Creative Writing Help? (Infinite thanks and REP) (1 Viewer)

[LoveHateSchool]

I have to write a short story based on concepts and issues addressed in my AOS-Power, Authority and the Individual.

So my question is, would that short story have to be in the same train of issues we did in class (dystopia, over goverment control, corrupt prison) etc. or can I interpret the AOS a little bit differently?

I had an idea for a story where a person betrays a friend to get a lead role in a production. To me, I think it's abuse of power in relationship for one person's end, but I'm worried it might be a bit weak tie to the theme. That I might be safer something like a person in the third world not being able to get a job interview because the corrupt official demands a bribe? Or even safer with something like what we studied in class, with a prison setting, or authoritive government in control...but I was also thinking something in a similar vein could be someone being released from a psych ward and being totally institutionalised due to having no power in the psych ward.

To me, the AOS seems to suggest to write a story about the abuse of power. Everything in class we did was based on texts with power abuse mainly. I also worry about my story seeming like it's in an AOS Discrimination theme too, because when someone abuses their power it could be seen as discrimination against that one person?

Apart from guiding me on the topic, can anyone give me any good writing pointers for senior English? Because I'm sure they expect much more sophisticated in written style. The plot cannot be that sophisticated due to the 500 word limit, but any other writing pointers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Deep Blue]

500 words? That's like nothing, barely a short story. Creative writing for an area of study should relate to the area of study, though it doesn't have to be explicit. Always try and stay away from cliched ideas and themes and try something that you think relates in your own way. Look over the criteria and find what your are actually being awarded marks for. Also, because it is such a short piece, make sure every word counts and, like an essay, contributes to the overall theme or topic of the piece. Drafting is also important, make sure you try and do at least two, though if you don't have very long to complete, try and do an outline and edit your final piece. Those are just some general writing pointers. I'm not really familiar with the AOS that you are studying so I won't try and give advice on that but hopeful I've helped somewhat.

EDIT:

Apart from guiding me on the topic, can anyone give me any good writing pointers for senior English? Because I'm sure they expect much more sophisticated in written style. The plot cannot be that sophisticated due to the 500 word limit, but any other writing pointers would be greatly appreciated.

You would be surprised how complex some ideas are that you can convey in 500 if you have a strong idea and write well. As I said, an outline always helps.

 

[LoveHateSchool]

^Yes, I have trouble being concise though. I really consider this a micro story. Unfortunately, they didn't give much in the way of criteria. Do you think my friend betrayal one relates to the AOS? I think it could be unique and effective if I craft it well. It would show how ambition made her abuse her power in the friend relationship, and the guilt and disgust she feels after the fact (thus the affect it has on the abuser of the power, I think most would write the effect on the "abused" person). I think I'm really leaning towards that one as I feel most inspired to write it.

Thanks so much for the help! I'm really stressed about the story as it's worth like 8% of my Yr11 mark! And I've been really hit and miss with creative tasks before, either doing very well or not that great.

 

[slyhunter]

That's so short; perhaps focus on a particular scene rather than trying to squash everything into 500 words.

 

[Deep Blue]

If you feel really strongly about the idea I think you can make it work. Also as Slyhunter said, focusing on a particular scene and the implications that follow might help with the short word limit and will probably come off better than a whole story in 500 words. But really, it's up to you.