Historical Fiction Writing Project

1. Historical Fiction Writing Project Take out the Historical Fiction Writing Project handout from your table folder.

2. Good writers… • Use knowledge of a historical time period or event to create a historical fiction text.

3. For this project… • You will create your own historical fiction writing piece using your knowledge of the time period in your book club book. • You will also use your knowledge of the text’s plot (plus some creativity) to develop this story piece.

4. Don’t forget that good historical fiction writers… • use appropriate setting description • properly punctuate all dialogue & internal thoughts • “paint” a clear picture of the character inside & out • use writing “tricks” • use a balance of other narrative techniques • carefully revise & edit their final piece • All elements of your writing piece need to be historically accurate. This may mean that you’ll need to do some additional research.

5. Directions • *Use your book club book & any other resources for assistance • Read through the writing options & choose one of interest • Plan out your story idea in your notebook • Write your own piece • 2 pgs double spaced, Times New Roman 12 font • THIS PROJECT IS DUE ON 2/18.5 points will be taken off for each day it is late.

6. Writing Options • Option A: Choose an important story scene from your book club book & rewrite it from the point of view of another character. • Option B: Create a new character that would either help situations for the main character or worsen situations. Write a scene to add to the story. • Option C: Choose a character & write a diary entry. Describe what is happening & include direct thoughts. Consider what might be happening that the character has not directly admitted to the reader. • Option D: Choose a scene that was not included in the text, but you know it had to happen. Write the scene from the point of view used in the book. • Option E: Write an alternate ending to a scene in which the character has to make a different decision.

7. Rubric • Student has carefully researched & incorporated details related to the selected time period. • Student has developed a well-rounded character (internal/external) that is both realistic & historically accurate. • Student has incorporated various narrative techniques (dialogue, thoughts, feelings, etc.) rather than summarization. • Student has incorporated various narrative writing “tricks” to improve the quality of his/her writing. • Student has created a final fictional product that reflects evidence of time spent revising, editing, & improving craft that has effectively addressed the chosen prompt.