Seeing The Story World

Reading is seeing. If you can't see the world of the story, it's kind of hard to talk about what you read. Think about it: it's like trying to explain something in detail without ever experiencing what you're trying to explain.

But first, let's review everything we've discussed so far:
1. Entering the story world
2. Getting interested in story action
3. Connecting to characters
4. Seeing the story world (visualizing)

If these items needed to be put together in a filing cabinet, can you think of a creative category title?
Jot down some ideas in your notebook.

Let's see how you see the story,

Choose a book from summer reading and do the following:

You have been working on a new movie adaptation for the book you chose, and the most important scene needs to be done RIGHT! You've been working under-budget and, as a result, have taken on multiple roles: set designer, music director, and director (not to mention you're even starring in the film yourself).  Also,  your movie crew isn't the most talented out there. You need to help them every, and I mean EVERY, step of the way. Your vision of this scene needs to be done exactly the way it looks in your mind.

Do ONE of the following:

1. Create a detailed floor plan of the scene. See an example of a floor plan here.  Make sure you have symbols or some figures that represent the characters. Place them EXACTLY where they need to be at the most important part of the scene. Please be neat and add color.

2. Write clear and easy-to-follow director notes for your lighting crew, camera crew, special effects crew, and actors! Describe the scene as it unfolds--get every last detail so that the final product is exactly what you want your viewers to see and feel.

ADVICE--Reread the scene or recall it from memory. Whatever you do, let the author's writing simply guide or inspire you, instead of CONTROL every decision you make.

THIS IS NOT HOMEWORK...YET.