Monthly Archives: October 2009
The conventions of literary fiction
I’ve mentioned Robert Boswell’s excellent The Half-Known World: On Writing Fiction here before. One of his essays includes this paragraph: This could be material at the heart of a literary story. It makes the events the result of motivated action rather … Continue reading
Franklin as text
•What models does Franklin encounter? How do they influence him? •What texts did Franklin find compelling? Why? “Texts” might include behaviors. •List differences between Franklin’s values and those of the people around him. List commonalities. •How does Franklin understand the world? … Continue reading
Character (three sets of prompts)
Characterization Techniques (three sets of prompts) To begin developing a character, answer these questions. What does the character look like? Describe him or her. Where was the character born? What was his or her upbringing like? What do the character’s … Continue reading
Found freewriting
Revise this material into a poem. Remember that revision often includes the addition of new material and the cutting of old. Consider revising toward a formal poem or recall the characteristics of free verse. We will try this at least … Continue reading
Metaphor by Metaphor 