Week 5: Dialogue

Mon 2/8--NO HOMEWORK!

Tues 2/9--Read Chapter 3, "Building Character: Characterization Part I" in Writing Fiction. Please read the chapter carefully!

    • Read "The Rememberer" in reader (relatively short).

Thurs 2/11--There are two parts to tonight's assignment:

    • Go to a cafe (or some other place where people are talking) and listen to people's dialogue.

      • Try to write down snippets of their speech.

      • Make notes on the way people talk (intonation, word choice, rhythm, speed, pacing)

      • Also, observe the gestures, movement, and facial expressions that accompany the way people converse.

      • Please be subtle and respectful!

      • Note: if you're not comfortable observing strangers, ask family members or friends if they mind if you observe and take notes on their conversation.

      • You need only write 300 words on this topic; the remaining 300 words are your own choice.

      • Total word count: 600 words.

      • Please post on Canvas: dialogue journal assignment

    • Read "Hills Like White Elephants" in your reader.

      • Pay attention to how Hemingway uses dialogue to craft his story. How does literary dialogue different from the actual dialogue you overhear?

Fri 2/12--Story submission due. Click here for details: story submission 1

    • Note: if you want specific feedback from the students who will be reading your story, please make a list of your questions and put them at the end of the piece.

    • Please bring 3 printed out copies of your story to class

    • If you won't be in class on Friday, please arrange to get your story to others in your workshop group

Groups for Workshopping:

Period 4

Group 1: Bryce, Zane, Kelly, Eleonore

Group 2: Christina, Neel, Jake M, Arif

Group 3: Sam, Jake K, Max, Caroline

Group 4: Miguel, Mary, Abigail, Jose

Period 5

Group 1: Eli, Ryan, Daisy, Jenna

Group 2: Che, Lizzie, Gillie, Chris

Group 3: Amaris, Analisa, Annika, Ami

Group 4: Kat, Mark, Evan, Jady