ENG 1141: Introduction to Creative Writing

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March 16, 2021

Kurt Vonnegut on “The Shape of Stories”

In this short video (4 1/2 min.), writer Kurt Vonnegut (author of Slaughterhouse 5) offers his analysis of plot and movement in fiction writing. Though the tone of this lecture is humorous, Vonnegut offers valuable understanding of how readers themselves take an active role in the shape of a writer’s story. Note: Vonnegut may seem like a funky and funny old man Ā here and the video technology is dated, but he is truly a brilliant writer.

Optional: After watching the video below from TedEd, you can read more about Kurt Vonnegut (he survived the Battle of Dresden, his mother committed suicide on Mother’s Day, his years as a struggling writer). His bio on Wikipedia is here.

https://ed.ted.com/best_of_web/ZG7Q2obA#watch

 

Article by Jennifer Sears / Course Readings, Fiction!, Lecture Notes

Professor Jennifer Sears-Pigliucci

Email: jsears@citytech.cuny.edu
OpenLab Portfolio: Professor Jennifer SearsĀ 
https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/faculty/JSears

Note on Materials

The materials on this page are readings and lecture materials for Professor Sears’ ENG 1141 course. If you are my student, see the links on our specific class site for assignments. You will not be expected to read everything listed here, but feel free to scroll around and get inspired!

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The OpenLab at City Tech:A place to learn, work, and share

The OpenLab is an open-source, digital platform designed to support teaching and learning at City Tech (New York City College of Technology), and to promote student and faculty engagement in the intellectual and social life of the college community.

New York City College of Technology City University of New York

New York City College of Technology | City University of New York

Support

Help | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Credits

Accessibility

Our goal is to make the OpenLab accessible for all users.

Learn more about accessibility on the OpenLab

Copyright

Creative Commons

  • - Attribution
  • - NonCommercial
  • - ShareAlike
Creative Commons

© New York City College of Technology | City University of New York