You are a writer And you have something unique to offer… Accept everything about yourself--I mean everything, You are you and that is the beginning and the end-- no apologies, no regrets. --Clark Moustakas

-My TOPICS- things that interest you, things you would like to write about -My GENRES- types of writing you are interested in, or would like to try -My AUDIENCES- the people you intend to write for My Territories

MY TOPICS  -my students- what they do and what it means  My dog, Luna, who is the best friend I’ve ever had  My parents, who they are, who they were, who they will become with age  Disneyland- my happy place  Adolescent girls and their relationships and dreams  Grown-up romantic relationships  The environment  Zombies  Video Games  Mexico  Geologic Disasters  American History- especially the grit  Conspiracy theories  UFOS  Dinosaurs  Mental and emotional illnesses  Shakespeare  Gandhi  animals Your topics should be anything and everything you are interested in! Write down at least 20.

My Genres  Memoirs  Book Reviews  Poetry  Letters/ s  Short Stories  Young Adult Fiction  True Narratives  Fantasy  Horror  Comedy  Graphic novel  Lesson plans  Notes home to your parents (my personal favorite…NOT) Genres are different types and styles of writing that you want to try, or will have to write for your career. Write down at least 10.

My Audiences  Myself  My BFF  My students (and their parents)  My colleagues  Disney lovers  My dog  Animal activists  Young women/girls  Teenagers  Children of divorced parents  Elected officials  My community  People who feel sad and hopeless Audiences are who you want to write to and for. Who could benefit from what you have to offer? Who needs to hear your message? Who will you be writing for in your career? Write down at least 10.

Next...  Well, now you have a variety of choices when it comes to writing in my class. Next time I give you time to free-write, and you can’t think of anything, choose a topic, audience, and genre, and GO!  Use this list throughout the year to help you think of ideas for papers, books, discussions, projects, etc.

Jumpstart: Stories On a blank piece of paper (to be collected), list your three favorite “stories” of all time. Ex. Jurassic Park Harry Potter book series V for Vendetta

Next…  Which story had the most dynamic, thrilling character? Write a short description of the character, and why they are so fun to read/watch. (4-5 sentences, lots of details)  Ex. The “terrorist” V is probably the most thrilling character I’ve ever encountered. He is a scarred man whose past was torn away from him when a political party secretly used him (and thousands of others) to create a deadly virus and a cure for it. After unleashing the epidemic on the public, and thousands of deaths, this party comes into complete power, selling the cure and making billions. V is now living in a totalitarian government police-state, and is determined to remind citizens what they gave up when they elected these leaders into power. V is incredibly cunning, and is able to use deceit and disguise to help the average man uncover the government’s lies. His passion for justice and freedom drives the entire country to demand both once again.  Genres: Thriller, Action, Conspiracy

And then…  Which of your three stories had the most interesting PLOT? Write a short description explaining why that plot was so captivating, and why it is a favorite of yours. (3-4 sentences)  The best plot of my selected stories would definitely have to be Jurassic Park. In this film, a wealthy man has created a theme park using genetic engineering to create dinosaurs. To get his park approved, he invites a few “experts” to spend a weekend there. Naturally, everything goes wrong, the dinosaurs escape and wreak havoc on the humans. I really enjoy this plotline because the science fiction element makes it more believable to me. I have always been fascinated with dinosaurs, and it was very exciting to see them in action!  Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Mystery

Finally…  Out of your stories, which one has the SETTING you would most like to visit or be part of? Explain in detail. ( 3 sentences)  The world of Harry Potter would definitely be the world I want to live in. I love that Harry Potter is set in the real world, but a hidden, magical world within the real world. It makes me feel like it would be possible to go there; in fact, as a twelve-year-old reading this book, I really hoped that I would get my own letter from an owl, telling me I have been chosen to attend Hogwarts. The idea of being able to use magic in a world filled with the fantastic beasts of lore is thrilling to me. I would love to have my own magic wand, and begin swishing and flicking my problems away!  Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Reading this Semester…  Reminder! Find a NOVEL by FRIDAY!  You will read one novel by the end of October.  We will be reading in class for 30 minutes every Friday.  You WILL read a book. It is SO important that you begin to help yourself with your reading comprehension. I, unfortunately, cannot wave a magic wand and make you a proficient reader. It depends entirely on YOU.  Freshmen: 150 pages  Juniors: 200 pages