Nine and a half hours to go...
Go to the ywp.nanowrimo.org website, log in and edit your settings to reflect your location in the world (I say world because I know some of the visitors of this blog are from other countries). This step is very important because you could lose precious hours on the last day of NaNoWriMo (November 30) if you do not set your time to your location.
Novel Club - don't forget the kick-off tomorrow in my classroom after 7th hour. Come hungry and ready to write! Bring headphones (or you can use mine), notes, storyline maps or whatever you need to start noveling!
My classroom will be open before school (at 7:30a), during both A and B lunches, and after school...except...this Wednesday. Extra early release on Wednesday. I'll be in meetings that afternoon. No NaNoWriMo club at school that day. Go home and write or head to the public library!!!
Mrs. P.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Saturday, October 29, 2010
Congratulations, cast and chorus! Four shows in two days! Excellent job! I hope you enjoyed yourselves and are getting some rest because in just two days it's...
NaNoWriMo!!!
Time to hang up the costumes, put away the makeup, and think WRITING! Did you complete your storyline map? Chapter overviews? Remember the Excel spreadsheets we created? They should be ready to go by tomorrow (Sunday).
BTW - two teachers are going to join us this year. I won't say who... but one of them teaches English and the other Espanol!
Don't forget our kick-off on Monday after 7th hour. Pizza and prizes. Ready to write? Let's go!
Mrs. P
NaNoWriMo!!!
Time to hang up the costumes, put away the makeup, and think WRITING! Did you complete your storyline map? Chapter overviews? Remember the Excel spreadsheets we created? They should be ready to go by tomorrow (Sunday).
BTW - two teachers are going to join us this year. I won't say who... but one of them teaches English and the other Espanol!
Don't forget our kick-off on Monday after 7th hour. Pizza and prizes. Ready to write? Let's go!
Mrs. P
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Hello, Wrimos!
Sorry the blogs have been so short (and practically non-existent) these past few days, but as most of you know, our school has been in the midst of a musical performance (four shows) and I, your humble club sponsor, have been busy directing the music and applying makeup! So, this blog will be very short.
Three days left.
U redi?
Sorry the blogs have been so short (and practically non-existent) these past few days, but as most of you know, our school has been in the midst of a musical performance (four shows) and I, your humble club sponsor, have been busy directing the music and applying makeup! So, this blog will be very short.
Three days left.
U redi?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 25, 2010
OMG! Five more days! Are you ready? I can't wait to start. Sorry I had to miss tonight's club meeting...it' rehearsal time, as you know.
Hey - check this out...
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/education/article_77d19f72-de0d-11df-a1b9-001cc4c002e0.html
Hey - check this out...
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/education/article_77d19f72-de0d-11df-a1b9-001cc4c002e0.html
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Once upon a time, there was a lovely princess who lived in a castle far, far away. She loved Prince Wonderful from the Kingdom Down the Road. On their wedding day, they kissed and lived happily ever after. The End.
Blah! The protagonist (princess) gets what she wants (marriage to Prince Wonderful). Okay, we're happy for her (yippee!), but we really could care less about the story because we don't know much about her, and her life is perfect. She gets what she wants and she seems lucky and spoiled. Yawn! Whatever.
BUT...
Let's throw in antagonists! These are the animate or inanimate objects that create stumbling blocks for the protagonist and make us wonder "Oh, No! Poor princess! Will she ever marry Prince Wonderful?!" Antagonists can be people, creatures, ideas, fears, objects, weather, etc. Antagonists are a necessary part of every good story. And you can (and should) add more than one!
So, here's the same story with antagonists...
In a castle far, far away lives a lovely princess. She loves Prince Wonderful from the Kingdom Down the Road. Her evil step-father, King Hateful and Mean (antagonistic character), refuses to let her marry. He wants the princess to remain a single woman so she will care for him in his old age (antagonistic demands). To prevent her from leaving, he places a guard at her door each night so she will not leave (antagonistic characters).
