Author Archives: sdgibson
A true work of fiction . . .
A true work of fiction does all of the following things, and does them elegantly, efficiently: it creates a vivid and continuous dream in the reader’s mind; it is implicitly philosophical; it fulfills or at least deals with all of … Continue reading
2250 Final exam Fall 2019
The final exam is worth fifteen points. The late paper policy as described by the syllabus applies to the final exam. Turn the exam in by emailing it to me before it is due. It is due by the end … Continue reading
4420 Final exam Fall 2019
This final exam is worth fifteen points. As we’ve discussed, the exam consists of you identifying three potential markets for your novella. Each potential market should have a brief paragraph devoted to it, explaining why it is a good fit … Continue reading
2010 Final exam Fall 2019
This final exam is worth fifteen points. As we’ve discussed during the semester, the exam consists of you sending your final proposal to your audience. To demonstrate that you have sent it, either CC or BCC me on an email … Continue reading
Two examples of synthesis
Let’s take a look at these two synthesis examples.
Reading as a writer: “The Wig”
Consider these questions about this story. What did you learn about characterization from the story? Describe power shifts that lead toward the crisis moment. Which fiction writing technique was best exemplified in the story? Why? How might you apply a … Continue reading
What “Make It New” means . . .
Creole began to tell us what the blues are all about. They were not about anything very new. He and his boys up there were keeping it new, at the risk of ruin, destruction, madness, and death, in order to … Continue reading
Revising openings
Consider these opening strategies for the beginnings of stories, but consider them as ways of revising the beginnings of chapters or sections within your novella. They are part of the ever excellent Metro: Journeys in Writing Creatively.
Toward revision
Consider this exercise from the making of a story by Alice LaPlante: Write about an event in your character’s past without which the current situation couldn’t exist. Write about the current situation from the point of view of a character … Continue reading
The mystery in your draft
Consider exercise #197 from The 3 A.M. Epiphany by Brian Kiteley: Embracing the mystery. Write a brief description of something you do not understand about the story or novel you are working on. It is quite likely you’ll begin to … Continue reading
Metaphor by Metaphor 