Authors:
Please email your classmates and me two days in advance of workshopping.
Attach your story in a word document or send as a Google doc and notify us.
Please revise the story based on my comments as well as your own instincts before you submit it for workshopping.
Note: you will lose points if you submit basically the same draft as the one you handed to me (unless I wrote otherwise on my "turnitin.com" comments).
On Canvas, under the heading of your letter, please answer the following questions (instead of writing a letter to yourself):
What did you change in the piece based on either my suggestions or on your own sense of what needs changing? Try to be as specific as possible.
How much time did these revisions take you?
Please review the writing contract and make sure the mechanics of your story are in good working order (e.g. dialogue formatting, punctuation, etc).
Finally, please don't email your story earlier or later than two days prior to workshopping. Let's try to keep the order clear for the readers. Thanks!
Readers:
Please download the story and print it out.
You'll need a copy of the story so we can comment on it in class (it's not okay to use laptops for workshopping).
Also, don't forget to print out your letter to the author.
Make sure to comment on the story in the margins as you read through it.
Also, remember to put your name on the print out so the author can ask you if they have questions about your comments.
Please post a copy of the letter on Canvas.
Instructions for letter to the author (200+ words):
You'll post your letters on Canvas:
Note: these assignments will be worth more than normal homework assignments.
Also, please get them in on time (as always, points will be deducted for lateness).
The reason these assignments are worth more is because your classmates need the feedback in order to do their final round of revisions.
If it seems helpful, you might begin by stating quite simply what happens in the piece and what it’s about. Especially if the piece has a complicated plot structure, this can be useful.
Mention 2-3 elements of the story that you consider strong.
Be specific about these strengths (e.g. “you use fresh, surprising metaphors” is better than “you’re very descriptive).
Questions are useful:
e.g. “I’m curious whether Harper will finish the race or abandon it in pursuit of Jean?”
e.g. “What does Jean look like?” “Does Ernestine love Robin or Leslie?"
Give at least one suggestion you have for improving the piece.
Be as concrete and specific as possible in your suggestion and try to avoid judgment. E.g. “it might be helpful to introduce more conflict into the piece earlier.”
Think of Maxwell Perkins here: “Couldn’t you add one or two characteristics like the use of that phrase ‘old sport’?”
Tips On What to Comment On and Sample Letters Posted Below!
Final revision assignment (instructions not yet revised, but basically will be the same): Instructions for Final Revision
Block B Workshopping Dates:
M 4/30—S: Sameer, Khalil
Tu 5/1—S: Anna, Natalie
W 5/2—L: David, Ryan, Grant
Fri 5/4—S: We will have class today. My chaperoning duty was cancelled. Sorry about that! (No homework, though.)
M 5/7—S: Olivia, Manju
Tu 5/8—L: Hannah, Jaydin, Chris
Th 5/10—L: Nichos, Suah, Gaby
M 5/14—S: Ruby, Khalil
Tu 5/15—S:
Block E Workshopping Dates:
M 4/30—S: No workshopping
Tu 5/1—S: Gemma, Dan
W 5/2—L: Amy, Neha, Cady
Fri 5/4—S: We will have class today. My chaperoning duty was cancelled. Sorry about that! (No homework, though.)
M 5/7—S: Olivia, Cailin
Wed 5/9—L: Emilia, Jamari, Miya
Th 5/10—L: Hanna, Kianna
M 5/14—S: Sophia, Arya
Tu 5/15—S: Sasha, Christian
W 5/16--L: