Writer Write-Up - English 223

English 223, Online
Short Story Writing
Jessica Barksdale Inlcán

Writer Write-Up

For this project, 122 students need to find a venue where a poet, fiction-writer, or non-fiction writer (essayist or memorist only) is performing. English 223 students need to find a fiction writer. Some places to find these venues are The Sunday Chronicle ‘Book Review’ section, Poetry Flash, East Bay Express, The Contra Costa Times ‘Time out’ section, or even the bookstores themselves. Barnes and Noble Walnut Creek has a notable selection or readers every month. Most stores sponsor reading series and provide brochures giving you dates and times. I would prefer you NOT go to an open mic, where you would hear a variety of speakers.

Once you are at your performance, I want you to take notes on/consider the following things in order that you can write up your project.

You will need to bring home evidence of your experience in the guise of a flyer or brochure or—if it is very minimal—a contact name that I could call.

Who is in the audience? What is the make-up of the people present? What do you think that says about the performer you are about to see?
What kind of ambiance does the venue provide? Is it loud, quiet, crowded, empty? How do you think this will affect the reading?
What is your first impression of the performer?
If you know of this performer, what ideas are you bringing into this performance?
What are the most interesting ideas, words, and discussion that you hear tonight? What will you take home with you in terms of ideas?
What was the least stimulating idea? What could you have done without?
If you were a reader, how would you have handled this evening?
Did you/Do you want to buy the book? Did anyone?
Did anyone ask the performer any questions? How do you think she handled the audience?

When you get home, work all these notes/ideas into a two-three page essay, using MLA format, adding in anything of relevance.