A Sincere Proposal
I've just had my first English Extension 2 class yesterday afternoon. For this class I must write an 8,000 word short story for my finals at school. Basically, if I don't write a REALLY good story, then I could say good bye to my future. My marks depend heavily on this one short story and I need to do it right!
So all I ask is that when I submit something labeled as 'School Project' I need you to be as sincere and as cruel to me as possible about it. I talked to my English teacher and she said "You're all gonna cry with how I will gut your work." and basically I need that as much as possible.
Forget friendship. If you like me/love me please help me out and be extra critical with this work. Be mean, be ruthless and while I already do believe you are all very sincere and honest people, I'm asking you to make me cry - okay, I probably won't cry because I love justifiable criticism. But if you think the story is crap and can tell me why, then please do so.
The work is marked by two English Extension 2 teachers not from my school and the marking is of course very subjective. So do be subjective with me. Do 'troll' me if you wish. But of course, just don't say "It sucks because you're horrible." Gotta tell me why and be reasonable. Though of course, I trust the majority of you. ;)
Anyway, in terms of concept:
I can write about anything. :) But I need to chose a topic that may not work against me due to the subjectivity of the marking (unfortunately - there is no other way to mark the story...). Of course, I will stick to my style of writing so as to be original - also, I've learnt, English teachers love Romanticism. It will work for me - form is a HUGE factor as well.
I have a meeting with my teacher tomorrow. Nervous - I have NO idea what my concept is going to be.
So...question?
By reading what I write, what topic, genre and/or character types should I work with? I know my perimeters, but an outside opinion tends to see more than the writer - I deliver to a reader, a reader gets out what I put in from a reader's perspective. It's a different thing.
Any tips, tricks or ideas to get my brain functioning? Any concepts you liked or didn't like in any of my stories?
To close, thank you to all of those who have read this. I am eager for at least one response.
Adieu.~