Here is a reflection on the short story "Unexpected":
This short story was a learning experience for improving my writing. The initial draft lacked focus and felt rushed. However, revising it allowed me to flesh out the plot and characters in meaningful ways.
I spent more time developing the setting and backstories so readers could visualize the world of the story. Adding descriptive details about the characters and their interactions helped readers connect with them on a deeper level.
Pacing was an issue in the first draft - events felt hurried. By slowing things down in key scenes, I was able to build tension and foreshadow future conflicts more effectively. Dialogue also needed work to sound natural; the revisions helped characters have more realistic conversations.
1. Example Of A Single Story
"The single story creates stereotypes and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue,
but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story." said Chimamanda
Adichie in her TED talk speech seven years ago. She is spreading awareness about the value of
working against spreading a single story in a culture and community. She is correct because
people should not be influencing a single story to represent a whole community of many different
stories. An example of a single story would be from a chapter from the book, "And the Earth Did
Not Devour Him" by Tomas Rivera. In the chapter called "It's That It Hurts" on page 93 a young
white boy stereotypes the Mexican boy by saying, "Hey Mex...I don't like Mexicans because
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
2. A Love Story Essays
I met her two years ago and we did not have much to say at that time. Little did I know that she
would later steal my heart and become an intimate part of my life. As the saying goes "there is
someone for anyone at any time in this life" and I was about to find out that this saying was so
true. I have had a wall built around me and my defense was as a stronghold to protect myself from
all the relationships that have come and gone over the years. I thought that I was meant to be
alone in this old life and happiness was forever gone from me. This wonderful woman I am speaking
of is Mary Doe, and the joy she has given me has revived my hope and faith that I may have finally
found love and peace within. She has made me feel like I am a child...show more content...
"People will only try to take advantage of you if you open the door for them to do so". "Be
strong, be independent, and above all love, love, love when you find someone worthy of your
love". Even my dreams consist of her. Last night I dreamed that I was riding out on the open
range and after around three hours just riding and enjoying the peace and quite of being away
from everything I noticed a figure walking towards me. I was not worried but just curious as to
who it may be. When I drew nearer I could tell it was a woman. I thought to myself why is she out
here all alone and walking. This was horse country and there was nothing for miles around that
she could walk too. When we finally came face to face I could see that she was crying and that tears
were coming down and such a sad look on her face. I dismounted and asked if "I may be of any
help? She began to cry all the much harder and tried to talk but her emotions had the best of her. I
took a chance and put my arms around her and let her cry until there seemed to be no more tears in
which she would be able to shed. When she did finally look at me her eyes were so sad and I took
my hand and softly brushed away the tears flowing down her cheeks. I asked if there was
anything I could do for her, and she said "no, I must handle this my way". "How are you going to
handle anything out here all alone and crying the way you are"? Mary Doe then looked at me and
said, "you
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
3. Example Of Short Stories
The Short Endings Having read many short stories in the past helps you assume the endings of
some stories, before reaching the end. Some endings are surprising, which makes you want more,
while others seem to be boring. Some endings don't satisfy the readers and keeps them hanging, or
guessing. Endings in stories are very important; they could make a book or break it. Two short
stories that I have read recently where there is an ending twist are, "After Twenty Years" and "A
Sound of Thunder." Both stories include a surprise, but each surprise ending is different from the
other. Each of the short stories endings had a different impact to me as a reader. In the story of
"After Twenty Years," the surprise twist comes near the resolving of the conflict at the end. While
reading the story from the start, you wouldn't assume the ending. The beginning of the story was a
bit slow for me. There wasn't an interesting dialogue to hook me in it. Though continuing reading,
the ending was a surprise. It didn't leave you hanging, or wanting more out of the writer. There
...show more content...
One story, "After Twenty Years," started out slow, then had a surprise twist, where the reader finds
out that the cop was the criminal's friend, and finished off with a solution. The story had a rise to
it. The author provided me with answers at the end. On the other hand, the other story, "The Sound
of Thunder," started interesting, where the author tells you that a group of friends went off on a
time travel machine and there was some tension. You could feel the rise of the conflict from the
start of the story. Closer to the end of the story the conflict seems to just rise even more and just
suddenly stop, with a gunshot. There was no closure. The author did not end the story well. The
ending was not right. It just left me as a reader confused, and asking more questions, rather than
providing me with answers, especially that the opening was
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
4. Essay about My Birth Story
My Birth Story
A baby's life helps to form and shape the future for that child; this goes the same for me. My birth,
my sign, and my name, all relate to the way I live and act today. Many people may not see this
connection for themselves, but it takes a little bit of research and thinking to come to realize why
people are the way they are. Every day and every action that a child experiences can influence their
actions as an adult.
