CW: Submission Deadlines and Guidelines

Creative Writing Final

Submission 4: Free Choice

For your final submission of the year you must create an original piece of writing in the genre of your choice (memoir, flash-fiction/ short short story, poem (or 2-3 short poems), satire/comedic short story or essay, dramatic scene). Depending on the genre you choose, your piece may be between 1 single-spaced page and 5 double-spaced pages. It should be in a 12-pt font in either Times New Roman or Courier New. Regardless of genre, it must be: typed, complete, well-written, and proofread (without excessive typos, spelling errors, grammar errors, or formatting issues—this is not a text or an informal email). If you meet the basic requirements of the submission, you will earn at least a C- (70%). A higher grade will depend on how you meet the particular elements of that genre (see below).  This means that a freewrite/brainstorm/exercise, poorly-written rough draft, or unfinished story will not be sufficient and may earn you a grade of a D or F. Particularly for seniors, I will not budge on the submission deadline, as I will need to have submissions graded in time for senior checkout. I WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK AFTER THE DEADLINES LISTED.

(25 pts) Submission Proposal- Monday 5/21

Include your name, what genre you will be doing for your final submission, and a brief description of what you are planning to do. This may be handwritten, but it must be written neatly and must be at least half a page. If you will be doing a dramatic scene, you must include all group members’ names and contact info.

(50 pts) Rough Draft of submission- Wed 5/23 / Thu 5/24

This must be a complete draft, though it may be handwritten. This will be given a grade based on how it meets the basic requirements. I can give you written or verbal comments regarding revision if you request a conference.

(100 pts) Final Submission- Friday May 25 (Extra Credit- can submit via email if at Grad Nite); Tuesday May 29 (by email); and Wednesday May 30 (hard copy)

This must be typed in 12-pt font and turned in via hard copy (emailed copies will have 10 pts deducted, but will be accepted if emailed by 11:59pm that evening)

Final submissions may be turned in for late credit with a 10 pt deduction for each day late (including days we don’t meet and weekends). I will not accept any submissions after 5/30 from any seniors.

(25 pts) Performance or Read Aloud- Wed 5/30, Thurs 5/31

You will perform (spoken word poetry/ dramatic scene) or read aloud your piece. You will be graded on how well you read, project, and emotionally evoke your piece.

If you cannot meet the deadlines above and require an extension you MUST request one in advance via conference or email. Extensions will be granted on a case by case basis. You cannot request an extension on the date of the deadline. If you have an excused absence on the day of a deadline, you may turn it via email the day of the deadline or by hard copy the following day, at the beginning of class, without a deduction. I will not accept any submissions after 5/30 from seniors.

Students will be given time in class to work on submissions but should expect to work on submissions at home as well (including typing and printing the submission, as the computer lab or library may not be available during class time). If students are not utilizing class time to work on submissions, deadlines may be made sooner or deductions from final submission may be made.

Miss D will work with students individually and in small groups by genre next week. Miss D will be available for conference all next week in class or during lunch or after-school (by appointment).

Genre Guidelines

Flash Fiction-

Requirements

1 double-spaced page-4 double-spaced pages (about 250-1000 words)

You will be graded on:

àthe overall effect and enjoyment of the piece

àthe ability to include a complete story with a narrative arc (plot and conflict)and characterization in less than 1000 words

àability to use description and implicit details effectively

[see the flash fiction guidelines as you will primarily be graded by your use of them]

Poetry-

Requirements:

1-3 single spaced pages w/ stanza breaks (may be 1-3 poems)

You will be graded on:

à use of figurative language (metaphor, imagery, personification, alliteration, etc)

à use of vivid language without unnecessary words

àrhythm and rhyme

à ability to evoke an idea, message, moment, emotion

àuse of form (see Ms. D for other poetic forms)

Memoir

Requirements:

2-5 double-spaced pages

à use of description

à use of reflection

à ability to both tell the story and show its meaning

à ability to convey a message, meaning, or emotion

Comedy/ Satire (either as short story or essay)

2-5 double-spaced pages

à cohesive structure (either a narrative or essay not just a rambling)

àability to engage reader

àsatire must comment or critique issue or topic using hyperbole

Dramatic Scene

2-4 single-spaced pages (groups of more than two should create more than one scene, each between 2-4 pages)

àuse of dialogue that moves plot forward, depicts character traits, and incorporates subtext

à use of stage directions

àsetting description that allows reader to visualize scene

àbackstory (context) or character background necessary to understand story without revealing the story

If you would like to submit something other than the above genres, please see Ms. D