Describe the person in the picture in detail

* * Describe the person in the picture in detail. Experiment using figurative language (simile or metaphor) to help visualize the person in writing. * Think about how to describe someone physically, mentally (personality), emotionally. * Think of the person in the picture as a character in a story. a background for the character. Who is he/she? * Name * Age * Favorite Hobby * Favorite food * Worst fears * Greatest accomplishment * Family? * Background? * Anything else… Create

*Look at your classmate’s picture; listen carefully to the description of the character in their picture. List information about who their character is. *Together, brainstorm a list of possible settings where the two characters might have had a chance encounter. Be specific! * A crowded street * The grocery store deli counter * Movie theater’s concession stand * Waiting in line to vote * So many options! *Choose one of the settings from your list. Describe this setting in detail. Remember to use sensory language! Again, experiment with figurative language, like a simile or metaphor, to help visualize.

*Brainstorm possible conflicts that might occur between your two characters when they encounter each other by chance. Think of how a story might unfold to reveal a conflict. *How might this chance encounter result in a change in the main character’s life, attitude, or situation? *Create a plot using the plot diagram. Remember the climax is the most exciting part in the story…the turning point…where change occurs. *Role play possible dialogue scenes before you actually write the dialogue. This will help you craft more effective and realistic dialogue. Then, write the dialogue like you roleplayed. Don’t forget your dialogue tags!

*Starting a story can be difficult. Your goal is to hook your reader. Look back at your notes from the first unit on types of leads. * Look at the leads of some of the texts you have read in this unit: * “All I’ve ever wanted was for Juli Baker to leave me alone. ” (“Diving Under, ” Bryce’s first chapter from Flipped) * “The first day I met Bryce Loski, I flipped. ” (“Flipped”, Juli’s first chapter from Flipped) * “Dear Richard, Don’t invite me to your birthday party because I’m not coming. ” (“The Southpaw”) * “She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but a hammer and nails. It had a long strap, and she carried it slung across her shoulder. It was about eleven o’clock at night, dark, and she was walking alone, when a boy ran up behind her and tried to snatch her purse. ” (“Thank you, M’am”) *Brainstorm a couple of different ways you could hook your readers.

Choose one of the ideas you explored with your partner, or on your own. Looking at the examples, try some ways to begin the story of a chance encounter that results in a change in the main character’s life, attitude, or situation.