I was born on a Monday morning at 5:33. Although my mother was not in labor for long, she did
take her time getting to the hospital to give birth. I was born on April 23, 1984, the day after Easter
as a Taurus. In general, Taurus' are stubborn people and can bring harmony from chaos. Taurean
women...show more content...
I am adjusting like any child would to their new surroundings, and getting used to daily life as a
college student. I came to NAU alone, much like I was born an only child. However, in the next
year, I know I will make friends and meet people to enjoy college life with, much like when my
brother was born, I had a new playmate and someone to grow with.
Taureans are also known to have very strong opinions and a strong voice. All through middle
school, my voice wasn't always used for academics; all my report cards said: "...She's a good
student, but has a tendency to socialize too much during class". Throughout high school, my
teachers have been able to tell when I haven't done my homework because I didn't have anything
to say about the book or the article we read. I was known to be social occasionally and a strong
voice in every debate or discussion that took part during the class. My Bioethics teacher once told
me "...Cammy, give someone else a chance, you're monopolizing the class" I was a little shocked,
but I knew she was right and shut up.
As a Taurus, I also have an inclination to make sure people are taken care of, especially in my own
home or my "territory." Although I don't host many parties, when I do haveguests, I like to be sure
that they are comfortable and have everything they need. For example, about a week ago, my
roommate and I
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
5. Short Story Essay example
Short Story
A tall, thin looking girl emerged at the top of the stairway. She had a face as pale as milk with a
scruffy mop of long curly ginger hair flowing down around it. She had a look of deep sadness on her
face but still seemed to have a warm essence about her.
Samantha ambled slowly down the dusty stairway humming to herself along the way. She was one
of those people who was always stringing words together to make tunes, this was her one escape
from reality, well that and long walks along the quarry side on Thursday afternoons.
She moved slowly and gracefully through the hallway and into the dinning room.
"Samantha Jane Smith, you're late again! Well what have you got to say...show more content...
More wrong than you can ever imagine. Do you really believe that there is a place for every
unwanted child, and that they are treated well in children's homes. The children there are feed and
given a bed to sleep in and that's all. I will leave it to you to decide whether this right or wrong, but
either way there is always one child who is picked on, in this case Samantha
Heinshore was the children's home that Samantha was in. It was as black and dark as night. It
was one of those houses you only ever see in horror or ghost films on T.V. and like they are made
out in such programs they are cold, creepy and very dark and unsettling. No place for children.
"Baby, baby, baby....." Samantha turned and ran, tears flooding down herface. She could hear the
chanting behind her as it faded out the further up the stairs she got. Into her room she ran and locked
the door.
Her room was dark and cold. It had bare floorboards that were roughly sanded making splinters a
regular occurrence. She struck a match which was instantly extinguished by a blast of cold air which
had come through the open window. Samantha spun round, her skin on the floor and her head
touching the roof. She was not alone, heavy breathing could be heard from the far end of the room.
Samantha squinted into
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
6. The Story of My Life Essay
This explains the beginning of my life all the way to the end of my life. My life from the
beginning was very fun as I grew up living with my mom's friend and my friend. But there were a
lot of fights and I was very hyper back then. I have ADHD so back then when I was little; I was
very hyper and wouldn't stop moving around the place. I always was annoying back then and
never seemed to get my homework done at school. I was born at Kaiser Hospital during the year
1996. The first place I lived was on the street Via Harriet and was right next to a train. It was
always noisy when the train passed by because it shook the house and scared all the animals. It
wasn't the best place to live, but we eventually moved to the hills, I don't remember...show more
content...
Overall I know that I'm going to graduate because I'm pushing hard and all I need to finish is my
Cyber High and keep up my grades and I will graduate. I want to go to Chabot College because it's
the closest place to go to. I am planning to get my associates degree then transfer to Cal State East
Bay University. I don't exactly know the requirements of classes to get into Cal State, but as long
as I get my AA degree I should be fine. I am focused on technology and computers; I like to choose
classes that can be similar to wiring or soldering. I am not that sure if I would be more focused on
computers or wiring, I think an Internship might help me out. My career would be Technician or
Electrician because I'm focused on electricity and wanting to discover what would happen
without getting electrocuted. I'm still unsure if I just want to work on physical components on
the computer. I used to work on computers a lot, but it got boring and I can't do it as great now.
