Creative Writing Invitation #8

Writing Your Own Story:

Now that youÍve worked on the basics for writing a story, itÍs time to create your own story. Although plot development hasnÍt been discussed, itÍs an important element in any story. But for our purposes, the less you know about plot, the better. This way you can discover the plot as you write the story.

In a sense, the first draft of your story is like a free-writing exercise in which you get the chance to discover and explore the possibilities of where your story might take you. This is one of the joys of writing. You, the author, really donÍt know right away where the story is going, much like when you read a book. So, keep writingÜyouÍll find out where the story is going as it takes you there.

Write a rough draft of a short story. DonÍt worry about how long the story has to be. YouÍll get a feel for when the story should end. Remember, this is just a first draft. Any drafts you write after this one might take very different pathways as you consider what youÍve written and reshape the plot. ThatÍs okay. In fact, thatÍs what the revision process is all about.

A few words about revision: As with your other writing, revision is essential to creative writing. Maybe itÍs even the most important part. Keeping your lab teacherÍs written questions and comments as well as your own questions in mind, rewrite until these questions are cleared up. Revision is a good way to work on your own self-editing skills.

The Writing Lab has its own publication, "Voices." If youÍre interested in submitting a story or other writing to "Voices," ask your lab teacher for more information. Now that youÍve written a story, why not share it?!

GOOD LUCK AND KEEP WRITING!