CHARACTER & POINT OF VIEW- Writing Exercise

Creative Writing Exercises CHARACTER & POINT OF VIEW- Writing Exercise Your total writing for this exercise should be 2-3 pages. Write in your writing journal. Due at the beginning of the next class.

#1 Point of View Switch Part One: In one paragraph, freewrite the internal thought of your viewpoint character. This is written in First Person Point Of View. Trying to create the character’s voice, you will use word choice and tone or emotional attitude that matches the character. What does he or she think about when: Ideas (you can use other actions too) * Getting up in the morning. * Getting ready to meet a friend. * After an argument with friend or parent * Doing a mindless chore, like vacuuming or doing dishes.

Part Two: Now, switch to Third Person Omniscient Point of View. In another paragraph write about the same activity as above, but don’t use “I.” In this point of view you know the character’s thoughts and describe actions, but you will use the third person pronoun “he” or “she” and you are more objective. You also know what others think of the character. You know the past and future of the character, and you know what is happening in other places.

#2 Dialogue Create a dialogue situation with a quiet friend, one who nods and unh-huhs instead of speaking a lot. Have your viewpoint character discuss: * What his or her goals and dreams are. * If he or she will achieve them, and how. * If not, why not? What character traits keep him or her from going after the dream? SETTING- Writing Exercise Your total writing for this exercise should be 2-3 pages. Write in your writing journal. Due at the beginning of the next class.

First, read the poem “At the Fishhouses” by Elizabeth Bishop that is linked from the assignments page or on the hard copy in class.

#1 Atmosphere Choose an atmosphere you would like to create. Write a one page setting description of a place you know well, using details from many senses. Select only details that create your chosen atmosphere. Use 3rd person POV. Write about a page.

Ideas: sad distressing eerie funny energizing peaceful busy depressing dark stark hopeful exciting organized shabby ominous chaotic luxurious happy comfortable discomforting

#2 Setting, Conflict & Character Choose a setting that you know well where there could be a conflict between the setting and a character. Write about a page describing the character interacting or reacting with the setting that shows the conflict. Consider 1st or 3rd person POV. Remember to use your senses and choose specific and vivid details. Write about a page

Ideas: toy store snowstorm family reunion messy room or garage camping site garden in need of work airplane or train or car or bus room where there will be a test vacation cabin/house new work place or new classroom kindergarten classroom cafeteria full of strangers vacation cabin/house lake or sea during a storm city street PLOT AND THEME Your total writing for this exercise should be 2-3 pages. Write in your writing journal. Due at the beginning of the next class.

1. Write a plot summary, outline, or exposition for a story that is fiction based on a news story. Use the story as a way to get an idea that goes in a different direction, rather than telling the story as you read it. Change elements of the news story to make it your own. Link to the stories below for ideas, but you can search for your own too. Favor smaller and lesser-known stories that are more personal. Cite the source of any story you use in your journal.

Thousands of birds fall from the sky: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2013876045_apusdeadbirdsc onspiracytheories.html Flood in Brisbane, Australia: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in- depth/queensland-floods/floodwaters-show-brisbane-no-mercy-as-death-toll- reaches-12/story-fn7iwx3v-1225986715968 Baby born at 1:11 on 1-11-11: http://www.accessatlanta.com/celebrities- tv/minn-baby-girl-born-801576.html Prairie dogs escape from zoo: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/01/11/10-zoo- prairie-dog.html?sid=101 Man drives his electric wheelchair on freeway: http://www.thedailyeaston.com/news/man-riding-wheelchair-spotted-i-95 Seahawks cause seismic event: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013900070_seismic11m.html

2. Brainstorm a list of themes that you would like to explore. What do you think about life and human nature? What have you wondered about? You can write these in the form of a question or statement. Next, write a summary, outline, or exposition for a plot that could examine your theme. DESIGN YOUR OWN EXERCISE! Your total writing for this exercise should be 2-3 pages. Write in your writing journal. Due at the beginning of the next class.

1. Using one or more elements of fiction, create a writing exercise that you would like to do that would stretch your creative writing skills. Write a description of the exercise that is similar to the ones above, and then do it.

2. Meet with your group, and share your original writing exercise. Then choose someone else’s exercise to do. You may modify it to suit you better. Then complete that exercise.

Now... CREATE A FINISHED PIECE Your total writing should be at least 700 words. You will get time in class to work on your writing.

It can be:  a short story  a poem or series of poems  an autobiographical memoir

Your final piece must be:  revised & polished  typed with careful proofreading  printed in a hard copy

Due Date for finished work ______

Your final piece must also be submitted to a contest or publication. See the class website for suggestions. You are not limited to those ideas. You must follow the requirements of the contest or publication and show proof of submission by

Due Date for proof of submission ______