Soldering is interesting for me because I get to repair broken wires, being able to strip a wire.
When striping a wire, you get to know how the wire is connected. I think a life event for me is to
grab my master's degree, which is what I'm focused on. That's like the best degree to get, but it's
really difficult to receive. I wouldn't like going to years and years of education, but it's totally worth
it. Getting a higher degree affects the amount
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
7. It's Kind Of A Funny Story Essay
Over 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide. It's Kind of a Funny Story, written by
Ned Vizzini, is a realistic fiction novel about a high schooler named Craig Gilner who struggles
with depression and suicidal thoughts. This story was a great read and for multiple reasons. Vizzini
does a great job of making Craig, the protagonist, a very interesting character, and the novel itself is
very relatable to anyone who is/was a student. Craig has many intriguing qualities that are hard to
ignore. Ned Vizzini does a fantastic job on making sure the main character is not the least yet
boring. Craig struggles with lots of depression, but he is more than just a depressed teenage male.
He is crazy smart, which is shown in a variety of ways, from his school to the way he thinks things
out. To show, Craig wants to get his lady friend Noelle alone in his room, but Craig's roommate,
Muqtada, is in there. He lures Muqtada out of his room for the first time ever by playing his
favorite kind of Egyptian music. Craig...show more content...
Everyone at some point in their life has been a student, and Craig struggles with his school.
Executive Pre–Professional has always been Craig's dream high school. Once he gets in, he
realizes he is constantly under pressure by the academic expectations. Many people have struggled
with education, so the reader can really relate to how Craig is feeling in this situation. Also, Craig
has depression, bad sleeping habits, and an eating disorder. These are many things that people can
relate to, which makes the book that much better. The reader can really correlate to Craig's thoughts
and feelings at points all through the book. Finally, Craig also experiences multiple relationship
problems, from his best friend Aaron, to his crush Nia, and his new crush Noelle. It is certain that
the reader can really connect with Craig during his relationship problems. This book is truly an
amazing
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
8. Scary Story Essay example
Scary Story I looked up at the black sky. I hadn't intended to be out this late. The sun had set, and
the empty road ahead had no streetlights. I knew I was in for a dark journey home. I had decided
that by traveling through the forest would be the quickest way home. Minutes passed, yet it
seemed like hours and days. The farther I traveled into the forest, the darker it seemed to get. I
was very had to even take a breath due to the stifling air. The only sound familiar to me was the
quickening beat of my own heart, which felt as though it was about to come through my chest. I
began to whistled to take my mind off the eerie noises I was hearing. In this kind of darkness I was
in, it was hard for me to believe that I could be...show more content...
I took a glance around and found myself looking right into a pair of dark, glassy eyes peering at
me through the bushes. I knew I was not seeing things at that moment. Were those the evil eyes of
a goblin lurking waiting for it's next meal? My breath became too rapid for me to be able to
whistle. I took a big gulp and decided to step on it and quicken my pace. I would never get home
at this rate. The same moment I decided to quicken my speed, a deer burst through the night. I
screamed, stumbled and hit the ground with a loud thump. I sat on the moist ground for a
moment to try to recover but my heart began to throb as if it was beating within my throat. It was
just a deer I told myself, I had to be brave. Trying to get myself together I began to feel this hot puffs
of air on the back of my neck. "It's the goblin!" I screamed as I rapidly rose to my feet. My head
spun like an owl as I went to look for what was behind me. I looked to the ground and discovered a
little white dog. "You scared me to death little guy. What is a cute little puppy like you doing in a
dense forest like this?" I said to him. I was relieved it was only a dog instead of the ghastly goblin,
but I only made it half–way home by then. As I proceeded on the white little dog followed me. I felt
more at ease now that I had him following me but he would not be considered much of a watch dog
to most
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
9. Reflection Of A Short Story
I enjoy writing short stories because the activity allows me to express my creativity and speak my
mind. However, I often have trouble finishing compositions, and my English professors will often
tell me I need to improve my work. Recently, I wrote a short story titled "Unexpected" for a
fiction–writing class and made countless changes to the tale based on several guidelines. The
revisions to "Unexpected" have benefited my story, but I could have done more to improve it. My
original story served as an impromptu launching pad for the revisions, which expanded my work
into a more stable, detailed narrative. However, I probably should have asked for help from tutors
and my fiction professor, Jackie because they understand short stories...show more content...
