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Please see email sent Dec. 5 for workshop groups. You should email your story to your group by Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 5. Please print and comment on the two stories you receive, and bring them to class to give, along with your typed responses to the workshop questions below, to the authors.

Workshop questions:

Please read your two workshop stories carefully, keeping in mind that this is a first draft. Also keep in mind the assignment:

Elements of craft I will be looking for in your story:

1. A story set in the present. This means no flashbacks or backstory (if you want me to make an exception, please discuss it with me).
2. A plot that begins immediately with a clear conflict.
3. Two main characters, no more than three. If you introduce peripheral characters they should be minimal. Your main characters should be rounded and complex. What do they want? What are their obstacles?
4. The use of concrete, significant detail (think objects, setting).
5. Setting that is significant to the action of the story.
6. A clear and specific voice and point of view (who is telling this story from what perspective and why?). Be consistent in your point of view – use only one for the story.

Then please answer the following questions in detail:

1. Is there a clear conflict? What is it? Could it be strengthened? Clarified?
2. Who are the two main characters? What do you know about them? What more would you like to know about them?
3. Are there other characters? Are they necessary to the conflict or do they detract from the central conflict?
4. What role does setting play in this story? Does the author use concrete, significant detail in his/her writing?
5. Is the point of view consistent? Is the verb tense consistent (either present or past tense)?

Please type your responses for the author and feel free to write notes on your copy of the story.

We will workshop these stories on Thursday of this week. DO NOT MISS CLASS. DO NOT COME LATE.