Introduction
Introduction
Embedded Files
It is a common misconception that the Literary Arts course in SOTA is simply a literature lesson with a fancy name. However, Literary Arts deals with the construction and crafting of a story while literature is the dissection of one.
Many assume that Literary Arts students have it easy due to the pre-conceived notion that all that is done during lessons is listening to music while casually typing stories about fairy tales and adventures on our computers. In contrast, we do a lot more than just that. While we are allowed to listen to music and usually use electronics to get our work done, we also analyse human behaviour and use that to create relatable and emotion-invoking characters.
Moreover, we also participate in exercises such as critiquing works by authors and our peers, and create short pieces with specific themes. We also engage in activities such as the drawing of our own fictional worlds, enacting of written dialogue, etcetera.
Term 1: Short Story
Term 1: Short Story
Short Story
Short Story
In this module, we were taught the conventions and structures of creative writing. These included the knowledge of developing a character, pacing a story, establishing settings and time, and understanding the world we create in our writing.
As most of us were familiar with this form of writing, due to our experiences in composition writing in Primary School, we were taught to hone our existing skills and broaden our knowledge on different methods of expressing character, setting and plot. This helped in smoothening out many holes in our abilities while simultaneously polishing our 'diamond in the rough' stories.
We explored the different aspects of writing a short story, such as dialogue, world-building, characterisation, structures, formatting and 'Show, not Tell'. These helped us in writing compelling pieces with engaging properties.
Dialogue reveals the individuality of our characters through their speech; world-building features the unique settings and rules of our fictitious worlds; characterisation, like dialogue, portrays the distinct personalities of our characters through their behaviours and features.
Structures and formatting are the technical aspects of writing, including the properties of Freytag's Pyramid and presentation of the story (font, line breaks, quotations, etcetera).
Lastly, 'Show, not Tell' is the technique of describing actions, emotions and thoughts of a subject or setting without directing implying what the author means. It draws attention to the atmosphere and portrayals in our writing, which hones our skills in creating depth and details.
Question: Do you have any experience in creating short stories? Or perhaps characters and worlds of your imaginations? :)
Important Notes for Contents of a Story, Courtesy of Leia Lo ↓
Questions to take note of when Creating a World ↓
Drawing of a Fictitious World, Courtesy of Quek Chi-E ↓
Freytag's Pyramid ↓
Term 2: Playwriting
Term 2: Playwriting
Playwriting
Playwriting
Due to the limited knowledge and exposure we had for playwriting, most of us were uncertain about our learning for this module. However, we were quickly proven wrong by our assumptions.
Though we had our struggles while learning how to properly write a play, most of us enjoyed the process and picked up different skills and techniques. These consist of the conventions, stage directions and attributes of a play. We appreciated these techniques as they helped us nurture as young playwrights, and broadened our knowledge on the individualism of playwriting.
As characters are portrayed through their speech in plays, dialogues are essential in playwriting, hence we had directed most of our focus onto that aspect of the module. This challenged our skills in depicting a character through what they say and how they deliver their lines. We had our difficulties in honing this skill, however, after much practice and exercises, we managed to create short plays with effective dialogue with distinct portrayals of our characters.
Question: What do you think is the most important aspect of a play?
During this module, due to the COVID-19 situation and Home-Based Learning (HBL) being implemented, we were unable to be acquainted with the theatrical experiences of a playwright. However, we overcame this by partaking in exercises online and in small groups. Especially for dialogue writing, subtext and characterisation, we had written short scenes and acted them out to familiarise ourselves with the properties of Theatre. The Theatre students had also provided support and advices, aiding our struggles during the stressful periods we endured.
Our achievements and development as young and aspiring playwrights were reflected in our participation and assessments for the Playwriting Module. We are definitely proud of ourselves to have come thus far from our daunting journey in Term 2.
