essay

Final Draft: April 23

1. Conflict

The story must have a beginning, middle and end and a conflict, great or small. Without a problem, the reader will lose interest. The conflict must be resolved by the end of the story.

2. Passage of Time

The writer should handle the passage of time in an intelligent manner. The story may be told in chronological order, or the writer may skip around. Only interesting elements and events should be presented in the narrative. The writer should choose to slow or hasten time if necessary in order to create a sense of urgency or suspense.

3. Dialogue

The writer should use dialogue sparingly when appropriate to the narrative. In the Experience to Memory essay, dialogue should be approximated, as it is impossible to remember exact words. It is important not to overuse dialogue. Please write your characters’ words in a brief, concise manner that communicates their intentions.

4. Sensory Details and imagery

Sensory details are details that appeal to the five senses. Use sensory details to paint a picture for the reader. Your purpose is to make the reader feel as though he/she is in the scene.

5. Voice

The story should be told from the first person point of view and parallel the way you talk in real life. This is your chance to let your personality come across in your writing.

6. Characters

You may use major and minor characters, as long as each serves a specific purpose. All major characters should experience some type of conflict. In the case of the Experience to Memory paper, the characters will be real people.

7. Grammar/Usage

Avoid grammar and usage problems.