But three methods of revisions helped me better understand the changes I made to my narrative.
First, I printed my original work and jotted down revisions based on 25 questions from a book I
study in fiction class, What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers. These notes helped me add a
wide variety of details to my story. Next, I typed my new story and used a grammar check website
called PaperRater to improve the style of my tale. This aspect includes, of course, grammar, but
also transitional phrases (I am not sure if those are important in a short story) as well as
vocabulary. And eventually, I tweaked my composition after carefully reading my story to myself.
I learned that reading your own work aloud helps you further comprehend any revisions you should
make. As a result of following these revision guidelines, I improved my story dramatically; it more
than tripled the word count of my story to about one thousand words. Furthermore, I usually only
use PaperRater for revising fiction and nonfiction works I write for English classes. My new
technique of modifying my narratives have truly expanded my stories as well as my imagination.
But despite these accomplishments, I could have further improved my story. When I wrote a poetry
explication essay for nonfiction writing class, I did not just turn to PaperRater. I asked my
professor, Ben, for help writing the essay during his office hours. I wish I could have done
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
10. Short Story Of Short Stories
One thing that's great about short stories is how quickly they can ruin your life. Maybe you start
reading one over your lunch break and, if it's the right one, before that peanut butter cup you brought
for dessert even has a chance to finish its melting shape–shift into some kind of sugary cement, the
whole world has been destroyed around you and then rebuilt, and nothing is quite the same again.
This happens whether you like it or not. Great stories practice this violent beauty on you in a
variety of ways: some by making an absurd world familiar (or vice versa), some with a slow burn,
some with a voice that colonizes your thoughts. Some do it quietly, almost without you even
noticing, and some do it with high wire acts of imagination or intellect that make you into a
breathless witness. The trick, then, is finding the right story, one that is capable of such a thing.
This is no easy task. Tastes differ, of course, and it can be confusing to spot the small boat of a
great story on the wide sea of fiction. What any reader can offer you in terms of guidance is
actually the same thing that any good writer can offer you with the story itself: a way of saying,
This is what moved me and made me feel strange and alive in some way; here, why don't you give
it a try? In that spirit and in no particular order, here are ten short stories you might've missed that
ambushed me with their odd wonder: 1."The Zero Meter Diving Team" by Jim Shepard (BOMB
Magazine) This curious,
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
11. Essay On A Single Story
My ideas and thoughts about Africa had been changed after I listened to Adichie's speech. The
way she described the danger of a single story was very inspiring to me, and I could relate many of
the experiences I had to her story. I was born in Pakistan and moved to the U.S. in 2007. When I
came to the U.S. I lived in Virginia and went to Freedom Hill ElementarySchool. On the first day of
school I sat next to an Indian kid named Sai and he didn't want to sit next to me he told the
teacher that are countries didn't like each other so he wanted to sit somewhere else, but are
teacher said she didn't want to hear any of it. So during the year we had to work on many things
as partners, and we got along great we had many things in common and at the end of the year we
became pretty good friends. At the beginning he probably heard some things about my country
and he just assumed that I was the person he heard from those stories, and after meeting me he
had a different understanding of it. Soon after the year ended my dad found a better job in
California so we moved here. I lived in Alameda and went to wood middle. The school I went to
was very diverse and this time I wasn't the only Muslim...show more content...
This quote does help me understand Adichie's story I understand where she was coming from. You
can't judge anything by its color or where it comes from without experiencing it at first. I do
understand the effect of this story on me and my other members of my group. Another thing she
said was "They make one story become the only story.(13:23)" People only heard one thing about
the Middle East and never looked at it from the other side, and many people continue to believe that
single story till
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
12. My Success Story Essay
My success to education
Blondie Torres
ENG. 121
Concetta Williams
July 18, 2011
Looking back at the past eleven weeks I have grown and learned so much here at Ashford
University. I never thought that I would actually accomplish my educational dreams and be
successful in my life, but I definitely have proved, myself wrong. I love knowing that I am doing
great and I really try to do my best in completing my homework on time, with the occasions of a few
speed bumps along the way.
I decided to return to school to further my education for many important reasons. I have struggled
tremendously in the past with my five children and I wanted to change that life style for good. I am
so very tired of trying to make ends meet and not...show more content...
I decided to just go for it and I am so glad I did because I know now that I have overcome that fear
and I feel as if I can accomplish anything and everything. I can also say that I have matured in
many ways as a mother, first time college student, and being a single mother of five. My kids had
to adjust to the new routine as well. They did not understand at first but eventually they came
around and little by little they gave me the time I needed to study and do homework. I still have to
overcome a few obstacles in order to complete my degree program, just like I had to overcome all
the changes that come with me returning to school.
