Welcome everyone!
Over the course of the next few weeks, we'll be writing a short story. I don't want to give away too much just yet, so follow the steps in order from start to finish. I'll be trying to sharpen (geddit?) your creative writing skills to craft a story that has a structure and includes good characters, a realistic setting and good description.
So saddle up, pard'ner (that bit will make more sense later!)
First up, watch this video clip from Youtube:
Next, read the lyrics below whilst listening to the song:
The Baron by Johnny Cash
Chorus:
I wish I had of known you when you were a little younger 'round me you might have learned a thing or two
If I'd had known you longer you might be a little stronger
Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do, maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do.
As he walked into the poolroom you could tell he didn't fit
In his hand made boots, custom suit, pearl handled shootin' stick
Tonight there'd be a showdown then everyone would know
Who shoots the meanest game around, The Baron or Billy Joe
Billy Joe looked edgy, about to lose his cool
But the Baron's hands were steady as the two began to duel
Yeah, he was like a General on a battlefield of slate
And he would say to Billy Joe each time he sunk the eight, he'd say...
Chorus
Now Billy Joe was busted but he hadn't felt the sting
And from the far end of the table he threw his Mother's wedding ring
And he said 'You won my money but it ain't gonna do the trick
I'll bet this ring on one more game against your fancy stick'
The Baron's eyes grew foggy as the ring rolled on the felt
And he almost doubled over like he was hit below the belt
Twenty years ago it was the ring his wife had worn
And he didn't know before he left that a son would soon be born
It sounded just like thunder when the Baron shot the break
But it grew quickly quiet as he lined up the eight
Then a warm hand touched his shoulder and it chilled him to the bone
When he turned and saw the woman who had loved him for so long.
The game was never finished, the eight ball never fell
The Baron calmly picked it up and put it on the shelf
Then he placed the ring in the hand that held him long ago
And he tossed that fancy shootin' stick to his son Billy Joe
And he said....
Chorus
Task 1
Think about the setting in the story: the bar. Brainstorm out as many details as you can that you would expect to see in a dive-bar like this one (think Moe's Tavern!) Use the video for inspiration, but try to make up as many details as you can as well.
Task 2
Watch me!
Follow the instructions in the video to write an opening paragraph to a story. This will be a practice for when you write the opening paragraph to your own story later...
