DT -1

Assignment 1-DT 1

Discussion Topic

1. What favorite book or short story have you read with an interesting and engaging plot?
I recently had a craving to revisit one of my favorite of all times in reading-Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I not only read the book, I read one of the original 1936 copies inhaling the odor of the ancient pages. I also read two biographies on Margaret Mitchell. I took time to remember the first time I had read the book, the impact it had on me then, how I had viewed it at future readings during my life and the impact it has on me now. I find each one is distinctly different from the other due to life experiences.

To answer the plot question, GWTW will be interesting with an engaging plot eternally for all age groups, social backgrounds, educational backgrounds, and inquisitive minds. It is filled with true historical facts as well as fictional characters every generation can relate to with emotional impact.

Was the story action driven or character driven?
Character driven. That Scarlett is a scamp, a trollop, a wannabe lady, courageous, determined, strong character who wants nothing more than to have her own way, to be loved and cared for WHEN and HOW she wants it at the time. She is a role model for women in a time when women could not, dare not be heard nor seen unless a man wanted them to be. She was industrious, with a keen mind for business which was unheard of for a woman then. She would fit in today's society with no problem and no notice. Her character paved the way for women to think AND act for themselves.


2. In the short story I asked you to read for the class, Brownies, was the plot easily discerned?
I think the operative word here would be easily. It is discernable, but easily discerned. It encased more than one issue. The girls have beleived all their lives they are looked at differently because they are black. They feel everyone condiders them inferior. They decide to show the world these white girls are no better than even the worst black girl.

THEN they discover the other troop may be white but are retarded. These girls are looked on as more inferior by the general public. They stand out more than being black. They are pitied and looked down on.

Back to square one minus...there are worse things than being black. The girls couldn't blame any failures or faults on being black. They would have to look at themselves in a new light and accept responsibility for actions whether they come from black or white people.

Did it follow the basic Freytag Model?

Yes, I think it did.

Was there a resolution for the protagonist?
Yes. Snot was no longer Snot. The person who had won the poetry contest was deemed the smartest girl in class. Her intelligence was evident in not only the winning of the contest, but by the depth of the meaning of the poem. It is this person who doesn't speak unless there is something important to say who not only speaks, but calls her by her name-Laurel. From today on she will be Laurel. She will voice her opinions louder, more forcefully. She is no longer someone to be pushed aside and ignored. She is Laurel. She realizes there is good and evil in the world and each person has to choose which path to take. It has nothing to do with color of skin, social standing, being rich or poor.

3. How do you get ideas for your story plots?
From everywhere. I write mostly about things I have experienced or someone I know has experienced in a fictional manner many times. I generally write short pieces, but yearn to do more. I glean ideas from books, stories, newspapers, research, the varied occupations I have had and the internet. I have a couple of stories started that are at a standstill due to not knowing where to take them that are part truth, part a dream I had, part total fantasy. I don't suppose I have any rhyme nor reason as to where my ideas come from.

From where do you draw your inspiration for your stories?
Inspiration for my stories come from within as a passion I never remember being without. I get inspiration from the encouragement of my children who love for me to write. I also get inspiration from one or two close friends who are constantly nudging me to write, write, write. My most consistant shot of inspiration comes from my WDC family in emails, reviews, and encouragement.

Are there any methods of finding a plot idea which do not work well for you? Why?
#4 Issues is not a good way for me to find a plot. I have written of issues close to my heart, but my main focus was my character not the issue.

#10 Predicting a trend is not a method I've used for finding plot ideas either. I don't have any reasons why. I just haven't used these.