Writing Homework Help

Following the workshop protocol detailed in this module, write a personal letter to each student in your peer workshop group. The letters should be 250 to 300 words (approximately one page) each.

1. It’s important that you start your letter with what’s working well in the story. In the first paragraph, quote a specific moment that has stayed with you and explain why, in terms of craft. Giving specific praise is important because authors need to discover their strengths so that they can nurture those aspects of their writing.

2. Next, give the author a one-sentence plot synopsis of the story. Remember that a story should have a beginning, middle, and end. If there is something missing (like a clear conflict, turning point or crisis, or ending), then indicate the problem.

3. In the next few paragraphs, talk about how the author could improve the story. Point out places where you struggled with the story or where you saw revision opportunities.

Use the following list of questions to help you figure out what you want to say in your peer letters:

• Does the beginning have an original hook and pull the reader in to the protagonist’s specific, high-stakes obstacle? (If not, make a specific suggestion.)
• Is the protagonist round and believable or stereotypical? Is the protagonist dynamic (i.e., does the protagonist change as a result of the plot events)? Does the protagonist demonstrate agency (i.e., does the protagonist actively make a decision that impacts the outcome of the story)? (If roundness, dynamism, or agency is missing, give specifics regarding what the author could do to improve the character.)
• Does the author use a balance of showing and telling? (Mention a particular moment that could benefit from showing, and write an example of how it could be done.)
• Is there a deeper meaning to this story, or is it merely entertaining to the reader? Is the story only focused on plot/action, or is there an examination of a universal truth? List one or two themes of the story. Are the themes shown, or told to the reader? 
• Does a tipping or turning point or crisis lead to an ending that achieves resonance? Which type of ending (from the list of ineffective or effective endings included in this module) does the author use in this story? (Give an example of what the author could do to improve the crisis or achieve resonance.)
• Notice that these questions are taken from the expectations on the rubric. You don’t need to answer every one of these questions. Instead, choose a few and go into detail.
• While it’s also helpful to mention specific grammar or spelling errors, the bulk of your letter should focus on the elements of craft (using the guiding questions above) that we’ve been discussing so far this semester.