Planning Another Short Story


Lesson 5  Assignment 5-5

Target


Assignment


Are you ready to create your own story?


In this course,  you have read a number of different stories. Some were really short, some were a lot longer. You have looked at the elements of stories, and paid attention to how they work together to create the dominant impression, mood and theme of the story.  You have looked at how the point of view from which a story is told affects how the reader experiences the events. You have examined how authors use their stories to communicate a message, called a theme.

In this unit, you have looked at how authors develop characters to develop a plot and how they use humour to communicate a message. You looked at how all of the elements of a short story may be combined to create engaging graphic stories.

Now it is YOUR turn once again. It is time for you to plan another short story. hopefully building on the feedback you received from your previous story plan.  This time, however, you WILL be writing the entire story - in Lesson 7. 

This lesson is all about the planning of your new story.
 
As the author, you are in charge. But with that power comes responsibility.

YOU get to decide how the elements of the story  work together to create meaning for the audience.  Step number one is to determine the message you wish to communicate. (Yes, your story is going to have a message.)

For this assignment, you are going to choose from a limited number of thematic options.  Here are six common literary themes. You can decide how the events of your story will communicate your chosen message.
  • Stand up for what you believe in.
  • Friendship can come in forms you don't expect. 
  • More can be accomplished when people work together.
  • Inclusion works to the advantage of everyone.
  • Don't judge the actions of other people.
  • Mistakes are the portals of discovery.
  • Other - be sure to check with your teacher first!
After identifying your theme, the next thing you need to do is to consider your audience and purpose when you begin to plan your story.  Is your story going to entertain? Instruct? Highlight a social issue? Who will most enjoy or benefit from your story?

Once you have determined your theme, audience and purpose, you are ready to get to work.