2376 A: January 22nd

Page 1: Introduction

• Title: Showing and Telling by Cristalle Smith, MFA

Page 2: Definition of Fiction

• The definition of fiction involves exploring the fundamental questions regarding what qualifies as fiction, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of its complexities.

  • The concept of fiction extends beyond mere storytelling; it encompasses various genres, narrative structures, and the emotional and psychological impacts on readers. Understanding the purpose of fiction, such as its role in exploring human experience, social commentary, and imagination, can enhance one's appreciation for literary works.

Page 3: Overcoming Blank Page Fear

• Emphasis on starting with small ideas to overcome the daunting feeling of staring at a blank page.

• Quote by Tabitha Chartos: "When I stare at a blank page where I’m supposed to build worlds and lives, I think that maybe I shouldn’t be doing this after all. But if I start with something, with one thing, everything follows."

Page 4: Pre-Writing Routine

• A suggested routine to help writers gather their thoughts and prepare for the writing process.

Page 5: Fundamental Rules for Storytelling

• Rule #1: Stories begin with images.

• Rule #2: Stories are often born out of obsessions.

• Rule #3: "Forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won’t. Habit is persistence in practice." – Octavia Butler

Page 6: Credibility vs. Fact

• Discusses the need for authenticity in writing, differentiating what is credible versus what is factual.
  **Credibility vs. Fact**
  - The concept of credibility in writing hinges on the authenticity and believability of the material presented.
  - Credibility involves the perceived trustworthiness of the sources and the narratives being crafted. Authors must reflect on whether their portrayal of events, characters, and settings feels genuine to the audience.
  - In contrast, facts are objective, verifiable pieces of information. These can include concrete data, historical events, and direct observations.
  - Writers should ensure that their use of facts does not compromise the storytelling aspect. Authenticity is achieved by weaving credible elements into the narrative without sacrificing the emotional impact or thematic depth.
  - It’s essential for readers to engage with the narrative as if they were experiencing it themselves, which is bolstered by credible writing rather than mere factual recounting.

Page 7: The Importance of Reading

• Quote by Margaret Atwood: "What you read is as important as what you write."

Page 8: Techniques and Clichés

• The role of clichés and genre patterns in storytelling.

• The importance of technique prior to developing a unique voice.

• Encouragement to read extensively for inspiration.

Page 9: Writing Strategies

• Suggested practices for writing, such as keeping a journal and listing emotions and experiences.

• Emphasis on enjoying the writing process.

Page 10: Collecting Sentences

• Quote by D.B.C Pierre: "If you sit there long enough, you collect enough sentences to make a book. It’s just chipping and chipping away."

Page 11-16: Story Ideas

• Various prompts and concepts that could inspire narratives:

  • Catch-22

  • The Incongruity

  • The Memory

  • The Transplant

  • The Revenge
    **Narrative Concepts and Prompts**
    1. **Catch-22**: A dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.
    - *Example*: In Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22," soldiers are stuck in a paradoxical situation where they must be declared insane to avoid flying dangerous missions, but if they request to be grounded for their sanity, they show they are sane enough to fly.
    
    2. **The Incongruity**: This refers to the mismatch between expectations and reality within a narrative, often leading to humor or tension.
    - *Example*: A character's serious intention to host a formal dinner is undermined when their clumsy pet dog causes chaos in front of the guests, highlighting the incongruity between their expectations and the actual outcome.
    
    3. **The Memory**: Often used as a plot device, memory can create a sense of nostalgia or tension by revealing key information about characters and their pasts.
    - *Example*: A character frequently recalls a childhood event that caused them trauma, which influences their current relationships and decisions.
    
    4. **The Transplant**: This concept can either refer to a physical transplant or metaphorically to the transfer of traits, ideas, or memories from one character to another.
    - *Example*: A character receiving a heart transplant may struggle with the memories or emotions of the donor, questioning their identity and past.
    
    5. **The Revenge**: A common narrative theme where a character seeks to punish others as a response to a perceived injustice.
    - *Example*: A protagonist devises a plan to outsmart a rival who betrayed them, leading to both humorous and dramatic consequences in their quest for vengeance.

Page 17: Analysis of Texts

• Engaging with literature to analyze structure and reading comprehension techniques.

Page 18: Evaluating Memorable Writing

• Questions to consider when analyzing a text:

  • What makes it memorable or effective?

  • What engages the reader?

  • The significance of the chosen images and settings.

Page 19: Understanding Ineffective Writing

• Reflect on what does not work in certain texts and consider alternatives for improvement.

Page 20: Thematic Exploration

• Details regarding the theme of the story and personal thoughts about it.

Page 21: Creative Writing Exercise

• Prompt for drafting based on specific phrases, stimulating creativity.

Page 22: The Balance of Showing and Telling

• Moving towards showing rather than telling in storytelling.

Page 23: The Importance of Specificity in Writing

• Quote by William Strunk Jr.: "The surest way to arouse and hold the reader’s attention is by being specific, definite, and concrete."

Page 24: Rules for Detail in Writing

• Rule #1: Incorporate details.Incorporating vivid, descriptive details not only helps to paint a picture for the readers but also immerses them in the narrative. Writers should focus on including sensory details that evoke sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste, allowing the audience to engage more fully with the text. For example, instead of saying "the flowers were beautiful," describe their colors, fragrance, and the way they danced in the breeze.

  Rule #2: Be definite.Being definite means providing clear and specific information in writing. Vague terms can create confusion and hinder the reader's ability to visualize the scene or understand the characters and their motives. Instead of using general terms like "a lot of people," specify the number, such as "hundreds of people gathered in the square," which creates a stronger image and evokes a more defined context.

  Rule #3: Use concrete language.Concrete language involves using clear and tangible words that relate to physical objects or experiences rather than abstract concepts. This helps to ground the reader in a reality that feels more relatable and accessible. For example, instead of saying "he felt happy," one could say "he grinned widely, his eyes sparkling with joy," which creates a vivid image of the emotion being conveyed.

  By following these rules, writers can enhance the clarity and impact of their narratives, leading to more engaging and effective storytelling.

Page 25: Understanding Images in Writing

• Definition and significance of imagery in storytelling.

Page 26: Sensory Richness in Writing

• How sensory details lead to vivid writing through abstraction and judgment.

Page 27: Characteristics of Effective Writing

• Categorization of details:

  • Concrete: Direct sensory perception.

  • Significant: Conveys deeper ideas or judgments.

  • Specific: Clarity and relevance of details.

Page 28: Engagement through Active Experience

• The importance of directly experiencing or picturing events in narratives.

Page 29: Writing Style Mechanics

• The role of active voice and prose rhythm in writing.

Page 30: Illustrating Active Voice

• Comparison of passive vs. active voice:

  • Example: "She spilled the milk." vs. "The milk was spilled by her."

Page 31: Sensorial Writing Exercise II

• A writing prompt focused on utilizing the sense of smell for a character's experience.

Page 32: Development Through Persistence

• Quote by Octavia Butler regarding the journey of writing and the value of persistence in improving one's craft.

Page 33: Conclusion

• Wrap-up thoughts on the writing process, reiterating the importance of practice and exploration in storytelling.