1. Instructions for final portfolio
30% of final grade
Due: May 15

2. What you need to produce
A heavily revised and rewritten version of your short story (20%).
2-3 revised or rewritten shorter pieces (poem, short dialogue, or HW assignments) (10%)

3. Hand in all rough drafts
For the story, poem, and short dialogue, hand in rough drafts (the ones I handed back, with my comments)

4. Due Tuesday, May 15, by the end of the day
If you need an extension, you must ask me in person before May 11.
Late portfolios will be deducted 5% per day. No portfolios will be accepted after May 21.

5. How to submit (2 options)
Option 1: Published as a Wordpress blog.
I will post an instructional video on how to create a Wordpress blog. It’s super easy. You can either post the cover letters, or hand those in to me in person. You’ll have to hand me your rough drafts in person.
Option 2: A printed out hard copy.
If you choose this option, you must hand all components in a pocket folder. Each component must be clearly labeled and stapled individually. Work that is not clearly labeled or stapled will not be graded.

6. Rewritten version of short story
Almost every single story in this class needs to be rewritten by 50-75%.
So, I expect a significantly different version than the one you handed in for your rough draft.
Your story can also be expanded and continued

7. Length of short story
6-10 pages
+ 2 page cover letter

8. Using the textbook
In your revision, you must concentrate on using one principle from each of the following chapters in The Practice of Creative Writing: So, 5 principles in total.
4-Images;
5-Energy;
6-Tension;
8-Insight,
9-Revision.

9. Cover Letter
2 pages, double spaced.

10. Cover Letter: 3 questions
How did you use the textbook?
List the 5 principles you use + brief note: were they helpful? Why or why not?
How was your experience rewriting?
What did you focus on? Do you like this version better? What are most proud of in this draft? + any other thoughts about your rewriting process.
How was your experience in this course?
What’s one lesson that will stick with you? What have you improved at? + any other thoughts about your progress this semester.

11. Office meeting
One office meeting with Jeff, anytime between now and May 11 is mandatory. You can come during office hours or make an appointment. Bring:
A version or your story that has been revised or rewritten since the workshops.
Or, specific questions about the version you submitted for the workshops.
Anything else you’d like to talk about in regards to your portfolio.

12. A few rules
You may not write about a crime, a murder, or anything involving gangsters.
Your characters must have names.
You must have two or three main characters in your piece. You can have secondary characters, but most of the action must be focused on the two or three main characters.
Keep in mind the work we’ve been doing all semester. This story is meant to be a measuring stick for your ability to assimilate the concepts we’ve been working on all semester

13. Grading criteria for short story (20%)
You have a cover letter that addresses the assigned prompts
You’re writing mostly in concrete imagery. No thoughts!
You’re writing effective dialogue
You’re creating tension through desire + danger
Your story is made up of multiple scenes
Each scene has 2 or 3 well-matched characters
Your create energy through subjects, leaps, and words
Your story contains humanity and insight
Using vivid, precise, and original language
You have an interesting and appropriate title
You have included the rough draft I returned with my comments

14. Shorter rewritten pieces (10%)
2 or 3 shorter pieces
You can choose to rewrite:
Poem project
Short dialogue project
Any homework assignment

15. Shorter pieces: length
4-6 pages (total for all pieces)
+ a short cover letter for each

16. Genre
Each piece must be in a different genre. No fiction. Possible genres:
Poetry (one of the fixed forms in Chapter 10)
Drama (in script format)
Screenplay (script for the screen)
Comic

17. Rewriting shorter pieces
Also need to be rewritten 50-70%
Don’t need to be as polished as short story
Feel free to experiment, try things, play, have fun, go nuts

18. Using the textbook
For each piece you revise, choose one principle from any chapter of The Practice of Creative Writing to focus on (anything from chapter 4, 5, 6, or 8).

19. Cover letter
For each piece, write a short cover letter (1/2 page-1 page). Your cover letter should state the following:
Which piece is this? (Poem, short dialogue, or which number HW assignment?)
What principle from the textbook did you focus on? Please clearly state the principle and the page number
General notes or comments on your revision process

20. Grading criteria for shorter pieces (10%)
You’ve met the page requirement (4-6 pages in total)
You have a short cover letter for each piece that addresses the assigned prompt.
You have at least two different pieces in 2 different genres (not fiction)
You’re considering the main lessons from this semester: imagery, dialogue, tension, energy, and insight.
You’re taking chances and trying things. I get the sense you’re having fun with these.
Your language is precise, energetic, and original.

21. Comments
I will send comments on all pieces by MIO.

22. Portfolio Checklist Cover letter for short story (2 pages)
Final draft of short story (6-10 pages)
Rough draft of short story (the one I handed back, with my comments)
Cover letters for each rewritten short piece (1/2-1 page each)
2-3 short rewritten pieces (4-6 pages total)
Rough drafts of short pieces (the ones I handed back, with my comments)
(if you’re rewriting a homework assignment, there is no rough draft to submit)