Schwartz/English

Short Story Project

You are an author!  Your task is to enhance and demonstrate your knowledge of the short story genre by writing your own short story.  The elements of this project are outlined below.  Remember, participation in the writing process (and having your work in class when expected) is part of your grade as well as the final product.  (Throughout the project, have your work to date in class in case time is provided for working on it.)

Project Process:

Step 1: Story Outline (Due:                       )

            Complete the Story Brainstorm/Outline handout.

Step 2: Character Development Mini-Project (Due:                     )

            See the Character Development handout.

Step 3: Rough Draft (Due:                         )

Write a complete rough draft of your story (Zero credit for partially completed drafts! At least make a first-draft attempt at all parts).  It should be 3-10 typed, double-spaced pages (or 2-5 legible, handwritten pages).

Step 4: Peer Read-Around and Revision (Due in class                       ; revise afterwards)

In class we will share essays and give feedback to one another.  You are expected to make revisions to your story (i.e. improve clarity, add dialogue, insert a more engaging opening, add description, beef up the conflict, etc.) as well as edit it (fix grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors).

Step 5: Final Draft with Title Page and Illustration (Due                               , along with all work from all steps of the project)

Your final draft should be typed, double-spaced, with 1” margins, stapled together or otherwise securely bound.  You should include a title page that displays the title of your story and your name.  Your final draft must also include (on an 8.5x11” piece of unlined paper, incorporated into the pages of your story) at least one full-page illustration in color.  You may not use a single computer graphic as your illustration, but you may create a collage of graphics, magazine clippings, etc., if you do not wish to simply draw the illustration yourself.

            Final Step: Celebrate yourself as an author!

Grading Guidelines:

            Completion of each step earns credit.  The final story will be graded with a rubric focused on the following elements:

·         Format and Length (3-10 typed, double-spaced pages; title page)

·         Conventions (grammar, spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, etc.)

·         Plot (development of the story itself; engaging opening, exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)

·         Character (character development of at least protagonist; must at least include use of character’s dialogue, actions, and physical description)

·         Theme (a theme about humans/life is presented)

·         Mood (a primary mood is established that enhances the story and the theme)

·         Setting (setting is established and described with sensory details)

·         Point of View (choice of point of view is consistent throughout)

Good luck to you and have fun with this!