April 2nd, 2014

4/2/14

In Class:
Turn in: Last page of syllabus.

Journal--  Write a letter to a significant person in your life expressing something you cannot/have not been able to say to him or her.

As Gabe watered our seeds, we discussed inspiration in writing. We debunked the concept of the muse: “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” - Jack London
Screened Sherman Alexie interview on storytelling, inspiration, and hard work as a writer. (12:59 - 16:03)
Discussed the 99% idea: “I write one page of masterpiece to ninety one pages of shit. I try to put the shit in the wastebasket.” - Ernest Hemingway. The more you write, the greater your 1% will be. Give yourself permission to write bad poetry, because that's your only chance of stumbling upon something beautiful.

Introduced two new ongoing assignments:
  - Poem-a-Week: Every Monday, please bring a poem (any poem) that strikes you. You can consider song lyrics as well.
  - Poetic Devices: This worksheet will help you organize the terms and techniques we cover in class. Please hold on to it carefully, as it will be included in your final portfolio.


Direct Instruction on Metaphor, Simile, and Imagery
metaphor: a comparison of two seemingly unlikely things. 
  ex.: My mom is a rock.
simile: a type of metaphor using the words 'like' or 'as.'
  ex.: My mom is as sturdy as a rock.
Discussed the purpose and benefit of using metaphorical language.
Listened to "A Girl, a Boy, and a Graveyard" by Jeremy Messersmith, and then noted all use of metaphor and simile. Keep in mind, not all metaphors are explicit, and interpretation varies based on the reader (e.g., concrete sky.) imagery: language which appeals to the five senses.
Note that good imagery often makes use of metaphor & simile.

Imagery writing exercise: using the following sensory stimulants, students wrote for 60 seconds on each of their senses.
   - Sight: http://500px.com/photo/65635147?from=popular 
   - Sound: http://mynoise.net/NoiseMachines/rainNoiseGenerator.php 
   - Touch: mesh cloth 
   - Taste: Hershey’s kisses 
   - Scent: fragrance-heavy hand sanitizer
Then, students tended one of these seeds for the remaining five minutes of class.

Exit ticket: Define 'metaphor.'

Homework:
Poem-a-Week #1 due Monday.
Decorate journal by Monday.
Bring a photo of particular sentimental value to class on Monday.