Thursday, February 21, 2013

Story Idea/Target Publication

Please briefly describe the subject of your literary journalism piece  Keep in mind Henry James' criteria for judging a piece of writing: 1) What is the writer trying to achieve? 2) Did the writer achieve it? 3) Was it worth achieving? The last is also the most important.


Also, identify at least two publications (from the directories I showed in class) that you are considering submitting to.


Your response is due by 4 p.m., Wed., Feb. 28.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Didion on Los Angeles

http://www.bu.edu/agni/essays/print/2006/63-birkerts.html

Explain why or why not you think Didion's piece meets Birkerts' definition of "traction." Please respond by 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Please be advised that late responses receive an F.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

"Drift"

Morris Markey's piece, "Drift," belongs to a subgenre referred to as "the procedural." To your mind, what characteristics of the piece make it an example of the genre? How does this help with or determine the structure/organization of the piece?

The piece has a noir-ish atmosphere. What is the connection of that atmosphere to the point or theme of the piece?

Remember, we're practicing good writing here, not just literary analysis. Your comments should be crisp and clear. Avoid generalizations, tortured syntax, and muddy language.

Your response is due by 4 p.m., Wed., Feb. 13.