LITR 3731: Creative Writing
Sample Final Exam 2005
Bonnie Napoli
In the beginning of the semester, this creative writing class forced me to write. When I was younger, I would write stories or tell stories frequently, but as I grew older I could never find the time to put my words on paper. So as this class continued throughout the semester, I was constantly writing in a spiral notebook jotting down any poem or storyline that would pop into my head. I was so nervous about writing, especially poetry, I never knew if anything was good enough to present to my fellow classmates. This habit of carrying around an extra notebook at all times basically created a great routine for me. Even though the semester has come to an end, I still have my notebook, and I still jot random ideas and rhymes down whenever I am inspired. One thing I have struggled with and am presently still trying to accomplish is remaining confident in my work and remaining confident when I present my work to others.
For the most part, I fell into writing pieces with a more comedic nature. I figured this has to do with my personality, yet I wonder if comedy is just the easiest type of literature to write. Regardless, this genre is where I found my comfort. Anything regarding poetry or “cheese” was awkward for me, and even today I feel I have not mastered a sturdy technique in writing poetry. Fiction, I would say, is my safety net. I had no problem writing a story because my life is full of great comedic moments. My life, my family, and my everyday encounters with these people provide loads of memories and stories that can be transformed into great comedic fiction or drama.
The text provides great stories, which ranged in levels of intensity. Minot provides excellent insight and suggestions encouraging good fiction. Even though I sway towards comedy, the stories within the text, such as, “Obst Vw,” and “Escapes,” are great stories to read and learn from. One of my favorite aspects of the fiction section is when Minot describes the “seven deadly sins of fiction.” Although these are so obvious, authors still fall into the trap of formula writing. I continue to try and steer away from the list of no-no’s.
Minot addresses poetry in a way that was easy for me to comprehend. The explanations of “mass-market poetry” or “hallmark” poetry pleased me because that is what I feel all of my poetry ends up being. I have used this word all semester, and I will use it one more time, but I feel extremely “cheesy” when writing poetry. After I produce a poem, or what I feel is a decent poem, I am always skeptical that the essence of my work is “hallmark.” Minot’s suggestions on poetry, such as keeping a journal, worked for me, as I said earlier I have a notebook on me at all times.
Before being introduced to drama, I thought the worst. I figured this because when I hear the word “drama” I think tragic or of course, dramatic. After being introduced to drama, I realized that this is not the case. Drama skits can be any genre, and the drama aspect is the actual dialogue between characters.
“Hello Out There” is a play we read from Minot’s book, and it was definitely interesting. Minot emphasizes many elements throughout the drama chapters in his text including, but not limited to, suggestions on the dramatic plot, the driving force of drama, and dramatic themes. The concept of a play is extremely important because this is the basic idea the author wishes to get across. After understanding the true essence of drama and play or skit writing, I realized that my crazy family stories would not only be great in fiction, but also make great skits. As mentioned in my journal, at the beginning of the semester, Dr. White spoke about television script writing. I became very interested in this because my life would make a perfect sitcom.
From our textbook, I learned many different elements, which not only helped me this semester, but will help me in times to come. I am even keeping my book so I can use the text as reference in the future. I will be teaching a creative writing class next year in the high school I work at, and I am so excited to incorporate all the new skills and teaching tools I learned from the workshop setting. I envision a class so comfortable and open for students to write and discuss with little teacher involvement, meaning the students work with each other, and the students improve with each other. I want my students to learn and grow and begin to love writing just as I have. Another aspect of this class I will definitely incorporate is the three sections or parts of the semester. I will have a section on poetry, a section on fiction, and a section on drama. I want my students to present and exchange because that is also helpful when developing a good writing habit. The one thing that is great about writing is that almost everyone can accomplish it. Everyone has stories, and for every person who has a story, there is another person who wants to hear it.