Role-Playing Activity Notes, Courtesy of Quek Chi-E ↓
Points to note for Goals, Tactics and Characters ↓
Examples of Effective Dialogue for Monologues ↓
Term 3: Poetry
Term 3: Poetry
Poetry
Poetry
To wrap the year up, we were taught Poetry in Term 3. Most of us had common misconceptions and assumptions of poetry - about having consistent rhyme schemes and a fixed poetic structure. This module cleared those misconceptions and enriched our knowledge on this form of writing.
We learnt about the different poetic devices, usage of white space, types of poems, and themes.
Question: How many of these devices do you recognise?
Alliteration, simile, metaphors, onomatopoeia, repetition, rhyme, symbolisms, personification, diction, enjambment and the five senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) are the poetic devices we were taught. These devices are essential when writing a poem as they are tools which help us create rhythms, enhance a poem's meaning, and intensify the mood we are aiming to convey. Poetic devices are used to piece our poem together.
White space is, quite literally, the blank areas in a piece. The spacing between each word can contribute to the mood and rhythm invoked by the poem, as they hint where the reader should pause or continue - emphasising its tone. White space can also be the enjambments (a type of line break), having the same effects as the spacing between words.
Just like the poetic devices and usage of white space, the structure and shape of a poem can also allude to the mood a poet is trying to convey. How many of these do you recognise?
Free poem, listing poem, thing poem, shape poem, haiku, cinquain, limericks and couplets are the poems we learnt. They enhanced the rhythm and emotions portrayed through the way the words are written. With different forms come different tones when reading the poems, and this aided in enriching our unique writing styles and ideas.
Hence, learning these conventions and skills were thoroughly enjoyable for many of us. Grasping our newfound talents and passion in poetry, we wrote many poems of different themes to target topics we are passionate about. And that is one of our pride and joy of being Literary Arts students.
Picture taken by Leia Lo for the activity 'Specificity in Things' ↓
Planning of Poem, Courtesy of Leia Lo ↓
Leia Lo's Poem for 'Specificity in Things' ↓
Critiquing and Understanding Significance of Metaphors, Courtesy of Quek Chi-E ↓
Haiku written by Quek Chi-E ↓
Term 4: Portfolios & Reflections
Term 4: Portfolios & Reflections
Portfolios & Reflections
Portfolios & Reflections
With the year coming to an end, we have compiled our assignments together and reflected upon how we have developed as writers. Year One's Literary Arts Module has been a fruitful experience, with new skills learnt and ample improvements made. Here are excerpts taken from our class' Literary Arts students, and their reflection on how they have grown as young writers.
Clematis Bouquet, by Leia Lo Yu Ling
Clematis Bouquet, by Leia Lo Yu Ling
Excerpt from "Author's Preface"
Excerpt from "Author's Preface"
"I have an odd connection with writing, it's an almost incomprehensible feeling I get. That adrenaline rush and thumping heart when I'm writing even the introduction; that weird sort of joy and disappointment after writing a piece. That inexplicable mixture of every feeling, yet none at all, that I've found only in writing. The passion started from an interest in journalism but eventually evolved into a love for crafting stories. So, when I discovered Literary Arts, I jumped at the opportunity to expand my writing horizons beyond small notebooks and compositions - to poetry, playwriting and other forms of writing. Writing is my way of making a mark in the world, to have impacted someone in some way shape or form. Writing is also an escape, my safe haven from the disasters that are currently prevalent in the world we live in."
Excerpt from "I Love You", a Short Story
Excerpt from "I Love You", a Short Story
It seemed that when Gran died, so did my health. I rarely was able to fall asleep and when I did, it was constantly interrupted and plagued with nightmares. I grew skinnier as the days went by, as my dietary needs were neglected for several days. My eye bags darkened, my cheeks were sallow and pitted and my eyes were bloodshot while my body was constantly trembling.
My demons, by-products of my paranoia, anxiety and guilt, crept from behind me when I stared into my body-length mirror, their abyssal, meter-long claws scraping my neck as their shadowy forms curled around my petite figure. They ran their fingers through my ebony hair, tugging at my messy pixie bob, a fiendish smirk etched on their faces as their cackles dripped with malice. And I would be left on the wooden floor of my bedroom, a pile of broken pieces crying her eyes out.
