CREATIVE WRITING

(formerly Scenario Writing)

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       Is creative writing your thing?  

Then writing a futuristic story may be for you!

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What is Creative Writing?

Creative Writing is an individual competition in which students develop short stories related to one of the four FPS topics for the year.  The story is set at least 20 years in the future and is an imagined but logical outgrowth of actions or events taking place in the world today.  The story should focus on one main character and develop that character through the plot of the story. 

 

Why Creative Writing?

Today’s students will spend most of their lives in the 21st century.  Our job as educators is to prepare students to think critically about the future and to create images of what the future may be like.  Through creative writing stories, students are able to enlarge, enrich, and make more accurate those images of the future, while honing their creative writing skills.

 

Who can participate in Creative Writing?

Students may participate in Creative Writing in three divisions: Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), and Senior (grades 10-12).  For students who participate in the regular or curricular components of Future Problem Solving, Creative Writing can serve as an excellent complement to their work on any of the topics used during the year.  Creative Writing is also an excellent offering for students who do not participate in other components of FPS; the creative writing involved may appeal to students who are not drawn to the team orientation of the other components.  Creative Writing can be used as a stand-alone activity by an FPS coach, an English teacher, or any other instructor with students who are interested in writing stories.

 

Do students need to know the 6-step process for Creative Writing stories?

Although knowing the process can help students to think about the future, it is not a prerequisite for Creative Writing.  However, the stories must relate to one of the year’s topics, so students should do some background reading about the topic they select for their story.  The Readings, Research, & Resources manual from the FPSP Catalog Company contains article summaries for the topics, but students may also do their own research in publications.  

 

How can I get started with my students?

The best way to become acquainted with Creative Writing is for you and your students to read many of them. Check the sales page for stories written by Wisconsin students. A Scenario Writing Guide is available at fpspimart.org. 

 

How much help should I give?

The student’s writing must be original. As coach, you may read the student’s work, ask questions that occur to you as a reader, and make general suggestions for improvement. All authors should receive adult help to correct all spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

 

How do I register students for Creative Writing?

Go to the Registration and Fees page for information on the Creative Writing competition and enry forms for submitting work. Entries are due in mid-January. 

 

How are the stories evaluated?

State evaluators read the stories in January and February.  The aspects they consider include mechanics/structure, audience, purpose, style, idea development, character development, creative thinking, and futuristic thinking.  The top three stories in each division are published in a booklet by the Wisconsin FPS Program.  Their authors are invited to attend the State Bowl to read their stories following the Opening Ceremony and to participate in a Team Writing event.