JRIF - Journaling, Research of Memory, Imagination, and Fact (Module Overview)

Dramatic Writing: Journaling, The Research of Memory,  Imagination, and Fact

Introduction

“Research from memory, imagination, and fact is often followed by a phenomenon that authors love to describe in mystical terms: Characters suddenly spring to life and of their own free will make choices and take actions that create Turning Points that twist, build, and turn again until the writer can hardly type fast enough to keep up with the outpourings.” - Robert McKee, Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting

In this module, participants will be introduced to the importance of daily journaling for the development of stories, three forms of writerly research, and the vital need to write from a place of personal connection. The research of memory and the research of imagination will be further explored and developed for the creation of original content. In this module, we will also look at effective methods for participating in critical response.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

The Importance of Journaling: This lesson will introduce the importance of, as well as different approaches to, writing over an extended period of time focusing on the research areas of memory, imagination, and fact.

Critiquing and Revising Memory Research: Extending, critiquing, and revising journal memory research for public consumption.

Critiquing and Revising Imagination Research Ideas for the Public and Adding Structure: Expanding imagination research through critiquing and revising into more structured work for public consumption.

Key Terms

Research of Memory- Writing about what you know from personal experience.

Research or Imagination- Writing about what you think would occur based on your personal experience

Research of Fact- Reading and writing about what you have learned based on the factual publications of others