? Any of these things are valuable to consider when reading our favorites, but they’re also important to remember when writing, because the same things that hook all of us, will hook other readers as well.
2) Why are these stories your favorites? Think, talk, write. Use the back of the index card to record your thoughts.
At times, it's not quite so easy to figure out why we love certain stories. There can be any amount of reasons and they can change daily, with our moods, situations, thoughts, feelings, etc. You know that we tend to speak through our writing, projecting some of the things going on within ourselves.
4th Period:
Last period we spoke and wrote about our favorite stories, whilst exploring the reasons behind our choices. This leads us to some lab/writing time. On your blogs, I want you to think about what we've discussed last period and address one of the following prompts:
1) To you, what makes a story?
2) To you, why do we (or you) even tell stories?
This is creative writing, title your blog posts. Be creative. I'd like to see a substantial blog post (500-ish words). As you begin writing longer pieces of creative work, it will be helpful to understand why you're telling a story and what enters into your stories. If you find yourself done posting, remember your Padlet brainstorming walls. Look yours up in the comments from last class, access it, and continue brainstorming for your own story. We will be starting them very soon.
Homework:
Look for missing work for the marking period. If you have missing work, get it done by Friday (and do it well)! If you don't have missing work, nicely done, relax a little.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Plagiarism, Projection, and Imagination
First things first:
Keep the blogging up, you're doing great!
A note on Plagiarism:
1) What is it? Taking the ideas, expressions, language, or ideas of someone else's work and passing them off as your own, not giving appropriate credit where it's due. This is academic dishonesty and it's a pretty serious offense.
2) How do you avoid it? Whenever you're going to use the ideas of someone else either by paraphrasing or directly quoting, you must give proper credit to the original author.
3) Is this really a big deal? Um, yes. It doesn't only apply to research papers, it applies to creative writing as well. You've probably been told there's a policy at SOTA regarding academic honesty and plagiarism. My favorite quote from this document: "If you handed it in and didn't do it on your own, you've probably violated the policy."
4) Seriously, just don't do it.
Keep the blogging up, you're doing great!
A note on Plagiarism:
1) What is it? Taking the ideas, expressions, language, or ideas of someone else's work and passing them off as your own, not giving appropriate credit where it's due. This is academic dishonesty and it's a pretty serious offense.
2) How do you avoid it? Whenever you're going to use the ideas of someone else either by paraphrasing or directly quoting, you must give proper credit to the original author.
3) Is this really a big deal? Um, yes. It doesn't only apply to research papers, it applies to creative writing as well. You've probably been told there's a policy at SOTA regarding academic honesty and plagiarism. My favorite quote from this document: "If you handed it in and didn't do it on your own, you've probably violated the policy."
4) Seriously, just don't do it.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Omg Blog Posts and Seeing Different Stories
Stuff from last time:
Your blog posts are beyond fabulous. Like, wow.
How am I grading creative blog posts? Great question.
Organization: 1-4 points
Creativity: 1-4 points
Grammar, Usage, Mechanics, and Spelling: 1-4 points
Requirements: 1-4 points
Blog: 4 points
Good feedback RISES!
Reflection: "I like what you did with X because..."
Inquiry: "Have you considered looking at X from perspective Y...?"
Suggestion: "You might consider tweak X for effect Y..."
Elevation: "Perhaps you can expand X to further address Y..."
Suggestion: "You might consider tweak X for effect Y..."
Elevation: "Perhaps you can expand X to further address Y..."
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