Historical Fiction assignment

Historical Fiction Short Story – For Publication

Objective: In an effort to combine the work you are doing in your literature circles, the history we learn about in class and ELA writing standards, your next creative assignment is going to be to write a historical fiction short story.

Using the details of 18th century America, you will create an original piece of fiction of at least 3 pages typed and double-spaced and no more than 5 pages. It will contain a plot line using the plot structure discussed in class, development of at least 2 major characters (protagonist and antagonist), sensory details, historically accurate information for setting, and suspense.

Each student will tell his/her story in the third person and in the present tense. Each person will employ different literary devices. Focusing on tone and voice to engage the reader in the story, each author will develop a piece which will be published in a classroom anthology.

We will be breaking this assignment up and will be doing a lot of writing in class as well as at home.

1. Using your knowledge of this time period and the people you have researched, you will
2. First brainstorm and free write to get your creative juices flowing.
   
3. We will then draft together.
4. Once each student has a draft, we will begin the real work of revision. Breaking the writing process down into sections and development, each student will be paired with a peer partner for the revision process. You will also be conferencing with one of the teachers throughout.
5. Each student will have at least 3 drafts by the end of this process, but more likely several more than that. Each draft should be saved and changes will be clearly marked.
6. Each final draft will be turned in with all subsequent drafts and revisions including notes, brainstorms and peer revision sheets.
7. Please make sure to have this work in class every day.
   
   ****Specific due dates will be presented as we go through the process.****
   
   A rubric will be provided up front, so you know what we will be looking for.