A Farewell to Creative Writing

Students,

I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know you through your writing this semester. You have proven to be a talented, eclectic bunch!

Before you leave, there are two more tasks for you to complete:

1. Create your final post for this class. Select one of the two following options:
   *Let your readers know this will be your last post on this blog as the class is ending. Add any other ‘flair’ to the post that you’d like and thank them for their feedback.
   OR
   *Let your readers know that while this is your last post for the class, you plan to continue posting on this blog. You might let them know what to expect from you in the future. Add any other ‘flair’ to the post that you’d like.
2. Read our literary journal, Et cetera, and post an encouraging comment on at least ten of your peers’ blogs.

I hope you all continue writing your entire life. It can be an invaluable asset!

Final Project Due Today!

It’s time to get your final exam project done: it’s due by the end of the hour.

Here are the directions in case you have forgotten.

 

 

 

 

Final Project: Online Literary Journal

DP #60: Writing Advice

Read the provided handout with quotes from published writers. When you’re done, write down some writing advice of your own and be prepared to share with the class.

 

Hi folks!  It’s time to talk about the final exam project for this class: your submission to our online literary journal.

Here are the directions on how to do the final project.  You’ll all be submitting to our online literary journal, Et Cetera.

Your final assignment is due TOMORROW (June 4th) by the end of the hour.

 

 

 

 

BLOG POST: Sample Script

Today, make sure you complete all of the steps below. If you are not able to, you have until Sunday at midnight to do so.

Requirements:

• 1) Select a piece you have already written (creative essay, short story, flash fiction, poem, daily prompt, etc…)
• 2) Rewrite it as a script: either PLAY or SCREEN (not both!)
• 3) Type it on a Google Doc (2 pages approximately)
• 4) Click ‘Share’ and change to ‘anyone with the link can view’
• 5) Create a blog post: briefly introduce your script and add the Google Doc link to the post (picture is recommended, but not required)

Happy writing!

Script writing: the assignment

Daily Prompt #59: Inspired by Image

Courtesy of Pixabay

Inspired by this image, write for five minutes.

 

Today, we’re going to review the requirements for the script assignment.

Requirements:

• 1) Select a piece you have already written (creative essay, short story, flash fiction, poem, daily prompt, etc…)
• 2) Rewrite it as a script: either PLAY or SCREEN (not both!)
• 3) Type it on a Google Doc (2 pages approximately)
• 4) Click ‘Share’ and change to ‘anyone with the link can view’
• 5) Create a blog post: briefly introduce your script and add the Google Doc link to the post (picture is recommended, but not required)

Use the hour today to complete steps 1-2

Tomorrow, we’ll be in the lab so you can complete steps 3-5.

This assignment is due Sunday by midnight.

Happy writing!

Playwriting: Day Two

Daily Prompt #58: Inspired by Music

As the music plays, write down whatever comes to your mind.

 

Today, we’re going to do some practice writing dialogue. You’ll be writing two different scenes of dialogue.

First Scene: find a partner. With your partner, select one of the sample characters listed below (or come up with your own). Decide on a scenario where these two characters would be talking and write their conversation. Write it like a play script. Don’t worry about quotation marks and dialogue tags.

Be prepared to share. I’ll ask for a few volunteers.

Second Scene: on your own. Select two new characters listed below (or come up with your own). Just as before, decide on a scenario where these two characters would be talking and write their conversation. Write in screenplay or play script form. Use the remainder of the hour.

Sample Character List
from the National Writing Project

• movie star and fanatic fan
• officer and speeder
• psychiatrist and patient
• waiter/waitress and diner
• man on a ledge and psychologist
• principal and student
• hairdresser/barber and client
• teacher and parent
• little sis and big sis
• driving instructor and student driver
• deejay and phone-in listener
• reporter and accident witness
• priest and confessor
• cheerleader and nerd
• girl and boy on blind date
• dogcatcher and dog owner
• player and coach
• two late-night grocery shoppers
• girl’s date and little brother or sister
• flight attendant and passenger
• man and God
• angel and devil on character’s shoulder

Playwriting: Day One

Daily Prompt #57 Writing from Music

Listen to this song.  As you do, write whatever pops into your head.

Music can lead to amazing moments of brilliance.  Try it out!

 

Today, we are going to read a script from a former student who submitted to the Michigan State University’s Playwriting Competition.

Next, let’s review the format for writing a play and consider how it is different and similar to a screenplay.

Screenwriting – Day Three

Daily Prompt #56: Inspired by Images

Write down whatever comes to your mind as you look at this image.

 

Take ten minutes.

 

Let’s continue practicing with screenwriting.

Alone or with a partner, try your hand at writing a mini screenplay for the following scenario:

 

John heard a strange noise in the closet. As he crossed the room to investigate, he heard Diana scream something terrifying. He tried to decide what to do. Then, he made his decision.

 

Elaborate as much as you want. Be prepared to share and discuss with the class.

 

Now, take something from your writer’s notebook (could be anything!) and turn it into script format.  Have fun!

 

 

Screenwriting: Day Two

Daily Prompt #55: Responding to Music

Listen to the following song. Feel free to write as you listen (or just listen!)

Hi folks!

Let’s review the handouts: Building Blocks of a Script and Formatting a Script.

Next, practice formatting a short scene from Toy Story with a partner.

Google Docs also has a script Add-on. Let’s play with it a little bit!

Let’s check to see if you’ve got it!

Screenwriting: Day One

Daily Prompt #54: Inspired by Images

Inspired by this image, write for ten minutes. Your choice of topic and form is completely up to you. See where the art and your writing take you.

 

For this unit, you’re going to learn how to write both movie and play scripts. Since both are meant to be performed and seen, our daily prompts will be both image and music-related.

To start this unit, you’re going to study excerpts from four different film genres and complete the linked activity.  Once you’re done completing the activity, we’ll talk about what the elements of movie scripts are, and then watch the movie clips!