Commas, Commas, Commas

Here's the link: Comma Placement

If you'd like to practice, try writing a short piece that uses all the different kinds of commas discussed on your worksheet (without being boring!)

The Jealous Character

Write, using only description of a person's actions, to show a person who is "jealous." According to Wordsmyth, jealous is "envious of the qualities, possessions, or achievements of another." It can also mean, "doubtful and suspicious of the faithfulness of someone for whom one has affection; fearful of losing the other's affection."

Taking a Walk with a Notebook in Hand

Go to the nearest stationery store. Buy a small, spiral bound notebook with lined pages. Walk to and from the store if you can.

On the way back (or later), closely observe two locations. You might choose a place you like and another that you dislike. Take a good look. Slow down and notice things: maybe that fence needs painting. Or the 30 meter fir tree swaying in the wind. Whatever you see . . .

Write your impressions immediately into your notebook. If you have a digital camera, take a picture of the scene to aid your memory.

Write a brief report on your experience. What did you find? Did you notice anything new? Do you have any ideas you could use in your writing?

A Person You've Noticed: Using the First Person

“Think of a person that you've noticed, but don't know—a drugstore clerk, a bus driver, a politician, a celebrity. Using the first-person, write a two-page scene that describes a moment in the life that you imagine for that person. What is he/she thinking about? What matters to him/her? What doesn't? How does his/her mind work?”—Ali Smith; short story writer from England

Posting Versus Commenting

Hi All,

I noted that Lola and Kay both posted work rather than entering it as a comment. I've duly moved your work into the correct post, so not to worry. Please look at post titles to find the right place to put work so it stays organized and easy to find.

Smelly Story?

Using the work you did in class today (and the ideas we discussed), please submit some "smelly" writing.

Begin with these words: "I remember the smell . . .

Sorry that I sent the wrong file to myself. It will need to wait until Wednesday. Sorry!

A Story Idea?

Present a story idea for discussion. Create a basic dilemma for a character to experience. Choose a genre. Create a basic plot (what happens) and list it in point form.

Writing that Matches Vonnegut's Seven Suggestions

Post short (100-word) excerpts here, please.

"Rain on My Face" Writing

Using the "Lake O'Hara Lodge" piece as a guide, rewrite your in-class work starting from the idea of having rain on your face. Try for at least one longer than your usual sentence and make the sensory details better, too!

Personification Example

As assigned by L in your previous class.

What about Style?

What does style mean to a writer? What makes some writing more stylish?

Be specific and answer in a paragraph (or two or three). We'll discuss more next week.

Characters Interacting with Setting

Name five places your character loves; name five places your character hates. Feel free to choose another student's character or work on your own.

Choose one of the places and have your character interact with that place. Remember that setting includes the social world (the manners and customs of people). For example, a strictly moral or religious person might find the manners of people in a bar unattractive.

Ziggurat Sentences: Part Two

Imitate, as closely as possible, O'Connor's structure but make the writing your own.

Sample One:

“Just . . .” The new girl blushed, then went pale. “Well . . . you know. It’s like I said before.” After that, she put her hands in her lap, became very quiet, and seemed to shrink to half her size.

Sample Two:

He took to wearing a kerchief and giving his lips a hasty wipe after every meal.

Online Notebook: October 15 to 29

This time, make a note of something about the physical world around you. Try for an observation you've never made before.

Online Notebook: October 8 to 15

As always, any observations you make are welcome here. Treat it as a chance to write your thoughts and perhaps to give us something to discuss in class the following week.

Ziggurat Sentences (Copy the Style)

Take the sentences from this week's worksheet and try to do a version of your own. Use the same number of words, the same style, the same general ideas and so on. If, for example, three sentences begin with "They would . . ." do the same. If you wish, use the description to describe your own character from last week's exercise.

Sample One: "His lips were fat and earthworm pink, his eyes were asymmetrical, and his eyebrows were like forests of black wire."

Sample Two: "They would sprinkle his hide with lead. They would pound him with their fists the way flies pound themselves against windows. They would attempt to reason."

Our Characters Meet: What Happens?

Take two (or three if you are daring) characters created by the class and put them together in some kind of situation. Given what you know about the characters, have them act in appropriate ways. Include some dialogue. No set length, but not too long!

Online Notebook for October 1 to 8

If you have any observations, comments, thoughts, place them here.

Create Your Own Character

Using the Episode 2: Characters sheet as a guide, provide a paragraph description.

Online Notebook: September 24 to October 1

Make an observation (or two or three) and put your findings here. Try to engage your senses (not only commenting on what you see, but also on what you touch, hear, smell . . .) when making the observation and try (although this may be hard) to find something that you have not noticed before. Look carefully!

More information arising from our class discussion:

Learn to use the dash: Making the Dash Work for You (worksheet; teacher writing sample)

Learn to use the semicolon: Using the Semicolon (Wisely and Well)

Avoiding Run On Sentences (PowerPoint; clearly explained)