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Reflection

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9 views

Reflection

Uploaded by

misschelseabeth
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The weekly readings have undeniably been the source of inspiration for the short creative piece I've

written. Among the various texts that left true lasting impact on my storytelling journey, "To Build a Fire"
by Jack London in week 3 stands out as a beacon of influence.

London's words plunged me into a world of unforgiving wilderness, where survival was a battle against
the elements. The vivid descriptions of the biting cold and the protagonist's desperate struggle to kindle
a fire were etched into my mind. For example, “On top of this ice were as many feet of snow. It was all
pure white. North and south, as far as his eye could see, it was unbroken white.” This reading instilled in
me a profound appreciation for the art of imagery building and sensory descriptions. The way London
wove the harshness of the environment into the very fabric of the story was a masterclass in immersive
storytelling. It motivated me to approach my own narrative with a keen focus on painting vivid mental
pictures for the reader, allowing them to feel the biting chill, to hear the crunch of snow underfoot, and
to sense the impending danger lurking in the shadows.

Furthermore, in week 7, "Cold Snap" by Kate Kennedy provided a fresh perspective on character
development. Kennedy's narrative was a character-driven exploration, where the interactions and
mannerisms of the characters revealed layers of depth and complexity. “I made myself small as a rabbit
and moved through them on my soft scrabbly claws.” This is a description of the main character, Billy,
describing his thoughts as he interacts with nature. It is quite a unique style and very descriptive given
there is only a few words used here in a vague way also.

This reading played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of how characters come alive on the
page. It encouraged me to pay meticulous attention to the peculiarities of my own characters, allowing
their unique traits and behaviours to unfold naturally. Through their gestures, speech patterns, and
reactions, I endeavoured to breathe life into them, making them resonate with authenticity and
relatability.

The comparison of these two readings was particularly enlightening. "To Build a Fire" honed my skills in
creating a vivid and immersive environment, while "Cold Snap" underscored the significance of crafting
dynamic and authentic characters. This building of techniques became the basis of my storytelling
approach.

In essence, the weekly readings have been more than a source of inspiration; they have been a guiding
bookmark, drawing me back to the raw talent of narrative craftsmanship. They have taught me that
storytelling is an art of balance, a delicate interplay between the external world and the internal lives of
characters. They have empowered me to hold words with precision, to create worlds that resonate with
readers on an emotional level.

Through the exploration of these diverse literary works, I've not only refined my technical skills but also
unearthed a deeper understanding of the profound impact a well-crafted narrative can have. The weekly
readings have not only shaped my story but have also left an everlasting mark on my evolution as a
storyteller.

Thanks Ryan, for your awesome lessons this semester and for picking great stories for us to read that I
will never forget!

Chelsea Ryan

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