Baseline Piece (Writing Project #1)

Write.

You choose the format, the style, the genre. Use the guidelines below. Please note the due date for DRAFT ONE.

1. Write a poem, short story, scene/script, or creative non-fiction piece.

2. You can write about anything you want, using characters, setting, theme, plot and everything else you create.

3. DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FIRST STEP IN THE WRITING PROCESS!
I suggest you brainstorm some ideas first. You may wish to create a character list, or list possible settings or conflicts. You may wish to draw a picture of a scene or character in a situation. You may wish to create a mindmap or use a favorite story or poem as inspiration or as a model for your own work. Use techniques we used last year in our journals to help you.

4. Length: as a guideline try to write at least 20 lines or more for a poem, 2-3 pages for a fiction or non-fiction narrative piece (double spaced), and 3-4 pages for a script (in script format--remember to skip lines between speakers or indent properly). For poems, if you finish early, try writing another (and another). Keep yourself busy writing. Remember that you have to be present to keep your date happy!

Use the lab time to complete or nearly complete your work. I will notify you about time left in class. If you do NOT complete your work today in class, you should take the file home (print or send yourself an attachment in email or copy the file to a jump drive) and complete it. Bring in DRAFT ONE as homework. We will be using what you write in our next class. Draft one due Thursday, September 9 (beginning of class).

HOMEWORK: Please read the handout about generating ideas. Review the 5 steps of the writing process (hint, hint). Complete your baseline piece.