Creative writing is a writing class. In this class you will explore how the written word can be used to effectively communicate your written "voice". By using and practicing the steps of the writing process, and your own ideas and opinions, you will create a collection of writing.
Success in this class will be had by following the guidelines listed below
Success in this class will be had by following the guidelines listed below
- Write every day. In order to become proficient at any activity, you need to practice every day. Therefore, we will write every day. Each day when the bell rings, you should be in your seat and writing on the topic on the board or one of your own choosing. We will spend anywhere from five to fifteen minutes writing on a journal topic each day. You should add to these entries on your own time, especially if your in class writing was minimal. You need to date each entry and write the topic from the board before you begin writing. If you miss class, you need to find out what we wrote about and get it done. I will collect these writings randomly to grade. These entries will be very valuable. Not only do they give you a chance to begin getting your voice on paper, but they often provide you with topics for other assignments.
- Write using the writing process. While every person approaches writing in a different way, the basic process is the same: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, etc. You will be expected to follow this process in the production of your final products.
- Mechanics - As with anything the mechanics of the process make an impact on your product. Therefore, we will spend time each week working on some editing skills. There may be practice assignments on this material.
- Write in a variety of forms. Good writers are knowledgeable of many types of writing. Therefore, you will try your hand at a wide variety of creative writing formats. Through the course of the semester you will begin to develop a portfolio of your work.
- Read - Read - Read. Read like a writer, be hungry for the written word and seek out what others do well or not so well. We will read for fun. We will read to figure out what other authors are up to in their writing (actually studying the moves writers make), and we will read to respond. We are going to explore what we think about things by writing about things we read.
- You'll be on display here. Writers usually write about things that matter to them, stories that they remember well many years later, or just ideas that they believe in strongly. This means I take respect and trust really, really seriously. If someone has the guts to write about their parents' divorce or their grandparent's death or being humiliated on the basketball court, you'll not only respect their courage in saying it, you'll listen hard. And if they ask you not to repeat it, you won't. Writers need a community of readers in order to thrive. You are that community for each other.
- Arrive on time to class with the materials needed. During class I expect all of my students to work. If you are frequently late or forgetting materials or missing work, I will keep you after school or have you join me for lunch. We are here to learn; it's an opportunity for all of us to improve as writers by working together and working hard. My job is to show you how to write well; your job is to seize each opportunity.
- Phones - good bye. Food and drink - maybe...