Moonbooks Amazon Writing to Publishing: Personal Short Stories
In our Amazon Writing to Publishing class, we began with personal short stories that tapped into students' own memories and experiences. This was inspired by my own experience of writing about a birthday party I had with my sister, where we played mini-golf. It was a special memory for me, and I wanted my students to have the same opportunity to reflect on their own lives through writing. As we brainstormed together, the students started to craft stories that were deeply personal and meaningful. Some wrote about their journeys moving to a new country and adjusting to American culture, while others shared tales of their school life, friendships, and the small but significant moments that shaped them.
We didn’t just jump into writing, though. Before diving into these stories, we focused on the essentials of storytelling. We explored characterization and the STEAL to REVEAL model, which helped the students understand how to develop their characters' personalities through Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks. We also spent time studying short stories, looking at how authors use symbolism and action to convey deeper meanings. This foundation was crucial in helping the students craft stories that were not just narratives, but reflections of their own lives, with layers of meaning and emotion.
As the students progressed, it was incredible to see how their stories evolved. The initial focus on personal memories allowed them to practice basic writing skills, such as creating realistic dialogue, setting scenes, and developing characters. This practice was essential as we transitioned to more complex genres like horror and mystery. By then, the students were not only more confident in their writing but also more adept at using literary techniques to create suspense, build tension, and keep their readers engaged.
The shift from personal stories to horror and mystery was a significant milestone. The students had already mastered the basics, so they were ready to experiment with more advanced storytelling techniques. We discussed how to create an atmosphere, use foreshadowing, and build up to a climax that would leave their readers on the edge of their seats. The growth in their writing was evident as they moved from recounting personal memories to crafting stories that could genuinely intrigue and even frighten their readers.
Overall, the journey from personal storytelling to genre fiction was both challenging and rewarding. The progress they made in a short period was truly impressive, and it was a joy to see their stories develop from simple memories into complex narratives that showcased their growing skills as writers. By the end of the class, they were not just students; they were storytellers, capable of weaving tales that were both personal and universal, drawing on their own experiences while reaching out to touch the experiences of others.
