Prompt Library: Instructor Slide Builder

Slide Generator Prompt

Please suggest slide content based on these lecture notes:

Writing and Reading Short Stories: Key Concepts

What is a Short Story?

A short story is distinct from a novel; it's not simply a condensed version. It's "not a dinner party"—meaning it's not fancy, polite, or drawn-out. Instead, it delivers a "punch," focusing on efficiency and impact.

Core Characteristics of Short Stories

  • Efficiency is paramount: Every single word must count. There's no room for fluff, and ideally, elements like characters and setting serve multiple purposes.
  • Focus on "the moment": The essence of a short story revolves around a crucial "now." A significant change or realization occurs, either for the character, the reader, or both. This pivotal moment is the story's core.
  • Reader vs. Character Perspective: The reader doesn't always have to see the world through the character's eyes. It can be a powerful and satisfying experience when the reader perceives something the character doesn't, emphasizing experience over mere information delivery.

Structure and Unity

  • Non-linear Potential: Unlike novels, which often have an underlying linear progression, short stories are not necessarily bound by chronological order. Their structure primarily exists to support that central "moment" and doesn't need to follow a strict cause-and-effect pattern.
  • Unity (Guidelines, not Rules): While somewhat vague, the concept of unity typically refers to unity of time, place, and point of view (POV). As Wharton (a probable reading for the class) suggested, these are "guidelines not rules." The main idea is to tell the story through one set of eyes and maintain a focused narrative.

Additional Insights for Writers

  • Snapshot, Not Film: Think of a short story as a snapshot—a brief, dense slice of life rather than an expansive, full-length film.
  • Density: Short stories are incredibly dense; a single page can convey a significant amount of meaning and impact.
  • Flexibility in Writing: Writers should be flexible and allow the story to evolve naturally, rather than forcing it into a rigid, pre-planned outline.
  • Seed Ideas: Stories often grow from a "seed idea," which can stem from real-life experiences. A suggested exercise is to make a list of good/bad things and choose one as a starting point.

Copilot Response

Here’s a suggested slide deck outline based solely on the lecture notes you provided, titled “Writing and Reading Short Stories: Key Concepts.” Each slide includes a title and bullet points that reflect the core ideas:

Slide 1: What Is a Short Story?

  • Not just a shorter novel.
  • Delivers a “punch” — impactful and efficient.
  • “Not a dinner party” — no fluff or formality.

Slide 2: Core Characteristics

  • Efficiency: Every word must serve a purpose.
  • Focus on the Moment: Captures a pivotal change or realization.
  • Reader vs. Character Perspective: Reader insight can differ from the character’s.

Slide 3: Structure and Unity

  • Non-linear Possibilities: Not bound by chronological order.
  • Unity as a Guideline: Time, place, and POV should feel cohesive.
  • Wharton’s View: Unity is flexible — “guidelines, not rules.”

Slide 4: Writing Insights

  • Snapshot, Not Film: A dense, vivid slice of life.
  • Density: One page can carry deep meaning.
  • Flexibility: Let the story evolve naturally.

Slide 5: Generating Ideas

  • Seed Ideas: Start with a real-life moment or emotion.
  • Exercise: List good/bad experiences — choose one to explore.
  • Let the Story Grow: Don’t force structure too early.

Would you like a visual version of this in PowerPoint or PDF format? Or would you like help designing the slides with visuals or speaker notes?

Gemini Response

Here's a suggestion for slide content based on your lecture notes, designed for clarity and visual appeal.

Slide 1: Title Slide

Title: Writing and Reading Short Stories: Key Concepts

Subtitle: Unpacking the "Punch" of Short Fiction

Optional Image: A compelling, minimalist image that evokes storytelling or a single impactful moment (e.g., a spotlight on a stage, a single object in focus).

Slide 2: What is a Short Story?

Headline: More Than Just a Mini-Novel

  • Not a "Dinner Party":
    • Not fancy, polite, or drawn-out.
    • Focus on efficiency and impact.
  • Delivers a "Punch":
    • Concise, direct, and powerful.
    • Every word counts.

Optional Image: A fist delivering a punch, or a lightning bolt.

Slide 3: Core Characteristics: Efficiency & Focus

Headline: Lean, Mean Storytelling Machines

  • Efficiency is Paramount:
    • Every single word must count.
    • No room for "fluff."
    • Characters and setting often serve multiple purposes.
  • Focus on "The Moment":
    • Revolves around a crucial "now."
    • A significant change or realization occurs (for character, reader, or both).
    • This pivotal moment is the story's core.

Optional Image: A finely tuned machine gear, or a magnifying glass focusing on a single point.

Slide 4: Core Characteristics: Perspective

Headline: The Reader's Journey

  • Reader vs. Character Perspective:
    • Reader doesn't always see the world through the character's eyes.
    • Powerful when the reader perceives something the character doesn't.
    • Emphasizes experience over mere information delivery.

Optional Image: Two overlapping silhouettes, one slightly ahead or looking in a different direction.

Slide 5: Structure and Unity: Beyond Linearity

Headline: Supporting the "Moment"

  • Non-linear Potential:
    • Not bound by chronological order (unlike many novels).
    • Structure primarily exists to support the central "moment."
    • Doesn't need strict cause-and-effect.
  • Unity (Guidelines, Not Rules):
    • Typically refers to unity of time, place, and point of view (POV).
    • Wharton: "guidelines not rules."
    • Main idea: Tell the story through one set of eyes, maintain focus.

Optional Image: A non-linear graph or a web of interconnected ideas, rather than a straight line.

Slide 6: Additional Insights for Writers

Headline: Crafting Your Short Story

  • Snapshot, Not Film:
    • Brief, dense slice of life.
    • Not expansive; think a single, impactful photograph.
  • Density:
    • Incredibly dense – a single page can convey significant meaning.
  • Flexibility in Writing:
    • Allow the story to evolve naturally.
    • Avoid forcing it into rigid, pre-planned outlines.
  • Seed Ideas:
    • Stories often grow from a "seed idea."
    • Can stem from real-life experiences.
    • Exercise: Make a list of good/bad things; choose one as a starting point.

Optional Image: A camera taking a photograph, or a small seed sprouting.

Slide 7: Discussion / Q&A

Headline: Let's Discuss

  • What resonates most with you about these concepts?
  • What challenges do you anticipate in writing or reading short stories based on these ideas?
  • Any questions?

Optional Image: A thought bubble or a group of people discussing.