pa·​limp·​sest (n) ˈpa-ləm(p)-ˌsest   

1. writing material (such as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased

2. something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface

(From Merriam Webster)

As we have studied and been inspired by different texts this semester, we have been creating palimpsests, in a way — ones where a writer’s choices inspire the next writer and so on. Therefore, this project gives you an opportunity to emphasize these connections between who inspired us and the work they inspired.

Purpose: Students will choose one genre – or a hybrid – to create a new work in. This new work should be influenced by one of the works we read this semester.

(If you would like to choose something that we have not read this semester, please come to speak to me so we can arrange something.)

Genre: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, or a hybrid. Online or physical.

Audience: Our class – you will present your project to us at the end of the semester.

Author: even though you are using someone else’s work as an inspiration, you should be the sole author of your original creative writing.

Your project should include:

1. Your close reading of the original text (a revision of an earlier exercise or something new)
2. Your own original writing inspired by your close reading (a revision of an earlier exercise or something new)
3. A cover letter

This assignment will count for your “in-progress” and “transformed”
draft (see The Writing Cycle)

At the end of the semester, you will make a short presentation about your work to the class. This can be oral or you can use visual media.