Short Story Writing Project

Short Story Writing Project

Kortman

Rationale: Creative writing is an important aspect of any student's writing career. The goal of this assignment is to have each student produce his or her own original short story. This unit benefits students by providing them with a piece of their own work, completed with potential for future publication, if the student wishes to pursue such a venue. The production of a short story will also provide students with the knowledge of structure (point of view, setting, character, plot, and theme) and a means of analysis of a short story. This type of project taps the creative aspect of students' minds and utilizes their natural creative abilities.

Assignment: Each student will produce a short story of their own creation that incorporates the elements of quality writing that we have been discussing as a class. The story should reflect originality of thought and specificity of detail. It is critical that the students keep all activities related to the creation of the story to be turned in with the final product including the storyboard and writing journal entries.

Requirements:

·  500-750 words

·  Written in the first person perspective of a fictional protagonist

·  Includes dialogue

·  Focuses on one event or episode

·  Understanding of a clear theme is evidenced

·  Reflects effort and ingenuity on the part of the student

·  Shows adequate development of ideas through drafting process

Note to Students: Think about what makes you unique as a person; your experiences, your values, and your ideas. The best short stories are specific enough that no one but the writer could have written the story, but universal enough that anyone can relate to the ideas contained therein. Find that voice that expresses both your originality and your universality. Have fun!

Due Dates:

Storyboard: ______

First Draft: ______

Final Draft: ______