Excerpt Poems from "A Mess of Emotions"
Excerpt Poems from "A Mess of Emotions"
Wait There Bill
Wait There Bill
Window seat in the corner,
College girl there, still.
Beige sweater, pale pink beret,
fresh Converse sneakers.
Order Latte, gulp
it down, order again, chug:
finished her fifth cup.
A book of poems
lay on the table, agape.
Stories of heartbreak.
Finish her ninth cup,
always waiting for the one
who would never come.
Silent tears dripping,
her mouth down-turned in a frown,
she stares at the door.
The bell chimes softly
and, eyes bright, her head shoots up
but drops, dejected.
Black Ankle-High Boots
Black Ankle-High Boots
Black ankle-high boots,
painted lips red and full,
fresh out of Prada,
with a sleek and glossy finish,
clop clop clopping against cold marble,
witness of successful business deals
and handshakes between CEOs.
Black ankle-high boots,
with permeating perfume,
pristine leather polished to a shine,
three-inch heels,
the epitome of posh,
clicking against the cold cobblestone of the sidewalk
crushing red-orange leaves,
narrowly avoiding gutters.
Black ankle-high boots,
in a cocktail dress and
soaked with sparkling champagne
but smelling of wine,
an after party mess,
flung carelessly away from aching feet,
laying beside a long white couch.
Black ankle-high boots,
still reeking of wine
but also of must
and coated in dust,
a heel snapped off from a cat fight,
the pathetic sight of a wealth long lost,
soles peeling away from greened leather.
Black ankle-high boots,
the only companion of a fallen billionaire
whose expensive Chanel purses
and Gucci sunglasses were no more,
someone who no longer had the pleasure of drinking the night away
or servants at her beck-and-call.
Black ankle-high boots,
worn by a swan drowning in the lake of society.
Interwoven Threads, by Quek Chi-E
Interwoven Threads, by Quek Chi-E
Excerpt from "Author's Preface"
Excerpt from "Author's Preface"
"Literary Arts has helped me in growing as an aspiring writer. It nurtured my skills and introduced me to new forms which I found fascinating. I have changed my views of writing, too. It is not just a recreational hobby I partake in contentedly, but a way for me to connect with people and express my ideas through eloquent words. Phrases that used to be written idly, now possess impactful messages, broadening one’s perspectives. My works have improved, having honed skills and learning from past mistakes. What once resembled rough-hewn embroideries and incomplete quilts, are now adorned with intricate threads embellished with beautiful colours."
Excerpt from "To Heal A Wilting Flower", a Short Play
Excerpt from "To Heal A Wilting Flower", a Short Play
Jury Our conversations were never boring.
Oliver (chuckles) We did those naturally.
Jury Talking amongst ourselves?
Oliver Being close and not hiding anything.
Jury I guess so… (looks towards the audience, as if looking out a window) I still have those stories from High School. For memories or reference, I’m not sure.
Oliver Do you read them often?
Jury (looks at OLIVER, and slowly averts her eyes) Yeah…
Oliver What’s wrong? (tightens the ribbon of the bouquet) Don’t you love your stories?
Jury I do… generally.
Oliver ‘Guess some of ‘em aren’t your style.
Jury I wouldn’t say ‘not my style’, I-I’d say… (goes quiet)
OLIVER looks up with a curious expression.
Jury (purses her lips) (softly, almost inaudibly) They’re painful.
Oliver Painful?
Jury Most of them are.
Oliver Huh, I’d assumed you wrote more positive ones.
Jury (pauses) They’re based on… on my life.
Oliver You've been living like this all this time?
Jury How would you know?
Excerpt Poems from "Ties of Affiliation"
Excerpt Poems from "Ties of Affiliation"
The Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove
Cooed woefully from high above.
