BIG WRITING PROJECT 100 POINTS WRITING TASK: Create a short story that reflects elements of American Realism including but not limited to: realistic geographic location, realistic time period, dialect, dialogue, and a faithful representation of reality (see chart at the bottom of this document to help you).

REQUIREMENTS OF A SHORT STORY: Your story must be 500 words. In addition to elements of American Realism defined above, your story must include the basic elements of a story (has a beginning/middle/end; at least two characters; establishes a point of view; and a problem that must be addressed).

In other words, no fantasy tales with dragons set in a futuristic dystopian zombie dominated nuclear fallout shelter. . . sorry .

Suggestion for getting started: Pick a time period and a place (this could be the modern-day era and your neighborhood; or 1920s New York; it’s up to you). Then create a story that reflects a problem that would happen in that time period and place and make sure the characters sound and act like they would in that time and place. Set a timer for 30 minutes and just start writing to see what ideas come to you to get your story off the ground.