Process
Step 1:
Before you separate into different groups, as a class you are going to read about the different genres the groups will be exploring. Read through the following pages taking notes of the different characteristics involved in these types of stories.
First, as a general overview, skim through this page about the elements of fiction:
Next, you are going to read about some elements of fantasy, then you will read Mr. Watt-Even's Laws of Fantasy.
Mr. Watt-Even's Laws of Fantasy
Here is a link that will tell you about the fantasy sub-genres. Do any of them sound appealing to you?
What is the difference between fantasy and science-fiction? Are they they same? Do you not always see them together in the bookstore? Here is what Mr. Watt-Evens says about their differences:
OK, OK, only a few more links to read before you're separated into groups. Since it is possible to be in a science fiction group, here is a site that explains the sub-genres of science-fiction. The second link is about alternate history, the final and last sub-genre we will be exploring.
Step 2:
Since you are now almost experts on the genres of fantasy and science fiction, let's get the fun started!
First, there will be six groups with about four students each.
The first group is going to read and write a High Fantasy story.
The second group will read and write a Low Fantasy/Historical Fantasy story.
The third group will read and write a Sword and Sorcery story.
The fourth group will read and write a Hard Science Fiction/Near Future story.
The fifth group will read and write a Soft Science Fiction/Sociological/Space Opera story.
The sixth group will read and write an Alternate History story.
Which one do you prefer? Which one sounds like it could be the most fun? ALL OF THEM! Let's get into groups!
Everyone in the assigned groups will read the examples provided per group. As you read take note of the elements of your particular sub-genre and think: how did the author use those elements? How could I incorporate these elements into my own story? Enough talk; start reading!
High Fantasy
Click on the examples below. They are fairly long, but if you skim you will undoubtedly notice the elements of high fantasy.
From Luthien's Gamble By R.A. Salvatore
From Ascendance By R.A. Salvatore
If you want more examples or enjoyed this author you can find more excerpts on his website here.
Low/Historical Fantasy
Click on the link below to read an excerpt from George R.R. Martin's book. He is a master of Low/Historical Fantasy. Take note of the elements.
From Dance with Dragons By George R.R. Martin
To access George R.R. Martin's web page click here
Sword and Sorcery
Here's the Sword and Sorcery example. What do you notice? It was written by an author who is not as well known as the previous examples.
This is last fantasy sub-genre and for anyone who is interested you can find more fantasy stories by amateur writers here.
Hard Science Fiction:
Now onto the technologically advanced. Here is a hard science fiction short story. It's fairly long so skim it for the elements and take note.
"Designing Paradise" By Mike Combs
Soft/Sociological/Space Opera Science Fiction
Technology aside! Read the story and think about the characters and the story's elements. Why is it soft SF? What warning does it hold?
"A Most Ambitious Experiment" By Mike Krath
Alternative History
Do you like history? Have you ever imagined a "What if..."? That is alternative history. Harry Turtledove is one of the greatest at this sub-genre. Skim this excerpts, what makes it Alternative History? How far can you stretch your imagination?
Excerpt from The Great War: American Front By Harry Turtledove
Step 3:
It's great to read and all, but you are here to create! Now since you have read the elements associated with the sub-genres, and you have read examples of stories in your own sub-genre, it's time to make your own! Please remember the story should be original and work of your own imaginations.
Talk among your group members and brainstorm ideas. What should the story be about? Who will be the characters? What is the conflict involved? Why would someone want to read this particular story? When and where is this story going to take place? What elements of the sub-genres do I need to include?
In order to help focus your ideas and stick to the elements of your sub-genres look over the Elements Worksheet by Mr. Tibbs here.
Now since your ideas have been sloshed around, it's time to choose roles. 2 of the group members will work on the plot, or the action of the story. Which will in turn develop into setting. All very important things.
The other 2 members are going to work on the characters. Who are they? What do they like to eat? What is there favorite color? Fruit? How would they treat your mothers and fathers? How would they react to the situations the come up throughout the plot?
Keep the elements of your sub-genre in mind.
In order to get you started here are some worksheets that will help in your planning:
Worksheets for plot, setting, character, etc.
(Be sure to have the character outlines, and the plot written down so you can refer to them later).
Hows that work coming? Is the plot and place coming together? How are the characters? Do you feel like you know them? Could you write him in a story? I think you can...
ROUGH DRAFT TIME!
Work together as a group and create the short story in your sub-genre. Combine the ideas from your plot/setting group members and the character members. Refer back to the elements worksheets, the examples, and so on. The story should be approximately 2 to 3 pages long. If you want to write more that is okay, but keep it below 10 pages double-spaced in 12 font. Have fun and let your imagination run wild.
Once it is done, edit, revise, proofread, and create final copy.
but most of all....
HAVE FUN!
