Fiction Workshop

We had our last day in Fiction today. We did the final workshops, and discussed three stories, with my novel excerpt “Selling the Farm” being one of them. The class seemed to like it. Once again I took a cliche idea and made it original, which I am glad that they thought so because I wasn’t so sure if I succeeded into making it my own or not.

My strengths were pretty much the same as in my previous story. I did well at characterization, especially with Wayne and Addy. I was able to show that Wayne was a creep without saying it, letting him show it for himself. I made Addy into a heroine, which is why the story wasn’t cliche because it was an early 1900’s story, and females generally needed saving by protagonists. I let Addy be her own hero.

I struggled with some of the details, such as the time period. The workshop helped out a lot with that. My class mates gave me a lot of suggestions on what I should do. First off, I should have my story be in the 1930’s, during the depression. It will add to the idea that it is a poor family, but also allow the wealthier people to have cars, and for there to be phones. Also, Addy should not see Wayne pulling Charlotte in the way of the bullet. Perhaps Addy should close her eyes for longer while before she pulls the trigger. I am going to have to work on this a little, and play with different idea. Also, Addy shouldn’t wipe of the gun. For one, she probably wouldn’t if her daughter had just been shot, and for two, she may not have needed to in the time period.

I am glad that I got good advice on the story. This semester went well. I would have never thought that I would have been good at writing fiction. It seems that I do have some talent in characterization. When I work hard I am capable of writing good short stories. I still have some work to do, but I am happy with the progress that I have made.