Creative Writing Project Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I keep in mind if I’m doing the creative writing assignment?
A: Logic! If your description, setting, characters are illogical within the circumstances of the story, it will impact the overall credibility and entertainment value of your writing. This extends to your choices of words. For example, any mention of the Christian God in an ancient Japanese setting can be jarring given the contemporary religious practices. In short, do not leave the reader with questions about your characters or the setting.
Q: How do you grade creative writing assignments?
A: Creative writing assignments are treated as literary assignments rather than art historical projects, so the reader will be critical about choice of words, internal logic and how enjoyable the writing as a piece of entertainment. The reader will refrain from correcting the writing itself, just in case word choice, diction and phrasing were intentional on the part of the author. However, appropriate grammar and spelling will be important to the enjoyment of the writing as a whole. If the style of writing is a part of your assignment, you may write an author’s note at the beginning for the project, so I do not take off points for perceived poor revision and editing (for example, if your 15th century Leonardo da Vinci speaks like a 21st century punk, please indicate why that is so. Otherwise it is illogical, even after disregarding the language difference).
Q: What works can I choose?
A: The parameters is the breadth of our class. So any work or artist after 14th century from any region in the world.
Q: How long does it have to be?
A: Quality over quantity. Entertainment value over page limits.
Q: Do I need to do research for a creative writing assignment?
A: Any type of checking out facts either online or in books is considered research. Therefore, you should include that in the bibliography. You may also use lectures and the readings as a starting point to your research.
Q: Can I use Wikipedia?
A: Wikipedia can serve as your research starting point, but please include at least one reliable source that is not Wikipedia..
If you have further questions, please contact me!