Poor princess! She is sad (antagonistic feeling) for she loves Prince Wonderful with all her heart! She desires to marry Prince Wonderful but knows she will never be able to fulfill the desires of her heart. Secretly, she climbs out of the castle window each night and rides her white steed to the forest near the Kingdom Down the Road (you go, girl!). There she and Prince Wonderful kiss and profess their love (awwww!!!!). Every morning, she returns to her castle at sunrise, before her father awakens, and prepares his breakfast.
King Hateful and Mean becomes suspicious of her happy singing each morning as she prepares his grande breakfast burrito with salsa (ole!). One morning, the King orders his guards (antagonistic supporting characters) to follow the princess to the Kingdom Down the Road. They report back to the King where the girl goes each night. King Hateful and Mean yells hateful and mean things! When she returns the next morning, he angrily orders the princess to be jailed in the cold, dark dungeon in the depths of the castle (antagonistic environment) where she weeps with despair.
Ah, antagonists! We love to hate them! Without antagonists, your protagonist would quickly achieve his or her goals and the story would end before it ever really began. And a story that has no antagonists is, well, not a story at all!
Happy antagonizing... (-:
Mrs. P
Blah! The protagonist (princess) gets what she wants (marriage to Prince Wonderful). Okay, we're happy for her (yippee!), but we really could care less about the story because we don't know much about her, and her life is perfect. She gets what she wants and she seems lucky and spoiled. Yawn! Whatever.
BUT...
Let's throw in antagonists! These are the animate or inanimate objects that create stumbling blocks for the protagonist and make us wonder "Oh, No! Poor princess! Will she ever marry Prince Wonderful?!" Antagonists can be people, creatures, ideas, fears, objects, weather, etc. Antagonists are a necessary part of every good story. And you can (and should) add more than one!
So, here's the same story with antagonists...
In a castle far, far away lives a lovely princess. She loves Prince Wonderful from the Kingdom Down the Road. Her evil step-father, King Hateful and Mean (antagonistic character), refuses to let her marry. He wants the princess to remain a single woman so she will care for him in his old age (antagonistic demands). To prevent her from leaving, he places a guard at her door each night so she will not leave (antagonistic characters).
Poor princess! She is sad (antagonistic feeling) for she loves Prince Wonderful with all her heart! She desires to marry Prince Wonderful but knows she will never be able to fulfill the desires of her heart. Secretly, she climbs out of the castle window each night and rides her white steed to the forest near the Kingdom Down the Road (you go, girl!). There she and Prince Wonderful kiss and profess their love (awwww!!!!). Every morning, she returns to her castle at sunrise, before her father awakens, and prepares his breakfast.
King Hateful and Mean becomes suspicious of her happy singing each morning as she prepares his grande breakfast burrito with salsa (ole!). One morning, the King orders his guards (antagonistic supporting characters) to follow the princess to the Kingdom Down the Road. They report back to the King where the girl goes each night. King Hateful and Mean yells hateful and mean things! When she returns the next morning, he angrily orders the princess to be jailed in the cold, dark dungeon in the depths of the castle (antagonistic environment) where she weeps with despair.
Will the princess and prince kiss and live happily ever after? That's up to you, the writer, and how many antagonists you want to throw at her.
Happy antagonizing... (-:
Mrs. P
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Hello, Wrimos!
Eight days until NaNoWriMo! Are you as excited as me? I can't wait to start writing. In the meantime, have you downloaded the NaNoWriMo workbook? It is an excellent source of information and activities to prepare you for your writing adventure!
Two of my students left messages for me on this blog which I will not post because they contained information that would identify them. Since this blog can be read by anyone, anywhere, I will answer them ambiguously.
#1 - To find me on NaNoWriMo website, log in and search by my last name. Invite me to join your buddy list so I can add you to our class forum.
#2 - Thanks for clarifying that you write under an alias. I will not reveal your identity. If you want people to know, you can tell them yourself.
That's all for now, Wrimos! Get ready, get set...eight days to go!
Eight days until NaNoWriMo! Are you as excited as me? I can't wait to start writing. In the meantime, have you downloaded the NaNoWriMo workbook? It is an excellent source of information and activities to prepare you for your writing adventure!
