Ready, Set, Write: Creative Storytelling Basics.

If young writers can understand a few essential pieces that go into the making of any good story, their writing will pop and they'll be free to let their imaginations run wild. In this class, students will learn how to craft a compelling plot, how to create interesting characters with strong motivations and how to write vivid setting description. Also, they'll be strongly encouraged to let their imaginations take them into whatever strange corners of the universe they can cook up! By the end of the week, not only will students have a stronger understanding of the essential rules of creative writing, they'll have a full length story written!

Day 1: A short introduction to a standard plot curve, then a reading and plot mapping of the Ray Bradbury short story "All Summer In A Day." Then students will write their own very short piece and map its plot.
Day 2: Students will be introduced to the basics of strong character development, then work to create their own character.
Day 3: Students will discuss what strong character motivation looks like before working on a fun character motivation exercise.
Day 4: Students will read an excerpt from the Amy Tan story  "Rules of the Game" before writing a short piece focused on setting description.
Day 5: Students will work to write their own very short fiction pieces and share with the group if they choose.