Creating Characters

Morrie.
Taken from Google Images

 

You've already learned how to set a scene and write some awesome dialogue.  The next step in our creative writing journey together is to portray a character the way we want to.

For this journal prompt, I want you to think about a person that you will write about in your memoir.  Just as you used the five senses to describe your bedroom, use the five senses to describe your character. What does he/she look like?  Smell like?  Sound like?  How does this person make you feel? 

In addition, make sure to include this person's good traits and bad - their quirks and flaws, too.  Be honest when illustrating this character, for your readers need to be able to relate to this person and get the sense that they know who you are writing about.  Honest writers are good writers.  It's okay to fabricate a bit in a memoir, but the true essence of this person should be apparent in your writing.

Before you begin, think of tactics that Mitch Albom used to portray his professor Morrie.  Think about what tactics I used in my memoir to portray my troubled friend Austin.  Your task for this journal prompt is to write a realistic and honest description of someone you know - someone who will likely make an appearance in your memoir.

Ready.  Set.  Write.

Dynamite Dialogue

A nice family dinner.
Taken from Google Images

 

Based on what you have learned about writing dialogue from the "Dialogue to Avoid" and "Dialogue Example" handouts (and the awesome clip from Little Miss Sunshine), in your journal write an effective piece of dialogue between two or more characters. 

Also, keep your memoir in mind; look at this writing prompt as a jumping-off point in getting started on the long-term assignment!

Setting the Scene

Taken from Google Images

 

Sketch a drawing of your bedroom in your journal. This doesn't have to be amazing - it's just to get your mind a-goin'!

Write about your living space from your perspective - memoir style.  Describe your personal space in as much detail as possible, noting things like if the bed is made, if there are posters on the wall, if your clothes are color-coded while hanging in your closet or if they are rumpled on the floor. All of these components help to create a scene.
 
Tiny details like this not only help illustrate a scene, but also give readers insight as to who lives in this space. What hints would your room give about you to an objective outsider? If your bed is unmade, what could this tell us about you? If your curtains are closed, what does this tell us about you? If your room is immaculately clean, what would this tell us about you?  If you have a 3 week old piece of pizza under your bed, what does that tell readers about you?  :) 

Remember to be incredibly descriptive - use the five senses and literary devices (metaphors, symbols, personification) - this will enrich your writing!   Ready, set, write!

Tuesdays with Morrie

After reading the first 54 pages of Tuesdays with Morrie, what are your thoughts about the memoir?  Free write for 5 minutes...

Next, if a memoir is supposed to be about the person writing it, why do you suppose Mitch Albom focuses so much on Morrie, his old professor?  What's the point of the narrative being based mostly upon this old man?  What do you suppose Albom is conveying about Morrie through his personal memoir?

Your Creative Writing Hopes and Dreams :)

What you hope to learn...

-become a better writer and write some awesome stories
-learn how to focus my writing
-figure out copyrighting
-be a more confident writer
-keep writing after school is out
-write something other than a research paper
-how to construct a great story
-compile thoughts into effective sentences and convey it in the way I want to
-learn about grammar and proper writing
-become more outgoing - step out of comfort zone
-be more creative
-learn new vocabulary
-write in detail that paints pictures in people's minds

What you hope to do...

-write great stories
-get an A!
-have fun
-use my iPod as I write
-write happy things; less depressing things
-get my deep thoughts on paper and out of my head
-learn something about myself and my future
-create great stories and memoirs
-be happy while writing
-write effectively and pass the class
-how to convey my feelings
-put emotion into my writing
-use my imagination
-have fun!

Your expectations of me...

-give constructive criticism
-stay awesome (I'll try)
-be funny
-try to understand my writing
-help us express our thoughts through writing
-help when I ask for it
-be a great teacher
-be inspirational
-make this semester worthwhile
-be fun and helpful
-teach me to write more creatively

Poem from a Picture



After each of you have found an image that interests you, moves you, or inspires you in some way you need to put on your creative pants, and yes - you guessed it - you are going to write a poem based on that photo! 

This writing activity should show you that absolutely anything can trigger writing inspiration; it's just that sometimes you need to take a deeper look at what you see, feel, hear, taste, and smell.  So, my friends - from here on out there should be no whining about having nothing to write about because good ideas are everywhere!

You will need to post this poem (polished and revised, of course) to your blog by Friday at 4pm!  I look forward to reading what you each write!

 

*****

Poem-Writing Advice:

 

-Use imagery that paints pictures in the reader's mind

-Think about perspective; who is the speaker of your poem?

-Use poetic devices like similes, metaphors, alliteration, and personification to add life to your work

-Set the tone for your reader based on the diction (words) you use

-Use the 5 senses - sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell

-Try to make it rhyme!