Edward Arlington Robinson

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlrBpTgPnlk&t=251s

First draft of poem

 Black streets, slick and gleaming,

neon signs, a blurred, wet dream.
Rain drums a rhythm, on the glass,
tires hiss, as shadows pass.
Streetlights halo, in the haze,
a lonely hum, in the city's maze.
Reflections waver, a distorted view,
of a world, washed clean and new.

Night Hawks

 https://www.edwardhopper.net/nighthawks.jsp#google_vignette

City Streets

 

subject of "city rain at night."

1. Inspiration and Brainstorming:

• Subject: City rain at night.
• Initial Thoughts:
  • The contrast of light and dark.
  • Reflections on wet asphalt.
  • The sound of tires on slick streets.
  • Neon signs blurred by rain.
  • A sense of isolation or intimacy.
  • The feeling of movement and stillness simultaneously.
• Sensory Details:
  • Sight: Blurry neon, wet black streets, distorted reflections, the halo of streetlights.
  • Sound: The hiss of tires, the drumming of rain, distant sirens, the hum of the city.
  • Smell: Wet asphalt, ozone, faint exhaust.
  • Touch: Cold, damp air.
• Emotional Notes:
  • Melancholy, a sense of urban solitude, a feeling of being in a liminal space.

2. First Draft (Free Verse):

Black streets, slick and gleaming,
neon signs, a blurred, wet dream.
Rain drums a rhythm, on the glass,
tires hiss, as shadows pass.
Streetlights halo, in the haze,
a lonely hum, in the city's maze.
Reflections waver, a distorted view,
of a world, washed clean and new.

3. Revision and Refinement:

• Focus on Imagery:
  • Replace generic words with more evocative ones.
  • Add more sensory details.
  • Strengthen the metaphors.
• Rhythm and Flow:
  • Adjust line breaks for impact.
  • Consider the pacing of the poem.
• Emotional Depth:
  • Enhance the feeling of isolation and the liminal space.
• Revised Draft:

Obsidian streets, slick with liquid light,
neon ghosts, a blurred and trembling sight.
Rain's sharp percussion, on the window pane,
tires whisper secrets, in the soaking lane.
Streetlights bloom, in halos, soft and dim,
a lonely pulse, within the city's whim.
Reflections dance, distorted, in the black,
a fleeting world, on rain-washed asphalt's track.

4. Final Touches:

• Title: "City Nocturne" or "Rain-Washed Streets"
• Final Poem:

City Nocturne

Obsidian streets, slick with liquid light, neon ghosts, a blurred and trembling sight. Rain's sharp percussion, on the window pane, tires whisper secrets, in the soaking lane. Streetlights bloom, in halos, soft and dim, a lonely pulse, within the city's whim. Reflections dance, distorted, in the black, a fleeting world, on rain-washed asphalt's track.

Key Observations:

• The first draft is a starting point, not the destination.
• Revision is crucial for creating a polished poem.
• Sensory details and strong imagery are essential for engaging the reader.
• Paying attention to rhythm and flow enhances the poem's impact.
• Titles can add another layer of meaning.

Walt Whitman

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilBtNk_Ge9Q

The Misfit

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uamq_ZZW3Vk&t=90s

How to write a short story

 Brainstorming and Idea Generation:

• Start with a Spark: A single image, a conversation overheard, a "what if" question, or a strong emotion can be the seed of your story.
• Focus on a Single Incident: Short stories typically center around one main event or conflict. Avoid trying to cram in too many plotlines.
• Explore Character: Consider a character with a specific desire, flaw, or problem. What are their motivations?
• Think Theme: What underlying message or idea do you want to convey? This will add depth to your story.

2. Planning and Structure:

• Keep it Concise: Short stories are, well, short! Aim for a tight, focused narrative.
• Choose a Point of View: First-person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient? The POV will affect how the reader experiences the story.
• Outline (Optional): A simple outline can help you organize your thoughts and ensure a clear progression. It doesn't need to be extensive, just a few bullet points to guide you.
• Classic Structure:
  • Exposition: Introduce the setting, characters, and initial situation.
  • Rising Action: Develop the conflict and build tension.
  • Climax: The turning point of the story, the moment of highest tension.
  • Falling Action: The consequences of the climax.
  • Resolution: The conclusion, where the conflict is resolved (or not).

3. Writing the Story:

• Start Strong: Grab the reader's attention from the first sentence.
• Show, Don't Tell: Use vivid descriptions and sensory details to bring your story to life. Instead of saying "he was angry," show his clenched fists and flushed face.
• Develop Characters: Even in a short space, give your characters depth. Reveal their personalities through their actions, dialogue, and thoughts.
• Use Dialogue Effectively: Dialogue should move the story forward and reveal character.
• Build Tension: Create a sense of anticipation and suspense.
• Pay Attention to Pacing: Control the speed of the story to maintain reader engagement.
• Create a Satisfying Ending: The ending should feel earned and leave a lasting impression. It doesn't have to be a happy ending, but it should be a meaningful one.

4. Revision and Editing:

• Let it Rest: Put your story aside for a while before revising. This will give you fresh eyes.
• Read Aloud: This helps you catch awkward phrasing and grammatical errors.
• Focus on Clarity and Conciseness: Cut out unnecessary words and phrases.
• Check for Consistency: Ensure that your characters, setting, and plot remain consistent throughout the story.
• Proofread Carefully: Correct any spelling and grammar errors.
• Get Feedback: Share your story with trusted readers and ask for their honest opinions.

Key Tips for Short Stories:

• Focus on a single conflict.
• Develop compelling characters quickly.
• Use vivid language and sensory details.
• Create a strong sense of place.
• Build tension and suspense.
• Craft a satisfying ending.

MISFIT

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uamq_ZZW3Vk&t=841s