Feedback Expectations for the Specialization

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From the course by Wesleyan University

Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot

1764 ratings

Wesleyan University

Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot

1764 ratings

Course 1 of 5 in the Specialization Creative Writing

In this course aspiring writers will be introduced to perhaps the most elemental and often the most challenging element of story: plot. We will learn what keeps it moving, how it manipulates our feelings, expectations, and desires. We will examine the choices storytellers make to snag our imaginations, drag them into a fictional world, and keep them there. We will learn how to outline and structure a plot, discuss narrative arc, pacing and reversals and reveal the inevitable surprise: connecting the beginning, middle and end.

From the lesson

Plotting a Course

In this module, we'll learn essentials about plot definitions and mechanics. What is plot? How does plot shape a narrative? What makes a strong plot? How is plot different from a story? We'll also discuss how plot works in actual books you're probably familiar with, such as the Harry Potter series, how character and action equals plot, and the five key questions you should ask yourself when creating a dynamic character.

Feedback Expectations for the Specialization2:29

Meet the Instructors

Brando Skyhorse
Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing
English

I'm Salvatore Scibona, Director of the Specialization in Creative Writing.

And I wanted to say a little bit about feedback.

And the kind of feedback you're going to be giving

in all four of the main parts of this specialization,

as well as the feedback that you'll be giving in the capstone.

Giving and receiving feedback is a crucial part of your experience of

all the courses in the specialization.

Giving feedback will give you an opportunity to clarify

your ideas about writing and about reading and editing.

Putting your creative work up for

the critique of fellow writers can be nerve wracking for the writer.

And it's a challenge for the person doing the critique.

Bear in mind, we are dealing with drafts rather than finished prose.

Our responsibility to the writer is to be useful, praise and

criticism in a generous spirit are equally welcome.

However, sometimes, the most helpful feedback is the reader telling the writer

what he or she has found unique, funny, pleasing, frightening, or strange.

Because any of the work you see here may evolve into a part of

the writer's capstone story at the end of the specialization, feel especially

encouraged to highlight places you think might grow into that longer piece.

However, remember the context of this particular course and keep your primary

feedback related to plot or character or style or setting as the course dictates.

Address the writer directly in your feedback.

Imagine that you are writing a short and friendly letter to him or her.

Remember the piece belongs to the writer.

As readers, our job is to help the writer see the piece more clearly.

Here's a very important point, your fellow writers aren't here for

a grade but for a your substantive advice on their work.

Your observations, your praise, and your criticism

are the true goal of the feedback, and your peers are avid to read them.

So at the end of your critique,

you'll be asked whether the writer has successfully completed the exercise.

We wanted to give you a little guidance about what this means.

As long as the writer has submitted a piece that meets the parameters

as laid out in the assignment, your answer to this question should be yes.

Learning to be a good writer comes from being a good reader and

your feedback will be essential in learning how to do that.

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