Length: 500 words

Weighting: 20%

Task: Submit a proposal describing the basic themes, plot, or concept of your writing project for the term. Creating a plan for a writing project will help you stay focused and organised. This proposal will guide you in completing your creative piece by the due date. 

Key Foci for the Proposal:

1. Conceptualisation:
   • Clearly outline the project, including the rationale for the chosen form and genre.
   • Support your rationale with credible references from the Creative Writing Discipline (not Wikipedia, blogs, etc).

2. Genre Standards:

   • Describe the indicators and tropes of your chosen genre.
   • Explain how your project will meet these standards.
   • Pro tip: Think about what works are similar, what works inspire you. Then consider what the literary qualities are that make your writing fit within that genre. Example: if you intend on writing a 'magic realism children's story' then state the indicators for this genre and the literary qualities that will make your creative piece a magic realist children's story and not some other genre).

3. Plot Overview:

   • Provide a brief overview of key plot points or relevant subject matter.
     Ensure it aligns with your chosen genre.
     Pro Tip: do not waste your word count on explaining the entire plot.

4. Writing Strategy: 
   • Beyond just 'sitting and writing', detail how you plan to get this done. Ask yourself:
     • What research is needed? (Do you need to research the setting? The mythology? Character traits?)
     • How will the research influence what is written? 
     • How will I manage my time? What time can I carve out to plan and draft and write this piece? 
     • Where will I go to get my writing done?
     • Will I ask any friends or family to beta read for me and how much time will I need for this? etc. 
   • Include a brief review of the relevant sources you intend to use. For example:  if you intend to write a historical romance, then some research on the time period in which the story is set and the context in which your character lives would be appropriate (to be done throughout the term, not by the time this assessment is due) as well as an indication of primary source material you plan to use to understand this time period. This might include resources you plan to use to understand any element of writing and the contents of your writing.
   • Include a short, concise "week-by-week" timeline in the form of a table with your proposed completion timelines. 

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)

Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows: 

• Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
  You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
  You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.
•  

WORD COUNT for this assignment:

The word count excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.

The assessment will be evaluated according to the extent to which the proposal:

1. Form and Genre: Clearly articulates both the form (e.g., writing the first chapter of a novel, series of poems, dramatic script, short story, children's book, etc.) and genre (eg. fantasy, horror, Gothic, paranormal, realism, historical, sci-fi, romance, crime, epic, ode, etc) of the writing project.
2. Rationale: Provides a rationale for the specific point-of-view the creative piece will be written.
3. Originality and Feasibility: Ensure the proposal represents an original piece of writing within the chosen genre. Include a week-by-week timeline with milestones leading up to the final creative piece.
4. Presentation: Present the proposal with flawless literary presentation, formatting, and referencing (Harvard Author-Date system).
5. References: The proposal includes at least 3 credible, scholarly, and discipline specific references to define key concepts (e.g., point-of-view, genre, form etc.) relevant to your creative piece.

Length: 1700-2000 words (Part A: 1200-1500 words, Part B: 500 words)

Task:

Submit a substantial draft of your creative piece alongside a reflective analysis.

Part A (1200-1500 words) should present key scenes from your developing work, demonstrating your command of genre conventions, character development, and narrative craft as outlined in your proposal. This draft should include your opening scene, at least one pivotal moment, and relevant character/setting development.

Part B (500 words) requires a critical self-reflection discussing your writing process, analysing how effectively you've implemented elements from your proposal, identifying areas for development, and outlining your revision strategy for the final submission.

This assessment builds on your proposal's foundation while preparing you for your final creative piece, allowing you to receive valuable feedback during the development process. There will also be opportunity for peer feedback (both receiving feedback and providing to others) to inform your final draft.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)

Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows: 

• Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
• You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
• You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.

The word count excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.

Assessment will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Technical Craft: The draft demonstrates a command of language and style, effective use of literary devices, clarity and precision in expression, avoidance of clichés, and fresh and engaging descriptions.
2. Genre and Form: Adherence to chosen genre conventions (from proposal), appropriate structure and pacing for the genre and tone, effective scene construction,
3. Development and Originality: Innovative exploration of ideas, depth of character development, vivid setting details, distinctive authorial voice, original approach to the story.
4. Critical Self-Reflection: including depth of analysis, recognition of strengths and weaknesses, clear revision strategy, understanding of the writing process, connection to research and planning.
5. Presentation and Referencing: Adherence to submission guidelines, including proper formatting, meeting word count requirements, evidence of editing and proofreading, and minimum two scholarly references in Harvard (author-date) style.

Length: 3000 words (Part A: creative piece 2,500 words, Part B: critical reflection 500 words)

Part A: Creative Piece (2,500 words)

Submit your polished creative piece that demonstrates the culmination of your writing journey from proposal through draft to final work. Your submission should showcase refined craft elements, thoughtful implementation of feedback, and deliberate creative choices. The creative piece should build upon your proposal (Assessment 1) and incorporate developments made through your draft (Assessment 2), demonstrating growth in your writing practice.

Key elements of Part A:

Your polished creative work should demonstrate proficiency of your chosen genre through sophisticated narrative techniques and careful attention to craft elements. The piece must show clear progression from your proposal and draft stages, incorporating research and feedback effectively. Your writing should exhibit technical control through varied sentence structure, precise word choice, and deliberate pacing. Most importantly, the work should present an original narrative that engages readers through well-developed characters, vivid settings, and thoughtful integration of your research.

Part B: Critical Reflection (500 words)

Your reflection should provide focused analysis of your creative decisions and their effectiveness in achieving your intended goals. Document significant changes from your initial proposal and draft, explaining how and why these alterations improved your work. Evaluate how research and feedback shaped your final piece, while also examining your growth as a writer throughout the process. Include specific examples of challenges you encountered and how you resolved them, demonstrating your development of problem-solving skills in creative practice.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)

Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents (including but not limited to ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot) is as follows: 

• Gen AI may only be used within the constraints that are specified in individual assessment instructions within Moodle. Please refer to the unit website for those details.
• You must disclose all use of Gen AI in your submission.
• You are expected to reference how and where it has been used using the ALC reference guide as they have defined a mechanism for this.

The word count excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Note: It is acceptable in this unit to allow a 10% variation (either above or below) the word count. Students are strongly advised to accord within the word count of 3000 words.

1. Craft and Technical Execution: Demonstrates sophisticated command of genre conventions, literary techniques, and technical accuracy in a polished creative work.

2. Creative Development: Shows clear evolution from proposal through draft to final piece, presenting original treatment of themes with distinctive authorial voice.

3. Research Integration: Effectively applies genre research and craft techniques to create an engaging work that demonstrates deep understanding of literary conventions.

4. Problem-Solving and Revision: Exhibits strategic development from draft stage through effective response to feedback and resolution of narrative challenges.

5. Critical Reflection: Provides insightful analysis of creative decisions and writing process, demonstrating clear understanding of technical and artistic growth.

6. Presentation and Referencing: Adherence to submission guidelines, including proper formatting, meeting word count requirements, evidence of editing and proofreading, and minimum two scholarly references in Harvard (author-date) style.