One of the main obstacles I must achieve here at Ashford University is to listen, learn, and to be
obedient in all the discussions and the assignments asked of me. Last but not least I have to say I
have to overcome all negative feelings I get from time to time to complete all my educational
goals. I need to be prepared mentally and physically for anything that is being asked of me from
my instructors. I feel that I need to keep an open mind as well because I know all the feedback
from classmates and instructors will be of great help in making me a better person and learner.
There are a few things I must do to overcome all these certain obstacles here in college in order to
have a successful completion of my degree.
I will have to keep doing all these helpful strategies that have gotten me this far. For example, using
the
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
13. The Power of Storytelling Essay examples
Story telling is a uniquely human attribute. It is an imaginative process between the composer and
responder that invites us, as the audience to engage vicariously with the experience of others. Stories
or narratives have been shared in all culture as a mean of education, entertainment and also to notify
the audience of the values and belief systems of our culture. The texts of 'Through the tunnel' and
'Green tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe' conspicuously highlight the ability of storytelling to
empower the individual and outline storytelling as a device to inform us of values and people's
transmission is able to transcend time. The power of storytelling can create connections between
people and allow individuals to find their inner...show more content...
Even though, jerry wants to be accepted and in control of his life, the harsh reality is Jerry's identity
wants to be with his mother. Further throughout the story the tunnel is shown as the symbol of the
story; letting the reader know that Jerry senses that it is the door to his identity. Additionally, the
chronological structure is effective throughout the story in showing the process of growing up and
an insight into Jerry's transformation. Moreover, the 3rd person omniscient narrator and formal
register presents the character of Jerry and his mother in a distanced way and without a biased
perspective. This suggests the sense of detachment and alienation that Jerry is starting to feel from
his mother as he is growing up and wanting to make his own choices. The story is firstly introduced
with a description of the mother carrying a bright striped purse. It was this and other uses of
describing Jerry's surroundings with the use of bright colours symbolising jerry's childish world and
thoughts. In addition, the thought of jerry's childish thoughts shows his struggle to establish his own
identity. The author writes that Jerry goes swimming "over a region where rocks lay like
discoloured monsters under the surface". The simile shows that even though Jerry wants to be
independent and swim alone in the bay, he's terrified of being alone in the water and not seeing his
mother again. Briefly, Jerry learns that you cannot
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
14. Fantasy Story Essay examples
Fantasy Story Deep in the City of Chic, on the plant of Decorous, there was a school named
Ennui High School. At this school there was a very interesting girl named Bliss. Bliss had long
wavy golden brown hair. She had big blue eyes that were on flawless snowy skin. Her lips were full,
and they were always the perfect shade of soft crimson even without lipstick.
Bliss just turned 17. She was doing well at school, but she really felt she was ready to get out of her
old routine and see what else was out there.
One spring Friday morning, Bliss was sitting on the stoop of the apartment building were she lived
with her parents. She was looking up at the pink and purple towering buildings around her. They are
wonderful, but...show more content...
Find the tree that is in the most southwest part of the park and tap on it twice. Go down the stairs,
and turn right of the path. Turn left on the next path. Go to the fountain, and take a left. Go to the
Castle. When you get there ask me what to do next." And with that the voice was gone.
Bliss looked with bewilderment at Jest. He was calmly sitting on the white floor licking one of his
front feet. Bliss said, "That voice was a true bolt out of the whiteness. What was that? Where did it
come from?", Jest answered, "Um, that was the voice of the magic wand. And it came from the
wand." Bliss said, "That helps a lot. Well I guess we should get going." They went out of the white
room through the emerald door to the royal blue hallway. They stepped down the red stairs and out
of the light pink building.
Jest said, "Do you know where Morale Park is?" "Yes I do, but I don't know where we are,"
answered Bliss. "Do you know how to get there from Mulisha Square?" asked Jest. "Yes I do,"
said Bliss. She followed Jest down the street. They did another series of turns until they were at
Mulisha Square. Mulisha Square is a square block in the middle of Chic. It is made up of bright
pink bricks. On two sides it is sunken with steps that are used as sitting places. From there she found
Morale Park easily.
Morale Park had always been one of Bliss's favorite parks in Chic. On this day it looked especially
magnificent because it
Get more content on HelpWriting.net