WRITE A SHORT STORY

Edge pp. 471-482 Wilson

SHORT STORIES

Short stories are narratives about imaginary people, places, and events.Writers use vivid details and dialogue to bring the characters and conflicts to life.

SHORT STORY FORM

2 or more characters: protagonist and antagonistProtagonist faces a conflict; leads to complicationsThe plot (sequence of events) rises to the climax (turning point)The conflict is resolved

INTERIOR MONOLOGUE

Along with dialogue, a writer may use interior monologue, passages that let readers “hear” the characters thoughts.

ANALYZE A PROFESSIONAL MODEL

Turn to p. 473 in your Edge textbook. Read Please Stand By. Look for ways the writer builds suspense. What was the surprise ending?

WRITING PROMPT

Write a suspenseful story with a surprise ending.

Make sure you include:Characters’ actions, dialogue, and interior monologueA beginning, middle, and endRising action, climax, and falling actionA surprise ending

PREWRITE

Found on pp. 474-475 in Edge:Choose your topicClarify the audience, theme, and purposeGather supporting detailsOrganize the plotComplete your writing plan worksheet (example p. 475)

WRITE A DRAFT

Follow your Writing Plan and plot diagram to get your ideas down on paper.

Introduce the conflict in the FIRST paragraph (EXPOSITION).Then: add events and details that intensify the conflict (RISING ACTION)Next: show how events lead to a turning point (CLIMAX)Lastly: show how events (FALLING ACTION) lead to a surprise ending (RESOLUTION)

REVISE YOUR DRAFT

Read your work carefully.Make sure your ideas about characters, conflict, plot, and other details progress in a logical way (the order makes sense).Use transitions words (then, next, furthermore).Use the rubric on p. 479 to evaluate your organization.Use the checklist on p. 480 to revise your rough draft.

PEER EDIT

Read your partner’s short story.Use editing marks for punctuation, capitalization, and paragraph form.

Make note of:Any part that is confusingAny place where something seems to be missingAnything that the reader does not understand

FINAL COPY

Type your final draft or write a neat copy by hand.12 point fontDouble spaced TitleHeading

Due Tuesday 11/26!