Mentor Texts discussion

Due to the libraries being closed, I had to read Michael Phelps: Beneath the Surface, instead of the original book I chose at the beginning of the semester. Three things I learned from this book. One, adding actions in parentheses, similar to a play script will enhance the dialogue and characterization. Example, page 60. (Silence from Mom. Oh that's not good.) "Mom?" "Michael, let's talk about this." (Silence from me. This could be painful.) From the parenthesis, we can tell that the conflict is being heated between the two characters. Two, adding small details in parenthesis that add context to the dialogue and humor to the story. Example, page 127. "He'll have one Michael sandwich of deep fried cholesterol." (For the record a Michael sandwich is buttered and jellied on both slices of bread and contains two eggs, four slices of bacon, and one slice of American cheese.) By adding this, we know what this type of sandwich looks like. Also, it adds a little humor to the story, by explaining this crazy sandwich. Three, when starting a chapter, don't immediately begin to talk about what the chapter is about. Start with a story, then connect it into the the chapter's content. Example is chapter 28, Off to Ann Arbor. Michael and his coach are rooming together after moving to Michigan. Michael goes to talk about his DUI and how he can relate that to moving to a new area.