Two of my students left messages for me on this blog which I will not post because they contained information that would identify them. Since this blog can be read by anyone, anywhere, I will answer them ambiguously.
#1 - To find me on NaNoWriMo website, log in and search by my last name. Invite me to join your buddy list so I can add you to our class forum.
#2 - Thanks for clarifying that you write under an alias. I will not reveal your identity. If you want people to know, you can tell them yourself.
That's all for now, Wrimos! Get ready, get set...eight days to go!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/node/774777
YWP NaNoWriMo forum open and ready to go! Send me a buddy request so I can add to the virtual classroom. Also, join this blog and create one of your own.
Mrs. P.
YWP NaNoWriMo forum open and ready to go! Send me a buddy request so I can add to the virtual classroom. Also, join this blog and create one of your own.
Mrs. P.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Eleven days until NaNoWriMo! I can't stand the wait! Argh!!!
So - are you getting ready?
NaNo Thought for the Day
Today I'm thinking about reasons. What is going to motivate my protagonist? Why will she say what she's going to say? What will be her conflicts? What will be her concerns? And how do I plan to resolve those conflicts and concerns?
Today, think about reasons as you plan your characterization for your book.
Mrs. P
So - are you getting ready?
NaNo Thought for the Day
Today I'm thinking about reasons. What is going to motivate my protagonist? Why will she say what she's going to say? What will be her conflicts? What will be her concerns? And how do I plan to resolve those conflicts and concerns?
Today, think about reasons as you plan your characterization for your book.
Mrs. P
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Hey Wrimos:
The Novel Writing Club meeting today was productive and energizing! I'm thrilled at the number of members in our group (28) and am happy to work with so many committed writers. (-:
I'm encouraged with the progess you're making as we prepare for November 1st! Your storylines and word count spreadsheets are really taking shape.
Mark your calendars for the NaNoWriMo kick-off! It will be held in my classroom on Monday, November 1st after 7th hour, from 3:45p - 6:00p. I'll supply the pizza - you supply the creativity. Let's crank out at least 2,000 words (maybe 3,000?!) on this first day of NaNoWriMo!
Remember next Tuesday, October 26th. Amanda will run the meeting since I cannot attend. Derek is her back up. Think characterization.
Congrats to Kaitlin Farley for the fabulous TV interview on her NaNoWriMo 2009 book! We're proud of you, Kaitlin!
http://www.azfamily.com/good-morning-arizona/Talented-14-year-old-author-from-the-Valley-105192749.html
Mrs. P
The Novel Writing Club meeting today was productive and energizing! I'm thrilled at the number of members in our group (28) and am happy to work with so many committed writers. (-:
I'm encouraged with the progess you're making as we prepare for November 1st! Your storylines and word count spreadsheets are really taking shape.
Mark your calendars for the NaNoWriMo kick-off! It will be held in my classroom on Monday, November 1st after 7th hour, from 3:45p - 6:00p. I'll supply the pizza - you supply the creativity. Let's crank out at least 2,000 words (maybe 3,000?!) on this first day of NaNoWriMo!
Remember next Tuesday, October 26th. Amanda will run the meeting since I cannot attend. Derek is her back up. Think characterization.
Congrats to Kaitlin Farley for the fabulous TV interview on her NaNoWriMo 2009 book! We're proud of you, Kaitlin!
http://www.azfamily.com/good-morning-arizona/Talented-14-year-old-author-from-the-Valley-105192749.html
Mrs. P
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Attention Academy Novel Writing Club members:
Bring your storymaps to Tuesday's meeting (the ones we created in MS Excel) so we can discuss them.
Have you determined:
1. The exposition
2. Catalyst
3. Rising action (just the basics at this point)
4. Climax (highest point of story or when your character has a change of fortune)
5. Falling action, resolution or denouement
Be prepared to explain to us your protagonist and what he/she/it desires. What will attempt to thwart his/her/its actions?
BTW - bring food! (Dark chocolate is always a good idea!)
Mrs. P
Bring your storymaps to Tuesday's meeting (the ones we created in MS Excel) so we can discuss them.
