Creative Writing I

Creative Writing I
On-line Course
Part II ~ Introduction to Creative Writing

There are 5 Sections to this part, each worth 40 points. Complete all 5 before you submit your notebook for grading. Each assignment requires some specific reading, followed by a writing assignment. The books you will need for this section are on the small wooden shelf at the back of Mr. Woody's room under the TV.

Section A -- This section relates to the proper use of language as a tool in telling an effective story. Word usage often signals the difference between intelligent, creative writing, and that which is dull and ordinary. Read Strunk & White's Elements of Style, Sections I, III, and IV. Following your reading, assess the most common errors you make in your writing, and write a journal about them. Look specifically for examples that relate to the pitfalls mentioned by the authors. (40 Points)

Section B -- This section relates to the importance of the settings authors choose for their stories. Read Chapter 1 of Ron Rozelle's book, Description and Setting. Here, he describes how good authors set the time, place, and location of their stories, in a way that draws the reader into a personal involvement in the story. When you have finished reading this chapter, try this exercise: Make a list of the 5 Senses on a sheet of paper (Sight, Hearing, Smell, Touch, and Taste - if you feel really adventurous [please do] include Intuition, Insight, or ESP as the 6th sense). Sit in a location with plenty of sensory input (the school cafeteria is a good place) for 30 minutes, recording as many different stimuli as you can, placing them into the appropriate categories. Then, see if you can write a paragraph that might serve as the opening for a story in which you incorporate the most powerful of each of those stimuli. (40 Points)

Section C -- This section is about understanding the importance of plot and structure in your writing. Read both of the following: Chapter 1 of James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure, and Chapter 1 of Anson Dibell's Plot. What ideas do these authors have in common? Apply Bell's "LOCK" outline to 3 of your favorite books, recording how the authors of those books display that structure in their work. (40 Points)

Section D -- For this section, read Strunk & White's Elements of Style, Section II about the Principles of Composition. Also, read Writing With the Masters, pages 1-17, making an outline of the ideas as you read. Following your reading, use your outline to focus a journal about your own strengths and weaknesses. (40 Points)

Section E -- Do a little background research on plagiarism and the Copyright Laws. Write a journal that deals with your stance on the following questions: Why is plagiarism wrong? What do plagiarists hope to gain by copying the work of others? Why were copyright laws originally proposed? What effect would occur relative to popular writing if there were no copyright laws? Refer to a recent case in which plagiarism caused a writer public embarassment. Do you think the punishment was sufficient, or should there be more stringent laws against plagiarism? (40 Points)