Create a short piece of fiction. Write a short story based either on a letter or series of letters or by utilizing the epistolary format. This can be a diary, journal, letters, story around a letter or letters, etc. You have a variety of models offered in class.
Here are some resources that might be helpful in writing a short story:
- Kurt Vonnegut’s 8 Tips
- What Makes a Good Story
- 5 Elements for a Successful Short Story
- How to Write an Epistolary Short Story
Epistolary form adds a sense of realism to a narrative piece of fiction, as it imitates life and its real workings. This form allows the writer to describe different points of view. The primary function of this form of writing is that readers can get an intimate view of the characters’ feelings and thoughts and develop a direct connection with the events through letters, journal entries, diaries, blog posts, etc. This technique can make the literary piece a real experience for the readers. It also shows how the presentation of events from different points of view can give a story believability and authenticity as well as more dimension. In addition, it also allows the writer to explore topics like oral history, what the withheld can do, suspense, the power of a good or bad narrator, and appropriate use of first and second-person narrative. This will help students develop character, consider how form contributes to storytelling, and what elements add to a sense of realism, all of which help readers suspend their disbelief.
For this assignment, you are required to meet with Keanna, and will be included in the overall grade. Meetings with Keanna for this assignment should take place the week of October 10 and 17.
There is no defined length for this assignment. This will be posted on your website, so include the ‘FYS183’ category, but also tag it appropriately.
Due: October 20, post your URL in Canvas by midnight.
