Objectives: Author of three novels, Marlon James believes that different books demand a different process. Learn about his shifting writing processes, experimenting with varied writing environments, and reflect on individual processes to re-imagine and rewrite a scene from a story or novel.

Tools/Resources: Pen and paper, Marlon James’ Writing Playlist, and Classical MPR Playlists.

Activity

1) Watch the segment and discuss:

a. How does Marlon James prepare to write?
b. What inspires him and his creative process?

2) Using a recently read story, ask the students to pick a character or scene that didn’t resonate because of the ending, a character or a loose end.

a. Take 10-20 minutes to rewrite the scene or moment.
b. While you are writing:
i. Play different kinds of music, also leaving time for quiet work.
ii. Stand up and write or move to a different part of the room.

3) Discuss:

a. How did you change the story?
b. Did you prefer to write when it was quiet or when the music was playing? Did the music help with your ideas or was it harder to focus?
c. Did you like working sitting at a desk or in some other?