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Welcome to your resource to help you through the narrative writing semester. Below are the 7 video lessons and 5 assignments that you will be expected to complete.
The Learning Process
The Learning Process
Major Assignment 1: Benchmark Narrative
Major Assignment 1: Benchmark Narrative
The first thing you will need to do to begin the process of becoming a more effective narrative writer is to write a narrative. Don't worry about what you can or cannot do. Write a story... whatever you think that should look like. We will use this story to learn and grow.
Assignment Instructions
0-Narrative 1Lesson 1: Narrative Basics
Lesson 1: Narrative Basics
Narrative Structure
Assignment Instructions
1-Narrative BasicsLesson 2: Plot
Lesson 2: Plot
Elements of Plot
Conflict
Plot Diagrams
Assignment Instructions
2-Plot DiagrammingLesson 3: Dialogue
Lesson 3: Dialogue
Parts of Dialogue
Assignment Instructions
3-Dialogue AssignmentLesson 4: Characterization
Lesson 4: Characterization
The Major Character Roles
Assignment Instructions
4-Characterization AssignmentLesson 5: Sensory Detail
Lesson 5: Sensory Detail
Assignment Instructions
5-Writing with Detail AssignmentLesson 6: Setting
Lesson 6: Setting
Time and Place
Mood and Atmosphere
Culture and Population
Assignment Instructions
6-Setting AssignmentLesson 7: Suspense
Lesson 7: Suspense
What is Suspense?
Suspense Building Techniques
Looking for Suspense
Assignment Instructions
7-Suspense AssignmentMajor Assignment 2: Narrative Reflection
Major Assignment 2: Narrative Reflection
It is time to look at the progress you have made this year. You will compare your exploratory narrative to your practice assignments to see if your skills have improved.
Demonstrating your learning
Demonstrating your learning
Now that you have had a chance to practice your narrative writing skills, let's try writing a new narrative. This is where you are going to show that you have learned the 7 skills you have practiced.
Narrative Outline:
Narrative Outline:
The best way to ensure that you are going to include all of the necessary parts for a narrative is to create an outline where you plan what you are going to write before you write. Use the outline listed here in order to get ready for your upcoming rough draft.
10-Narrative 2 Outline - BlankMajor Assignment 3 - Rough Draft Narrative:
Major Assignment 3 - Rough Draft Narrative:
When you are done with your outline it is time to begin your rough draft. When writing your rough draft, don't worry about making it perfect, just write what you can. You will fix any errors and any problems when you revise your paper. You will know that you have a completed rough draft when:
You have a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. (You have a plot)
The character in the story has faced a problem and resolved it.
The reader would have a good idea of why this story was important to the narrator/protagonist.
All in all, you are looking for a complete story, not a word count.
10-Narrative 2Major Assignment 4 - Exemplar Text Study
Major Assignment 4 - Exemplar Text Study
Now that you have studied how to write a narrative, it is time to take a look at how someone else has created their narrative. You will use a narrative that you enjoy to see how the author created an impactful story.
Look at Mr. Abbott's list of possible short stories.
Video Lesson
Video Lesson
Here I have a video description of your Exemplar Text Study assignment.
Major Assignment 5 - Final Draft Narrative:
Major Assignment 5 - Final Draft Narrative:
You will arrive at your final draft through the process of revising and editing your rough draft. This will be difficult for many of you since, many of you have stopped at the rough draft phase of writing for all of your previous assignments, but here are some steps to follow for changing your rough draft and turning it into a final draft:
Part 1: Revision (How can you make the story better?)
Read through your narrative, look for parts of the story that seem "rushed," and explain those sections in more detail.
Be sure important conversations are shown in dialogue, not reported speech.
Example:
Reported speech: He told her his biggest fear: he didn't like being alone.
Dialogue: He looked up suddenly and said apprehensively, "Ever since I was a child I have had a hard time being alone. Each time I am by myself, I begin to worry that there is no one else on earth... like I am the only one, and everyone else is gone."
Look through your narrative for scenes, details, and characters that can be cut. If they aren't necessary for the story, they aren't needed. Be especially on the lookout for pointless characters if you put more than 3 characters in your story.
Attend a workshop session with Mr. Abbott to get feedback on ways to revise your story.
Have a peer read your story. Ask them if there are any confusing parts. Find out what their favorite part was.
Part 2: Editing (How can you make the story more readable?)
Grammar, you need to make sure it is correct.
Be sure that you are following my 5 dialogue rules!
Check your spelling; use Grammarly to help.
Put your paper into MLA format.
When you have finished revising and editing your narrative, you might be ready to submit it. Remember, this piece of writing should be the best example of what you are capable of. This assignment should reflect 2 months of writing and revision. Let's just say, my standards will be high. and remember:
Writing is never done, it is just due.
Writing is never done, it is just due.
Major Assignment 6: Narrative Reflection
Major Assignment 6: Narrative Reflection
It is time to look at the progress you have made this year. You will compare your exploratory narrative to your practice assignments to see if your skills have improved.
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