Have you determined:
1. The exposition
2. Catalyst
3. Rising action (just the basics at this point)
4. Climax (highest point of story or when your character has a change of fortune)
5. Falling action, resolution or denouement
Be prepared to explain to us your protagonist and what he/she/it desires. What will attempt to thwart his/her/its actions?
BTW - bring food! (Dark chocolate is always a good idea!)
Mrs. P
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Hey, Students!
Sixteen days to NaNoWriMo and counting!
Are you writing your synopsis? Remember the formula:
1. Who is your character?
2. What does he/she/it want (goal)?
3. What are the obstacles (antagonists) that are stopping he/she/it from reaching the desired goal?
4. Does he/she/it ever reach that goal?
Here's my NaNoWriMo work-in-progress...
Working Title: Summer Rain
Fifteen-year old Kate McDermond lives the good life in New York City - prestigious private school, posh apartment in an upscale neighborhood, and designer clothing. Her mother, a prosecuting attorney, enjoys a successful, high-powered career. At the conclusion of Kate's junior year in high school, she makes plans to attend a gymnastics camp in Connecticut. However, an unexpected telephone call changes the course of Kate's summer. Her aging grandfather, whom she has met only once, needs care and assistance. Kate's mother is too busy with her caseload to leave New York, so Kate reluctantly agrees to fly to Minnesota where Grandfather lives in a lakeside home, to check up on him.
Kate arrives at Grandfather's house only to be chastised angrily and then ignored. Kate is deeply hurt and confused, but she resists leaving Grandfather and decides to stay for the summer, determined to uncover the root of his anger. Through her gentle perseverance, Kate begins to break down the walls that encase his spirit. She discovers a family secret that sheds light on her very existence, and learns of the event that drove her grandfather and mother apart.
During her summer at the lake, Kate meets a young man, Andrew, who teaches her that life's simple moments are the sweetest and should be savored. Inspired, Kate plots a reconciliation between her grandfather and mother. At summer's end, Kate refuses to board the plane back to New York, forcing her mother to fly to Minnesota and demand an explanation. Kate refuses to return to New York until her mother and the grandfather forgive and reconcile with each other and sparks an emotional path of confrontation and healing.
NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday, October 19th., Rm. 7 at 3:45p.
Sixteen days to NaNoWriMo and counting!
Are you writing your synopsis? Remember the formula:
1. Who is your character?
2. What does he/she/it want (goal)?
3. What are the obstacles (antagonists) that are stopping he/she/it from reaching the desired goal?
4. Does he/she/it ever reach that goal?
Here's my NaNoWriMo work-in-progress...
Working Title: Summer Rain
Fifteen-year old Kate McDermond lives the good life in New York City - prestigious private school, posh apartment in an upscale neighborhood, and designer clothing. Her mother, a prosecuting attorney, enjoys a successful, high-powered career. At the conclusion of Kate's junior year in high school, she makes plans to attend a gymnastics camp in Connecticut. However, an unexpected telephone call changes the course of Kate's summer. Her aging grandfather, whom she has met only once, needs care and assistance. Kate's mother is too busy with her caseload to leave New York, so Kate reluctantly agrees to fly to Minnesota where Grandfather lives in a lakeside home, to check up on him.
Kate arrives at Grandfather's house only to be chastised angrily and then ignored. Kate is deeply hurt and confused, but she resists leaving Grandfather and decides to stay for the summer, determined to uncover the root of his anger. Through her gentle perseverance, Kate begins to break down the walls that encase his spirit. She discovers a family secret that sheds light on her very existence, and learns of the event that drove her grandfather and mother apart.
During her summer at the lake, Kate meets a young man, Andrew, who teaches her that life's simple moments are the sweetest and should be savored. Inspired, Kate plots a reconciliation between her grandfather and mother. At summer's end, Kate refuses to board the plane back to New York, forcing her mother to fly to Minnesota and demand an explanation. Kate refuses to return to New York until her mother and the grandfather forgive and reconcile with each other and sparks an emotional path of confrontation and healing.
NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday, October 19th., Rm. 7 at 3:45p.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)