a FANTASTIC story

You are going to write a story like Cortazar's in which fantastic elements intertwine with reality. This is a writing guide. You will need to complete assignments in Google Documents, save, and submit. This assignment will be worth 30 points. The grading rubric is located in the second half of this assignment.


STEP 1: Choose a setting. You should make it ordinary and very realistic. In a new Google Document (which you will title brainstorm/draft), write down a few ideas about your setting. Where? When? Add a few details. (This brainstorming process is part of you grade!)

Sample: the cafeteria on a Wednesday afternoon--the hair netted grandmother types were serving lasagna and we were counting the days left of school. Lasagna should not be served when it is hot outside. We felt droopy, and there was no Edward Cullen types to look at...anywhere.

NOTE: These are just notes about my setting. It is ordinary. I didn't write complete sentences, just thoughts.

STEP 2: Now you will need to decide on the element of fantasy that you want to introduce. Cortazar uses mysterious sounds. Marquez used imagination and fancy. Brainstorm in any fashion you choose about your fantastic element. You should still be writing/brainstorming in your Google Document titled brainstorm/draft. The process of brainstorming and drafting is part of your grade. This is my brainstorming. Link to watch this process and get a few ideas! This screencast will open in a new window.

fantasy brainstorm


STEP 3: Begin pre-writing and drafting. Remember to establish a realistic scene. Introduce you fantastic element/occurrence repeatedly, but with more emphasis each time. Do not explain too much. Develop a conflict. Think about your tone and the mood that you want to put across to reader. You should complete this assignment in the Google Document titled brainstorm/drafting.

STEP 4: Save Google Document with your setting brainstorming, fantastic element brainstorming and draft.



Last modified: Thursday, July 28, 2011, 8:04 PM