Begin by reading this article on opening a short story. Take notes in your journal about important advice.
The best short stories begin in media res (in the middle of an important action). Starting a story with an action helps a writer get moving on what must happen in a story. Exposition (if needed) is added later in the story after the reader has entered into the text.
Go to the following website: the literary magazine Zoetrope. For 10-20 of the short stories (click on them to read the beginning), record in your journal the first line of each story.
When you have a list of 10-20 openings, choose one and then begin your own 200-400 word short story with that opening. See where it takes you. The first draft is due at the end of class. DO NOT PRINT this. Simply call it Working With Beginnings Draft 1. Save your work. We will continue with it next class.
HOMEWORK: Please read the handout about beginnings for next class.
TEST: Please review the WRITING PROCESS (see below) and advice about starting fiction for next class.
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