End of the Week: Writing Workshop

Where does the time go? As we approach the end of our week, we have some loose ends to tie up. We will make time tomorrow to look at those great beginnings and endings we talked about earlier this week. We'll try our own hands at a variety of beginnings, endings, and changes in structure. We're overdue for a writing/reading workshop day.

Come in tomorrow, ready to delve into your own creativity! We have wonderful inspiration in Harper Lee, her colorful characters, authentic dialogue, and events which shape surprising and poignant lessons.

Famous Southern author Eudora Welty writes about the experience of writing,
"Writing a story or a novel is one way of discovering sequence in experience, of stumbling upon cause and effect in the happenings of a writer's own life."

The Craft of Storytelling

Finding our way through the attack on Jem and Scout reveals what I would call "tight writing." It all works. The clues fit together neatly and believably. Even though the clues all make sense on close study, the story is still surprising. Isn't it a shame that Mockingbird is Harper Lee's only book?

While the book is fresh on our minds, we'll look at Lee's writing style on
Wednesday and try our own hands at writing from her inspiration. We'll also look at great introductions and conclusions since her novel exemplifies both.

Some of you have asked about what inspired Harper Lee to write this novel. Reading this book made me curious to know who was the inspiration for her characters and what parts of the story had basis in fact. Being the daughter of an attorney, and her own study of law obviously had to have had a great influence. It is interesting that Truman Capote weaves Lee into one of his novels, Other Voices, Other Rooms, and that Lee weaves Capote into hers as the character of Dill. Click on her name to read more about her life and the creation of her masterpiece.

Walking in Another Man's Shoes

There's something so beautiful about the last few pages of Harper Lee's book, that every time I read them, I am humbled by her storytelling genius. All those seemingly simple childhood events of the novel come together and take on new meaning. Standing on the Radley porch, Scout sees the neighborhood from Boo's perspective, and as she describes the events of the past months, the reader knows that she has achieved a new depth of character as a consequence of this insight. I think all of us understand those moments that affect us in ways that change and shape who we are. Be thinking of those moments as we revisit our writing territories.

I look forward to discussing the topics presented in today's assessment. We will look back over those items as well as the passages in the book which support your theories. Please bring your books back if you did not turn them in today.

Mockingbird Finale: A Crime Scene Investigation

It's always interesting to share the ending of To Kill A Mockingbird to see each reader's view of the crime scene. Of course, so much of what Scout narrates is unclear because the view she has of the crime scene is masked by the darkness of night, and her perspective is further obscured because of her ham costume. Careful reading will reveal what she hears, sees, smells and touches during the attack passage. The sheriff and Atticus fill in other questions in the argument Scout witnesses.

Today in class we will have a chance to share our own perspectives as we review the last chapters of the book and reflect in writing what we have learned. Bring any unanswered questions you may still have to class with you.

Friday's lesson from the Library of Congress may be viewed on each class. Take time to enjoy each other's pictures and perspectives. I hope you'll take time to browse the lesson on your own. There was so much rich material there.