English C1.

1 – TP1 – Fall 2024

Creative Writing Assignment Based on Blanche Cleans Up

Guidelines for your short story

Instructions: Choose one of the following prompts as the basis for your short story.
Your story must be between 1,500 – 2,000 words. Follow the general guidelines for
presenting all written assignments: double space the document and use Times New
Roman, Font 12. Put your name at the top of the page along with the prompt number
you have picked. All stories must have a title and include dialogues. Ensure your story
fits within the chronological order of events in the novel and avoid any unnecessary
spoilers.

Due Date: Please submit your assignment in both hardcopy and on Moodle by October
28th. Late assignments will have a one-point deduction per day late.

Prompts:

1. Alternate Plot

Imagine that one of the deaths in the story does not occur. Describe how this event
would change the plot and the interactions between the characters. Consider how
this absence would affect the motivations and actions of the main characters. Would
the story still reach the same conclusion, or would the ending be different? Explain
why.

2. An Encounter with a Spirit

Blanche has the capacity to see spirits and talk to her ancestors, but their voices
remain unheard. Write a story about a vivid encounter with one of these spirits and
say which crucial information is revealed to Blanche by the spirit. How does this
revelation impact her current case or personal life? Use fantasy elements to enhance
the encounter and show how Blanche processes and reacts to the spirit’s message.

3. Dream Premonition

Blanche’s dreams function as premonitions. Select a dream she has and expand it
into a full story, linking it to the case she’s currently solving. Describe the dream in
detail and show how Blanche interprets its meaning. How does this dream guide her
actions and decisions? Does it help her solve the case or lead to unexpected
complications?

4. Miz Inez’s Perspective

Miz Inez, having overheard numerous conversations, holds unique insights about
the Brindles. Write a story from her perspective, revealing secrets she knows that
contribute to the Brindles’ eventual tragedy. What critical information has she kept
to herself, and why? How do these secrets change our understanding of the Brindles
and their fate?

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5. Malik’s New Case

Malik uncovers a new case and seeks Blanche’s expertise to solve it. Write a story
where Blanche takes the lead in the investigation. Detail the nature of the case and
the clues they follow. What troubling discovery does Blanche make? How does this
case challenge her skills and affect her personally?

6. Blanche’s Past

The novel ends with a revelation about the destruction of old police records: “I’ve
come to tell you that the old police headquarters burnt down last week, so any
information they mighta had about why you left town in such a hurry is gone up in
smoke” (306). Write a story exploring what Blanche might have been involved in
that made her leave town so abruptly. What were the circumstances, and who else
was involved? How does this past event shape her current actions and relationships?

7. Donnie’s Fate

Troubled by Donnie’s fate, Blanche decides to follow Othello to uncover the truth
about his death. Write a story detailing her investigation. What methods does she
use to gather information? What does she discover about Donnie’s death and the
handling of his body? How does this discovery affect her emotionally and influence
her subsequent actions?

8. Felicia’s Problem

Felicia contacts Blanche, seeking help with a new problem. Write a story describing
the nature of Felicia’s problem. How does she present it to Blanche, and what are
the stakes involved? How does Blanche react initially, and what steps does she take
to assist Felicia? Explore the dynamics of their relationship through this new
challenge.

9. Samuelson’s Truth

Determined to uncover the truth about Samuelson’s deceased wife, Blanche dives
deeper into the mystery. Write a story focusing on her investigation. What new
evidence does she uncover? How does she piece together the truth about Samuelson
and his wife? What are the implications of her findings for Samuelson and for
Blanche herself?

10. Family Visit

Blanche’s mama or another relative visits, leading to unexpected chaos. Write a

story about this visit. What are the family dynamics and tensions? How does the
presence of this relative disrupt Blanche’s routine or ongoing investigation? Use
humor, drama, or both to depict the ensuing chaos and its resolution.

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11. Day Fifteen

The novel skips Day Fifteen – Thursday. Write a story detailing the events of this
day. Ensure that your narrative connects seamlessly with the events of the previous
and following days. What significant occurrences take place on Day Fifteen? How
do these events influence the overall plot and character development?

Deepening Characters in Your Story

To create multi-dimensional, believable, and relatable characters, consider the following

strategies:

1. Develop Backstory

• Personal History: Give your characters a background that explains their current
behavior, beliefs, and motivations. Even if not all details are revealed in the
story, understanding their past helps in writing more nuanced characters.
• Trauma and Triumphs: Consider past events that have significantly impacted
them, both positively and negatively.

2. Show, Don’t Tell

• Actions and Reactions: Show characters’ traits through their actions and how
they react to situations. For example, a character who is always calm in a crisis
reveals their level-headedness.
• Dialogue: Use dialogue to reveal character personality, background, and
motivations. How they speak (tone, vocabulary, accent) can tell a lot about
them.

3. Internal Monologue

• Thoughts and Feelings: Provide insight into your characters’ internal thoughts
and feelings. This helps readers understand their inner conflicts and desires.
• Decision-Making Process: Show how characters make decisions. This reveals
their values, priorities, and rationales.

4. Complex Relationships

• Interactions: Develop characters through their relationships with others. How

they interact with friends, family, and strangers can reveal different facets of
their personality.
• Conflicts and Resolutions: Show how they handle conflicts. This can reveal
strengths, weaknesses, and growth.

5. Flaws and Strengths

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• Balanced Traits: Make characters more realistic by giving them a mix of

strengths and weaknesses. Flaws make them relatable, while strengths make
them admirable.
• Contradictions: People are often contradictory. A character might be brave in
some situations but fearful in others.

6. Goals and Motivations

• Clear Objectives: Give characters clear goals and motivations. What do they
want, and why do they want it? This drives their actions and decisions.
• Obstacles and Stakes: Show what is at stake if they fail to achieve their goals.
This adds depth and urgency to their actions.

7. Transformation

• Character Arc: Ensure characters undergo some form of transformation or

development. This could be a change in their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors as a
result of the story’s events.
• Learning and Growth: Highlight what they learn from their experiences and
how they grow.

8. Unique Voice

• Distinct Voice: Give each character a distinct voice and manner of speaking.
This helps differentiate them and adds to their individuality.
• Consistency: Keep their voice consistent throughout the story to maintain
believability.

9. Physical Descriptions and Habits

• Appearance and Gestures: Use physical descriptions and habitual gestures to

give more depth. A character who always fiddles with their glasses when
nervous, for example, adds a layer of personality.
• Details: Small details about their appearance, mannerisms, and habits can make
them more vivid and memorable.

Additional Suggestions:
1. Create Tension and Conflict: Every good story needs conflict. Think about the
internal and external conflicts your characters might face and how these drive the
plot forward.
2. Use Foreshadowing: Drop subtle hints about what might happen later in the story.
This can create suspense and keep readers interested.
3. Incorporate Themes: Consider the deeper meanings or themes of your story. What
do you want the reader to think about? Themes can add layers of depth to your
story.
4. Develop Character Arcs: Ensure that your characters grow or change throughout
the story. A strong character arc can make your narrative more compelling.

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5. Use Symbolism: Objects, characters, or events can symbolize larger ideas. This
adds depth and can make your story more thought-provoking.
6. Write Strong Beginnings and Endings: The beginning should hook your reader,
and the ending should provide a satisfying resolution, whether it’s happy, sad, or
thought-provoking.
7. Pace Your Story: Ensure your story has a good pace, with a balance of action,
dialogue, and description. Avoid dragging out scenes unnecessarily or rushing
through important moments.
8. Revise and Edit: Writing is rewriting. Review and refine your stories by looking
for ways to improve clarity, coherence, and impact.