Revising fiction can be the most rewarding part of the process. Brainstorming and coming up with ideas has a certain excitement, but revision is often where our story ideas become clearer even to ourselves. We discussed three methods of revision: outlining, cutting the first paragraph, writing a paragraph or two from another character’s POV or changing the narrative point of view entirely.

Among the class resources used in today’s discussion:

Revision suggestions: A Month of Revision from Necessary Fiction and if you are interested in language and style, try this “style guide” from Matthew Salesses. 

A short video from the folks at NanoWrimo: Tips from Authors on How to Revise

 

Writers,

This is another reminder that the fiction quiz opens today  (Mon., April 4) at noon  on Blackboard and remains open until noon on Tuesday, April 5. There is a 40 minute time limit once you’ve logged into the quiz.

Make sure to read in advance the stories and flash fictions in this post and use your notes from class: ENG 1141 Fiction Readings: March and April 2022

The quiz will be available on Blackboard in the folder marked: Quizzes and Surveys.

Writers,
Please make sure to bring what you think are the strongest stories you’ve written in our class so far. This might be one or two starters for longer work. We will discuss character development when we look at each other’s work.

Also today:

We discuss the overall fiction assignment and the upcoming fiction quiz.
See you soon! The stories on the quiz were listed in this March 15 post. Make sure to review before taking the quiz:

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/eng1141-d307-intro-to-creative-writing/2022/03/15/eng-1141-fiction-readings-march-and-april/

As always, email with questions: jsears@citytech.cuny.edu 

Prof. Sears

Fiction Assignment

Assignment Description

In class we discussed elements of writing fiction: plot, conflict, character, dialogue, setting, consistent point of view, and the structure or “shape” of the story. We have also done writing exercises during class and on the OpenLab discussion board, any of which you can use as starters for your story or stories for this assignment.

For this assignment, you can submit:

• Flash Fiction:  a series of short-short fictions, each one at least 500 words long. Remember, flash fiction often starts in the middle of the action and ends with a memorable or striking last line. Your series of flash fiction can be connected in some way (such as by character or theme). They can also be separate pieces.

OR

• One Short story:  a single short story

Note: You are free to explore elements of experimental, speculative, or science fiction. However, folk tales, fairy tales, and children’s literature can not be used for this assignment.

Page Length Requirements

A well written 2 1/4 page submission may qualify for a C.
A well written 3 1/4  page submission may qualify for a B.
A well written 4 1/4 page submission may qualify for an A.

• These page counts do not guarantee the above grade.
• Submissions less than 2 1/4 pages will not pass.
• If you are writing flash fiction, do not start each story on a new page. Continue on the same page if there is room.

Due Dates

Criteria for a Successful Assignment

• Show effort and thoughtfulness in your writing. This is an introductory course. You are not expected to be an expert fiction writer. You are expected to show that you are trying.
• Show consideration of the components of fiction discussed in class: we specifically explored use of plot, character, point of view, and dialogue.
• Take note of page-count/length requirements
• Participate both days of the in-class fiction workshop
• Turn the assignment in on time so you can revise where necessary

Grading Rubric

Fiction Assignment Rubric SP 2022

Late Paper and Revision Policy

if you turn in the work on Blackboard on time, you will have one chance to revise the assignment. If you do not turn in the assignment on the first due date, you can turn in your assignment on the revision due date. Late papers do not lose points for being late. You will, however, lose your chance to revise your work.

Instructions for the Fiction Workshop

For the Fiction Workshop, you will bring your assignment to our class on a device or printed out and ready to share with your peers.

We will:

• First read the work of others in your group in silence, taking notes on the text using the provided handout.
• Discuss the work of each member in your group
• Time permitting, we will assess one work per workshop as a class.

Fiction Assignment Format

The sample below shows the format for the assignment:

Spring 2021 Fiction assignment Format