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Weird Writing Weekly: Short Stories of the Weirdest Combos Ever (5 Learners Max)

Write your own short story each week, featuring a random combination of character, setting, and conflict. How it all fits together is anyone's guess, and with different combinations, no two stories are ever the same.
Teacher Lauren, MAT
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(258)
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Class
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What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

WHAT IS THIS CLASS?
Welcome to Weird Writing Weekly! In this class, we write short stories. What's so weird about it? The main elements of your story are chosen completely at random, which is bound to create a pretty weird result, and turns this into more of a challenge rather than just another writing exercise.

Some of my recent favorite ideas: 
*Character*
Dwayne Johnson in a chicken suit 🪨
a painter who hates painting 👨‍🎨
*Setting*
a class on how to write depressing poetry ✍️
a city designed by ducks 🦆 
*Conflict*
main character has a computer virus that’s so powerful, it infects him too 💻
main character falls into a plot hole 🕳️
*Random Thing*
an onion that makes you laugh instead of cry 🧅
a deflated bouncy castle 🏰 


WHAT DOES A TYPICAL CLASS LOOK LIKE?
Step One: Brainstorm Ideas 🤔💭
Each week starts by brainstorming a list of examples for the following categories: characters, settings, conflicts, and random things. 

Step Two: Spin That Wheel! 🎡
Using a randomizer (a super cool wheel!), you will get your main character, where your story takes place, and the main problem that needs solved. You'll also have the opportunity to throw in some other random items, just because. (The only catch for these random items is that they have to be shown on camera.) 

Step Three: Write Something Weird ✏️📓
With all of the elements chosen, it's up to you to find a way to fit all the pieces together in a cohesive story. The goal is to have some sort of finished product at the end, but we all write at our own pace and may want to add more details or change things after class, which is perfectly fine. 

Do I just sit there and watch you write? No! I'll be writing a story too, and I always post my stories after class--even if they're pretty weak. (And after doing this class since 2020, I can honestly say you all are so much better at this than I am!)

We have a writing challenge to do, but we still have fun doing it! The class atmosphere is pretty relaxed. Want to have a snack? Go for it. Want to sit on the floor and write? Fine by me. Want to listen to music? As long as we can't hear it, sure thing. :) Want to write with your camera off? That's fine too. (I find that most students do.)

Step Four: Share the Weirdness 📖
Sharing is completely optional, but I'm sure we'd all love to hear your weird tale at the end of class (especially me)! You may also post your story in the classroom later if you don't want to read it aloud but still want to share. I encourage everyone to comment on any work posted there. 


WHY TAKE THIS CLASS?
This is your chance to write something creative and weird. It’s perfect for anyone who loves making up stories and creative writing in general. But don't feel like you have to be a "writer" to join! Even if you're someone who doesn't like to write, this may be just the thing to change your mind. Wonderfully weird stories are waiting to be written.

If the class is full, you will be one of only five students! It feels like a writing club, and I love seeing friendships evolve over the weeks.


HOW DOES THE SCHEDULE WORK?
Each section will meet the same day and time each week, but each class stands on its own and doesn't build on what happened the previous week.

If there are no current spots available, check back. Typically, students stay enrolled many weeks (even years!), so save this listing to be notified of new sections.

I hope you're feeling creative (and weird! Weirdly creative?) and will join me for some weird writing. Any questions? Please ask!
Learning Goals
Students will practice the following skills:
*lots of creativity!
*brainstorming
*timed writing (a skill used in many AP English courses)
*story elements: character, setting, plot
*gaining confidence sharing their work (optional!)
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Note: this class gives you a chance to write something weird and wacky. That is its purpose. This class isn't meant as an intro to writing course. We aren't focusing on editing anything. We won't be discussing grammar or sentence structure. This is more about the ideas and the creative side to writing.
Supply List
Students may write or type their stories.
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
258reviews
Star Educator
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Maryland Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
As a former middle and high school English teacher, I've taught many lessons on creative writing, and I've used this method of putting random elements together into one story with students. They always had a blast coming up with their stories. On my own time, I write short stories as well, two of which are featured in published anthologies. But they're actually not that weird.
On Outschool, learners enjoy the writing club feel of a small group, my sense of humor (I think?), and the laid back atmosphere of my classes. And some of them end up staying for years. Literally.
I've been teaching Weird Writing Weekly since 2020.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$14

weekly
1x per week
50 min

Completed by 218 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-5 learners per class

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