Metadata: Cole Parker, D6, 1.30.23
Project Summary: The purpose of my project is to create an entertaining story that offers character and plot development, despite being brief, similar to flash fiction. In addition to submerging the reader in South Boston during the mid 1990s, my story will explore the theme of betrayal.
Statement of Positionally: A key component of my story is how financial barriers can prevent one from pursuing their dream. Fortunately, I come from a family that does not struggle financially, so I’ve never experienced what the protagonist of my story will go through. I must overcome that privilege so that I can accurately describe how desperate the protagonist becomes when money gets in the way of his happiness.
Background: My story will be about a high school senior named Wyatt, who’s lived in South Boston his entire life. Wyatt’s gifted mind gets him accepted into Yale University, but he can’t afford to attend the school. In a desperate attempt to get the money he needs, Wyatt consults James Bulger, an Irish American mob boss viewed as a Robin Hood by many Southie residents. Secretly, the beloved mobster is an FBI informant.
Target Audience Description: Because my story will be short, it’ll be appealing to people with short attention spans. Keeping that in mind, I need to start my story with a strong introduction. If not, it’s unlikely the reader will finish my story.
Primary Research Experience: I could analyze different notorious gangster movies and find similarities between them to discover what makes them great. I can then use that information to craft my story.
Detailed Deliverables: I will produce a form of flash fiction.
Resources: I will need to conduct extensive research about James Bulger since he was a real person who will play a lead role in my story. In addition, I need more experience with flash fiction, so I should read some quality examples to learn how to structure mine. Lastly, since my story will be set in South Boston during the mid 1990s, I need to learn more about what the culture and environment was like at the time to ensure my story is historically accurate.
Detailed Timeline: I will divide the semester into three sections. For the first section, I will conduct extensive research. The second section will consist of the writing process. I plan on getting a multitude of people, ranging from relatives to friends, to read and edit my story for the last section.
List of Proposed Resources:
https://www.newyorker.com/books/flash-fiction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitey_Bulger
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Whitey-Bulger
https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/us/bulger-timeline.html#/#time256_7542
https://allthatsinteresting.com/james-whitey-bulger-biography
This is a solid initial start. It’s a tall order to gain perspective of someone of lesser means. You might have to engage primary research experience to do it. That would take some planning. Have you ever read Nickle and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenriech? check it out.
How can you get this proposal much more specific and detailed?
I like the story idea. What will be the instigating event that defines the story?