PRO GEGEE

 The Fiction Project - Incorporate Theme

Though we are discussing creative nonfiction this week, we still have work to do on your short story.

This week, as you see from the chart below, your assignment is to experiment with two different endings to your story.

Step 1. Write the first version of your ending where you turn it into propaganda for your theme. This is the preachy ending.

Step 2. Write the second version of your ending, where you subtly weave your theme into action and character. Obviously, this is the ending you want to choose for the rough draft of your story – or an ending with a similar light touch.

Step 3. Decide if you can use your better - more subtle - theme ending for your story. Is there a way to incorporate metaphor and symbol? Again, this could be done but in a subtle way. For example, we could say that when Little Red Riding Hood is freed from the wolf’s belly, she is escaping the prison of disobedience. Too heavy? Possibly, but such interpretations are worth considering as you incorporate details.

What to turn in this week: Submit the two sample endings for your story.

Developing Your Rough Draft

You should be making good progress on your rough draft. Newsflash! It is due next week! As you read and re-read and write and revise, do you see your characters involved in conflict that builds? Have things reached a climax? Have you worked toward your ending yet, where you emphasize your theme once more? (Remember, your main character is supposed to grow in some way – or change.)

Remember, as you work on your two sample endings (above), it should help you to decide if you should use any of these endings in your actual rough draft of the story.