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SO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER

Module I: Obsessed by a Story

Teacher Facilitation Guide

The following curriculum materials are designed to be used with the Achievement Television program So You Want To Be a Writer. VHS tapes of the program can be ordered through the Gift Shop of the Academy of Achievement web site.

Program Overview
The first module focuses on how writers become caught up in a story idea. They use their professional skills to turn that idea into a memorable piece of fiction for others to read. Author John Grisham describes how as a lawyer he became caught up in a story that just had to be written. His obsession with this story turned him away from a law career and into writing. His success as an author is testimony to the ongoing power of a good story idea to inspire.

Viewing/Facilitation Strategies

• Introduce the Pre-Viewing Activity to the entire class. After students complete the Brainstorm activity, allow time for them to share their ideas.
• View video segment I and if time allows, immediately break into groups for the Group Activity.
• During a following class period, have the telecast available for review. Ask students to select a Curriculum Connection Activity to complete independently or with a partner.
• Assign the Research Project as a class requirement or as an optional independent project.

Student Academic Standards

• Uses reading skills and strategies to understand a variety of literary passages and texts (e.g., fiction, nonfiction, myths, poems, fantasies, biographies, autobiographies, science fiction, tall tales, mysteries supernatural tales)
• Knows the defining characteristics of a variety of literary forms and genres (e.g., fiction, nonfiction, myths, plays, poems, journalistic writing, fantasies, biographies, autobiographies, science fiction, tall tales, supernatural tales)
• Understands complex elements of plot development.
• Understands elements of character development (e.g., character traits and motivations; stereotypes; relationships between character and plot development; development of characters through their words, speech patterns, thoughts, actions, narrator's description, and interaction with other characters; how motivations are revealed)
• Reflects on what has been learned after reading and formulates ideas, opinions, and personal responses to texts

Student Activities

Pre-Viewing Activity:
After a class discussion about writing careers, students explore their personal thoughts about their interest in writing with a brainstorming activity.

Group Activity
In small groups, students consider author, Jean Auel's description of character-driven vs plot-driven stories. Students identify and discuss familiar stories that fit each category.

Curriculum Connections Activities
Journalism: Russell Baker­ So You Want to be a Newspaper Writer Fiction and Poetry: Do You Know Your Local Writers?

Research Project
Students research what it means to be a playwright. They use the experiences of playwright, Lanford Wilson as a springboard to further exploration into famous playwrights or one-act plays.

Terms to Discuss

• Disciplined
  
• Routine
  
• Point of View
  
• Driven
  
• Correspondent
  
• Journalism
  
• Playwright