In the Beginning: Brainstorming for Fiction/Creative Writing
In this mini session, students will gain useful tips to help with brainstorming ideas for fiction/creative writing.
Larry Kramer
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(9)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursHomework
Homework: Start writing your story!!Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Intermediate - Advanced Level
Do you dream of becoming a great author, but don't know where to start? Or, do you sometimes get stuck coming up with cool, new story ideas? Whether you're a newbie or a practiced storyteller, "In the Beginning..." Brainstorming for Fiction/Creative Writing just might be the answer! In this one-shot informal course, we will explore various tips and prompts to help generate ideas for stories. We will also review the fundamentals of plot structure with a brief survey of Freytag's pyramid and the hero's journey. Towards session end, we will brainstorm and practice putting ideas and plots together to form basic story outlines. Voila, you're off to start crafting the next Hugo, Booker or Pulitzer Prize winning story! Ready to have some fun writing? Let's find out together...
Learning Goals
Students will review easy and useful tips to help brainstorm ideas for fiction or other creative writing projects. Students will also identify and explore the fundamentals of plot structure to help them craft a story from start to finish.
Other Details
Supply List
Paper, writing utensils, computer--anything you might want to take notes with.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Students will be given free printable worksheets that they can use later to help them brainstorm story ideas and story/plot outlines.
Joined October, 2022
5.0
9reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from Metropolitan State University of Denver
Hello, I'm Larry! It's a pleasure to meet you...
I have a deep love for the humanities, particularly literature and history. Though I enjoy learning about and sharing all subjects of both disciplines, I'm especially fond of Gothic and supernatural literature, 19th century and Edwardian authors, and the Roman/Byzantine, medieval and Enlightenment eras. I also appreciate sharing pop culture, and "hidden history" or "facts off-the-beaten path"--strange, obscure but very interesting information not usually taught or known.
Via a BA in English Language Arts and TEFL/TESOL certification, I possess over twenty-five years experience teaching/training adolescents and adults in classrooms and online, in both the corporate and civil service fields. Subjects of instruction have included everything from literature, creative writing, reading and lesson planning to infant care, small animal husbandry and unclaimed property management. I currently work online as an English teacher, business English teacher, academic/learning coach, and as an English and history tutor.
My teaching philosophy and methodology involves "Socratic flexibility"--frequently probing student knowledge bases, insights and observations through frequent questions, and helping to expand their comprehension by utilizing modes beyond basic rote learning. I also employ an interdisciplinary approach when teaching; it's not just about analyzing a poem, it's also about considering the current events, culture and life experiences affecting the author.
I LOVE teaching and tutoring because I get to share my interests and experience with like-minded people of all ages. Too, I enjoy those "Aha!" moments--seeing the lightbulb go off when students grasp complex or difficult topics. Most of all, I appreciate learning as much from my students as I hope they learn from me.
My family and I are world travellers, and to date we've visited 46 countries. And, I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a HUGE Star Trek, Star Wars and superhero geek...
Looking forward to learning with you!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$8
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 9 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
1-10 learners per class
