Reflections:

Before attending the lessons, i was thinking that oh no, its another boring writing class. However, it is so much different. This class is interesting which requires us to think creatively and write it down.

Overall, i learnt quite alot from the first lesson. Before this, I did not even notice that scripts and newspaper columns are written in present tense! Also, Ryan had given us examples to describe the points he brought up which really helps me to understand them better. The first assignment should be easy though i will be attempting it after this posting and had not given ot much thought. It is easy to write out twelve opening statements, however, it is not easy to write out twelve interesting opening statements to keep the readers reading on the stories and hope i can do it!!!

Though the first lesson is not much in terms of the things Ryan taught us but we will be learning more stuffs in each lesson i guess! Just hope that the assignments are not getting more difficult as well!!! =)

Proper writing format:
- Present tense
- 3rd person (he, she, it)

→ Scripts / screenplays
→ Newspaper columns
- Active voice

Using 3rd person present tense – to make the readers feel as if the events are happening at them right at that moment / presents a more immediate and urgent feel to the material

Example: Mark picks up the gun and holds it in his hand. It begins to tremble, as if alive.

Passive Vs. Active voice

Passive – uses weak verbs
– Tells rather than show what’s going on
– Distances the reader from the story

Active – uses strong action verbs
– Shows the action
– Uses an immediate sentence structure
– Conveys the story in a lively manner
(Start subject with an action)

Example –the sky was blue with a lot of white clouds. (passive – no action)

Reason for not handing up assignment in time:::
The paper was drenched by my water bottle and I accidentally tore it.

Tips for writing:
 If you have a work in progress, never stop for the night if you’re stuck
 Always solve the problem and keep going until you are in safe water. A good night’s sleep is important. Sleeping on problems is a myth.
 If you can’t get started on a project, start writing anyway. To do this you have to have some words to type.
 It doesn’t matter what you write. You’ll soon begin to think and move in your own rhythm/pace.

Note down questions you were asking yourself as you wrote it
- Whose story am I telling
- What is the point of this story
- How can I engage the attention of the audience

Assignments:
- Reflection
- Write twelve opening statements, ones that should let people feel creative in their writing. Post as a page.
Examples::
- James paces around the empty hallway…
- Karen opens the envelope. Her hand shakes…