Week Thirteen: Revision and Workshopping

Mon 5/6--Compare the edited version with the original version of "What We Talk About" in the New Yorker online: http://www.newyorker.com/online/2007/12/24/071224on_onlineonly_carver

    • Please note some of the key differences between the stories and post your comments online under "Writing Exercises." 300 words minimum.

    • Bring the story you wish to revise to class.

Tues 5/7--Please read "Revisioning The Great Gatsby" in your reader: 47-157.

Also, for those who are interested, click here to check out some letters that Carver wrote to Lish regarding their relationship.

***Note on homework for workshopping days:

    • Your homework will consist on reading student stories and commenting on them--both in the margins of the story and in a separate letter of comments for the author (250-300 words per letter).

    • These homework assignments will be worth DOUBLE normal homework assignments because they're very important for the authors.

    • Authors: Please post your stories TWO days ahead of time so that students will have enough time to read them in advance. Thanks!

Thur 5/8--Workshopping begins!

*** Note: you have TWO stories to read for today:

Period 3: Mia/Caleb (find stories here)

Period 6: Clare/Anna (find stories here)

  • Print out copies of the two stories (you'll need them for class).

    • Mark up your copies to give to the authors (and put your name on the copies).

  • Please type up a separate page of comments on each story (sample comments to the left under "Workshopping"--"Guidelines").

  • Your comments should be thoughtful and constructive, telling the author what works in the piece as well as what could be tightened or improved upon.

    • Please print out TWO copies of your comments (one for the author and one for me). Thanks!

  • Authors' stories can be found under "Workshopping" on your period's private website.

Fri 5/9--Workshopping--same instructions as above.

Period 3: Daphne/Naomi (find stories here)

Period 6: Ian/Sam W. (find stories here)

*** For those of you who are interested, here's a fascinating article Alex S. found about the relationship between Gordon Lish and Raymond Carver. I highly recommend it!

New York Review of Books