write on structures:
EACH COURSE is comprised of 9 modules structured to lead the
participant through an evolving complexity of craft skills and analytic
techniques.
They can be digested as one-off aperitifs, springboards for future
composition or as analytic filters for major works already in progress...
All participants can take as much time as they require to finish each of the
modules, with each module e-mailed to them as needed.
Each course runs concurrently, but all modules in each must be attempted
sequentially in order for each participant to achieve a maximum benefit of
application and style...
The sequencing of the modules are designed to lead the writer into a defined
method of creation, where their individual writing process is maximised so that
the first draft is reasonably assured to be the right draft...
Here are a few examples: activate your pens...
(from)
Creative Writing 1.5
(from)
Creative Writing 2.3
(from)
Scripting 1.3
(from)
Scripting 2.2
(from)
Writing and Editing for Publication 1.1
(from) Creative Writing 1.5
1 |
|
examine an object of your choosing closely, take your impressions of it
and its semiotic values then list them |
2 |
|
devise a story-outline, working through a three-movement structure,
that empresses the theme of the object in some way (it doesn't have to be
literal) |
3 |
|
define character(s) that can, through their attributes, resonate with
the object in terms of their necessity for development |
4 |
|
choose a landscape that is symbolically resonant of the theme of the
object, the character imperatives and consequently the storyline |
5 |
|
plan how to move through the narrative, what focus you intend to take
at any point in it (1st, 3rd person, God, monologue,
stream-of-consciousness, dialogue) and note these down on your story
framework |
![](../../images/top.jpg)
(from) Creative Writing 2.3
1 |
|
100-200 words |
2 |
|
sentences per paragraph 1-3 |
3 |
|
describe a character at a point of moral crisis, where their perception
of reality threatens to make them betray their beliefs or ideals |
4 |
|
if you wish, extend your draft of the exercise |
5 |
|
find 1 immediately contemporary cultural icon (object or media) that
projects an image of some aspect of humanity as a stereotype |
![](../../images/top.jpg)
(from) Scripting 1.3
1 |
|
Develop a theme. Choose an issue or concern about the human condition
that has pertinence to you. Think about it in general, almost mythical
terms. Express it in a single sentence. |
2 |
|
Define 3 characters whose interaction can exemplify the theme. In no
more than 3 paragraphs, describe how this interaction takes place, leaving
it open-ended (ie. there is no resolution, only a description of their
interpersonal dynamic) |
3 |
|
In one paragraph, define a general setting (location, time, season)
that resonates with both the characters and the theme. |
![](../../images/top.jpg)
(from) Scripting 2.2
1 |
|
200 words |
2 |
|
define a story where 2 main characters have to band together to face a
common threat (probably beyond their control) |
3 |
|
define the moment when the threat seems ready to destroy them |
4 |
|
turn this into an action sequence |
5 |
|
list the elements and details that occur in this sequence in
hierarchical order of impact |
6 |
|
write the scene (no dialogue, present tense) |
![](../../images/top.jpg)
(from) Writing and Editing for Publication 1.1
1 |
|
develop an imaginary concept that is applicable to the organisation you
are currently working in (ie. policy/product/evaluation). |
2 |
|
outline this concept in no more than 300 words in 3 stages |
|
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- definition/premise |
|
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- expansion/implication/argument |
|
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- outcome/inference/conclusion |
3 |
|
make a list or flow-chart of the concept's applicability to other departments
or organisations in terms of your perceived evaluation of them. |
4 |
|
re-examine your outline and alter accordingly |
![](../../images/top.jpg)
Phew...
But theres no word length, theres no pressure. No pass, fail,
or maybe. Literary democracy lies in the attempt. All thats required is
a commitment to making yourself become the best writer you can possibly be, and
complete as much as you can.
Hopefully, each participant can turn around and e-mail back to Write
Mechanix each exercise completed within 14 days, so we can comment on it at
our end efficiently...
write mechanix tutorials
course outline copyright david young 2000 and before
Phone 02 6254 2917
no words can ever be written unless theyre meant...
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