During the Sci-Fi project, we wrote short science fiction stories to be compiled in a book titled "Pandora's Book." We started out by reading "seed texts" (interesting scientific articles) and moved forward by individually filling out thing like the "logical leaps," "big idea," and world building graphic organizers. We also conducted individual research to create interesting and accurate stories. Below are my first and final drafts.
When the project was first announced, I wanted to write about space. Previously, I had come up with many interesting science fiction premises having to do with outer space and alternate universes, but in the end I decided on something completely different.
After reading a "seed text" about Dr. Esther Clarke's decoding of the gibbon language, I decided to write about gibbons developing intelligence. At first I wanted to focus on humans' reactions to another species of ape developing intelligence akin to ours, with specific regard to religious and scientific responses. Below is my first draft, which follows this idea.
Between the first and last drafts, I made major changes to my story. I renamed it, changed the format, added and took out certain characters, and changed the overall story arc. I stuck with the idea of gibbons developing intelligence, but framed it differently. Rather than focus on human-gibbon relations, I looked at government corruption and possible results of pollution. I also decided to take religion out of my story. Below is my final draft.
The most enjoyable part of the project was the freedom of fiction and the challenge of writing accurate science. Whereas our last short story project was completely non-fiction, we were able to unleash our creativity in our stories for Pandora's Book. The most challenging part of the Sci-Fi Short Story project was time management--for me, at least. Juggling my own story, the editing of three others, the writing of a prologue for the book, and the designing and drawing of a cover in the short amount of time we had for this project was quite challenging.
During this project I learned that research is important in creative writing, as well as non-fiction: good research makes good writing. I also learned to appreciate collaboration. In the past I have resented the idea of working with others because I had a "vision" of what I wanted something to be. I have always had trouble speaking up, so when it came to protecting that "vision" I chose to work on my own. While working of the cover with my classmate, Aine Piedad, I learned speak up for my ideas, but also be open to change. I am very happy with how the cover of Pandora's Book turned out, and I accredit Aine wonderful ideas. I'd like to thank Aine for working with me, and thank our humanities and biology teachers, Dr. P and Mackenzie, for allowing us to design and draw it.
During this project I learned that research is important in creative writing, as well as non-fiction: good research makes good writing. I also learned to appreciate collaboration. In the past I have resented the idea of working with others because I had a "vision" of what I wanted something to be. I have always had trouble speaking up, so when it came to protecting that "vision" I chose to work on my own. While working of the cover with my classmate, Aine Piedad, I learned speak up for my ideas, but also be open to change. I am very happy with how the cover of Pandora's Book turned out, and I accredit Aine wonderful ideas. I'd like to thank Aine for working with me, and thank our humanities and biology teachers, Dr. P and Mackenzie, for allowing us to design and draw it.
Below are pictures displaying the process of making the cover image. My classmate, Aine Piedad, and I collaborated; she drew the line art, I shaded and colored the image.
Four Weeks Later
The biggest thing that I took away from this project was how important research is to writing. Good writing is dependent on experiences; the more experienced the writer, the more interesting, realistic, and relate-able the writing is. A young writer such as myself must make up for lack of experience through research.
I also came away from this project with the confidence to experiment with writing by trying out different structures and writing styles. I think that during this project I have improved greatly as a writer and hope to continue writing creative stories on my own.
I also came away from this project with the confidence to experiment with writing by trying out different structures and writing styles. I think that during this project I have improved greatly as a writer and hope to continue writing creative stories on my own.