tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684639278116003661.post-18923917640964014822008-05-09T10:40:00.002-04:002008-05-09T11:07:48.437-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_sPiRkVGOQL4/SCRopP9V68I/AAAAAAAAAck/W2hZyR5O5IY/s1600-h/Ghosts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_sPiRkVGOQL4/SCRopP9V68I/AAAAAAAAAck/W2hZyR5O5IY/s200/Ghosts.jpg" alt="Ghosts" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198394927760141250" border="0" /></a>All good writing has problems, lots and lots of problems, with lots and lots of details. The more problems in a narrative, and the more descriptive the writing, the more the reader will be engaged. Problems are what give the story a body. They create the interest by getting the reader to insert himself into the story, to think of solutions, and to root for a character to succeed or fail.<br /><br />Today, students brainstormed a list of problems that could occur in the setting where their scary story takes place. Each partnership came up with problems that might fit in a horror story. These problems had to be realistic enough to be believable, but "sick" enough to fit into a scary fictional narrative.<br /><br />Once each group came up with a list of 8 - 10 problems, we came to the circle, and shared ideas. Then students revised their essays, inserting new problems and adding details. As we continue writing and improving these stories, I am sure the final drafts will be excellent and eerie.Mr. McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02922744477241266679noreply@blogger.com