Thursday, 20 September

Writer's began with the prompt: "It was the best of dates; it was the worst of dates."

After writing and sharing we continued our analysis of "People Watching."

The class discussed the concept of "the mask." This is the idea that people may act or portray themselves differently in different situations.

Mr. Zartler then shared this worksheet for creating characters. 

The class then had time to develop two characters using these sheets.

Next writers were to choose one of their characters and one of the prompts from the bottom of the page.

After doing this Backwriting activity (writing about a character so that the author knows about him / her / it but the writing is not meant to be included int he story), writers were to work on a page and a half story that contains the two characters. This activity is due next Monday.

Tuesday, 18 September, 2012

The class began with writing to the prompt:

Make a list of objects smaller than a fist .....

List three things that are in your pocket ... or purse ... or european man bag ...

Randomly choose one of the objects from the first list. Now you have a person who has four things in their pocket. Try imagining who this person is, write about this person, or write a story that includes this character.....


Writers discussed ways to modify the prompt to make it work in other ways.

The class discussed chapters in Writing Down the Bones and aspects of Goldberg's approach to writing that they liked and responded to as well as aspects that weren't working for them. We discussed ways to share Goldberg's ideas in the form of projects that will be assigned next week.

The class read the story "People Watching". We discussed characterization and tone.

We will review the story in class next Thursday as well.

HOMEWORK: Writers should read at least two more chapters of Writing Down the Bones and bring at least one more "try this" activity.

Monday, 17 September 2012

Writers made lists of things that people hide.

Writers then used to select a prompt for either fictional or non-fiction writing; there was an opportunity for writers to share.

The class then discussed the story "Who Kept One Hand In Her Pocket" in the context of whether or not it is a story according to the definition provided last week.

Writers were reminded that they have a homework assignment for tomorrow based in reading Writing Down the Bones (see previous post).