Creative Writing ~ Harris Burdick Picture Short Story

Directions:

Now that we have thoroughly covered the short story, it is your turn to write one. For this story you will choose one of the Harris Burdick photos displayed in the classroom and write a creative story about the photo.

Your story must

-include all elements of plot: exposition, inciting action/conflict, rising action, climax, falling action/resolution.

-focus on just one or two main characters (i.e. Rainsford and General Zaroff); however, you may include a few flat characters as well (i.e. Whitney, Ivan).

-incorporate metaphorical language: simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, alliteration, etc. These must be highlighted in YELLOW in your paper. (for electronic copy you may use the “highlighter function in word or change the color of the font for sentences including literary elements/metaphorical language)

- Incorporate the quote on the picture somewhere in your story. Please underline and bold face the quote.

Publishing Requirements:

The final draftmust be a minimum of 3 ½ pages long (maximum of 4). No worries if you go a bit over 4 .

Your story must be in MLA format. Use black ink, Times New Roman or Arial, and a 12-point font. Margins: 1,1,1,1. Spacing: double. Proper heading

You must create a cover for your story. Include your title, a design, and your name. Be creative!

Grading Rubric:

Your papers will be assessed using The Six Traits Writing Scoring Guide. The following traits will be scored.

Ideas: Is the story unique? Does it fit the picture?

Organization: Does the paper follow the plot diagram?

Voice: Do your characters come alive

Word Choice: Do the words fit the theme and background of the story? Are your words energized?

Conventions: Does your paper look like a published piece free from errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc?

Presentation: Do you include a unique cover? Does it represent one element of your story? Is it in color or purposeful black and white? *Pencil art will not be accepted.

_____/ 25pts Short Story Prewrite Due: September 18th/19th(at the start of class)

_____/25pts First Draft (may be typed or handwritten) Due: Thursday September 20th (hard copy only)

_____/100pts Final Draft Due: Friday September 21st (hard copy with cover in class) AND Electronic Copy without cover on turnitin.com by Midnight Thursday September 20th).

Total: A possible 150pts

**On the 21st we will be having a Publishing Party where you will have the opportunity to read the short stories your peers created and act as a “critic” evaluating their work. Be prepared to share!**

Name______Period______WRITING PROCESS

PREWRITE Prewrite Grade ______/25

Describe the picture you chose in as much detail as possible. Remember, you will not have this with you at home.

______

What is the quote on your picture?

______

In the spaces below, record all of the thoughts that come to mind when you look at this picture.

Plot
Character
Setting
Theme
Point of View

In the chart on page two, in each category, highlight the ideas you like/will make the best story and record them in the chart below.

What Genre of fiction will you write?

GothicHistorical FictionRomanceComedyThriller/Suspense

MysteryScience FictionFantasyHorror (be careful)Western

Now that you have a basic idea for your story, it is time to start adding details.

PLOT: Complete the attached short story organizer.

Exposition

  1. Who will you introduce in the beginning?
  2. Where are they?
  3. What is going on?

Inciting Action/Conflict

  1. What is the conflict/struggle for the main character in the story?
  2. How will you introduce it? (i.e. Survival; Rainsford falls off a yacht.)

Rising Action

  1. What 3-5 events will occur in the rising action? Remember, these need to be tied to the conflict.
  2. How will you provide suspense?

Climax

  1. What will be the most exciting point in your story? How will your character work to end the conflict here?

Falling Action/Resolution

  1. Will you have a falling action and resolution? (i.e. “The Sniper”)
  2. Will you have no a resolution? (i.e. “The Most Dangerous Game”)
  3. Will you have a “whip-lash” ending? (“The Necklace”, “The Sniper”)
  4. Will you have an open ending with no resolution? (“Lady or the Tiger”) *This must be purposeful.

CHARACTER

To write a good story, authors need a good, convincing character. Professional writers work very hard to create believable characters. This exercise will force you to think about your character’s personality before you start your story.

Below, sketch a picture of the character you see in your head

What is your character’s name? Nickname?

SETTING

Below, create a picture of the setting you see in your head. This can be drawn, cut and pasted, etc.

How will you create this for your reader?

THEME

What reoccurring idea will you have in your story? Write your word on the line below.

“The Scarlet Ibis” – Pride

“The Most Dangerous Game” – Survival

“The Necklace” – Greed

Now that you have completed your Prewriting- it is time to start your

First Draft due hard copy Thursday September 20th

Final Draft due to Turnitin.com by Midnight on Thursday September 20thandFriday 21st hard copy with cover!