The branch of a cypress tree held
between its dull bleak beaks,
mellow melodies of deep low keys.
The dove sat still on the charnel
surface of one veneer casket,
its creamy brown-grey feathers
a significant contrast to the dark
maroon coffin.
This loyal dove, a known symbol
of undying faith and nurturing hope,
sat solemnly on its very own grave.
once a gentle fellow yearning for relief,
now a wandering being free from grief.
And so,
one last prayer for the deceased,
cypress leaves were left on the burial,
a twitter of umber wings fluttering
through the breeze,
its mourning now a tune of farewell bliss.
Tea Leaves
Tea Leaves
Bo Chap, by Lim Wen Yih
Bo Chap, by Lim Wen Yih
Excerpt from "Author's Preface"
Excerpt from "Author's Preface"
“If success doesn’t knock, make a door.”
Throughout my whole life, there is one attitude that I carry - laziness, or as some people would say, “bo-chap”. I often strive for only the bare minimum, and push work out of my mind, only to rush to it just before the deadline.
When I received my mid-year results, I felt for the first time, self-doubt, and questioned myself if I was a fit in SOTA. My poor mid-year results had disappointed people around me and especially me. It has hit me hard that I must not wait for a miracle to happen, but pull my head out of the sand and change. I am determined to prove myself that I am a fit in SOTA.
Throughout the course, I was exposed to three forms of writing: Short Fiction, Playwriting and Poetry. They are very different from each other, and some are easier than others to me. I will share my reflection points on each of the writing forms. I have also edited my Short Fiction and Playwriting pieces, and will elucidate the changes that I have made.
Excerpt from "Hollow Globe", a Short Story
Excerpt from "Hollow Globe", a Short Story
“Dearest Mother.” Hammond ambled forward, before tumbling to his knees before her, head kept low.
“Rise,” She said, her words as serene as the rustling of leaves.
“Humans! They just continue destroying the environment we built for them! Remember, we unwillingly gave them Earth. Instead, we live in a dark, miserable rock at the bottom of the beautiful place we erected for them! We adapted to the Hollow Globe, the rock we are forced to call home! We swallowed the unfairness, but this boulder will no longer stay stuck in our throats anymore. We will no longer hide behind their shadows, we will voice out our own opinions!”
“A conflict would be nothing more than a venting of anger. So what if they disappear? Will it cover more craters or create more?”
“And let them carry on? No! On behalf of the dwarven community, I declare war!”
Mother Gaia did nothing more than to let out a lingering sigh, tinged with disappointment and fear.
“I will take my leave now, Mother. We will see who emerges the winner.” The dwarf took one last bow before teetering away, leaving Mother Gaia with her trailing thoughts.
Excerpt Poems from "Poetry Collection"
Excerpt Poems from "Poetry Collection"
Granted
Granted
Choking billow of smoke,
Stench of rotten bodies,
Decaying of fallen oak,
Swarm of menacing fleas,
Shouts of valiant soldiers,
Cries of petrified children,
Screams of pleading mothers,
Blaring of wailing sirens,
Firing of artillery,
Brandishing of blades,
Thumping of bodies,
Eruption of air raids,
Stinging of insect bites,
Rasp dryness in our throats,
Pricking in our eyes after sleepless nights,
Nibbling berries coated with clod,
Air of dejectedness and despair,
The little rations that we reluctantly share,
News of lost loved ones,
Gratefulness for the rising sun,
In hope to build a better world,
Tough days that we bore,
Are all what we take granted for.
Book of Life
Book of Life
Pricking myself with the corners of a page,
The bristle in my heart when I let you down.
Caress the smoothness of the leather,
The silky hair I play with before I sleep.
Glinting golden letters,
The excited twinkle in your eyes.
But like the sudden creasing of a pristine page,
Or the tiny shred on a fine edge,
It was too sudden.
And you were gone
Just like that,
Into the open arms of Death,
Quick and easy as a flip of a page.
Page updated
Report abuse