Day 9

M-Tu Nov. 25-26

• Share “Postcards from the Past”

• Mini-lecture: Observation, inference, and opinion

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Homework

➤ Decide on a subject for your essay

By next class, please at least have decided, tentatively, on a subject for Essay 3: Character in Context. Be ready to share with us the character you intend to write about, and what the context is (place, or environment understood in some different way). Make sure you’ve read the instructions carefully.

➤ Write a “postcard from the present”

On the blank postcard I gave you, write a “postcard from the present” that attempts to capture vividly a moment in time. Write only on one side. Do not include a picture. Please do include your name.

➤ Be ready to discuss “Mazie” and “The Man Who Eats”; preview “Maui Surfer Girls”

Next class we’ll definitely discuss “Mazie” and “The Man Who Eats,” so make sure to bring these to class. Don’t forget to try to find one of each of these things:

• Physical description of a character’s appearance

• A list of concrete objects

• An anecdote about a character (something they once did)

• A description of a character’s habits (something they always or often do or did)

• An aphorism / statement of that character’s worldview and values

• Something another character says about that character

• A description of the character acting in a scene (physical action)

• Quotation or dialogue that captures a character’s voice

Also, take a quick look over the “Maui Surfer Girls” essay. Read all of it if you wish!

➤ Open call for daily writing

Consider beginning a practice of daily writing, in which you practice one or more of the forms we’ve discussed—for example, you could continue writing “postcards from the past.” Going forward, I’m happy to read and comment on any of these “daily forms” you choose to practice. I’ll collect any of these you’ve written every class.