Week 5: Dialogue

Mon 2/9--NO HOMEWORK!

Tues 2/10--Read Chapter 3, "Building Character: Characterization Part I" in Writing Fiction. Please read the chapter carefully!

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

Thurs 2/12--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.

  • 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 2/13--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.