CREATIVE WRITING

Journals and writing circles

Journals

What is a journal? A place…

for you to record ideas, observations, and perspective,

to express your thoughts, to turn to for inspiration

Why do we need to do this? Share something of yourself—you are

important and unique (even if you don’t believe it)

Capture a moment

Journals, the logistics

Is it required? Yes…it is worth 5-10% of your grade and

will count as your “final” When do I work on this?

In-class Most days: given a prompt 20 in-class (out of 23ish)

Out-of-class On your own time 10 required

Out-of-class

What do I write about? ANYTHING (school appropriate)

Descriptions of people Places Weird stuff you see Reactions to movies, books, music… Whatever is going on in your life …the point is to WRITE about WHATEVER YOU

WANT

Journals, cont.

When is it due? Collected through out the semester (at

about 10 in class) When they are collected, all in-class need

to be up to date (anything not done will have expired)

Will receive one class period’s notice Out of class can be done whenever, but

must be completed by the end of term

Have fun with these!

WRITING CIRCLES

What is the purpose?

Writing circles are a proven method of review, promote scholarly discourse and improve writing

Good way to get more eyes on the paper

Exposure to different viewpoints

How does it work?

Form groups: these are groups of 4 (all semester so make the decision wisely)

Everyone gets a copy (including writer) Writer 1begins—read the piece aloud

group members mark on the copy being read. content errors, questions, parts you like, confusing areas, grammar, etc.

When the reading is complete respond aloud What did you specifically like about the piece? (style, voice, plot,

character development, theme, word choice, details, etc). Were there any parts that were unclear or needed more detail? What does the writer need to improve upon for the final copy?

Writer 1 explains, asks questions, or seeks clarification Writer 2’s turn! Continue until the process has been repeated for all 4 writers. When the process is complete, begin revising. Work silently and

alone to revise and edit your work.

Rules

No Apologizing—don’t apologize for your work (“Sorry, this paper sucks.” “I didn’t have any time, and this is the best I could do.”)

Be CONSTRUCTIVE—consider what would help the writer improve. Avoid being destructive.

Be HELPFUL—you are not graded based on other people’s work, but you are graded on participation, so do your best to help each other out.

Be RELIABLE—do your assignments and bring them to class. Come to class and provide feedback to your group.

Be RESPONSIBLE—stay on task and stay focused. Be COMFORTABLE being UNCOMFORTABLE—get to

know each other and enjoy sharing ideas! Notes: You need to sit with your group during Writing

Circles and, hence the title, sit in a circle in order to best hear each other’s comments. This means you will need to move around! It also means that your regular seat should be in the vicinity of your Writer’s Circle.

Your Circle

Form groups of 4 Get paper and markers Make a Team Poster

Team members’ names Team name Team mascott Motto Anything extra you want to represent your

circle

If you don’t have your work on WC day

Writing circles depend on consistency, preparation and mutual trust

If you do not have your work on a WC day Have two days to get it done, with a late pass

Must be read by three other people and have markings for full credit

Will get one strike—remember, two strikes and you are out of your group

If half of the members don’t have it done, the group will get one strike. After two strikes, the group will be either dissembled or redistributed