Assignment 3 -Echoes from the past ….writing romance in 2024

Here’s a third creative writing assignment for your romance students, incorporating the Natural History Museum 

Assignment 3: **Echoes of the Past: A Museum Romance**

**Objective:**

Write a romantic short story or scene where the characters uncover a historical or personal connection through the exhibits of the Natural History Museum. Use the museum’s artifacts to create a poignant link between the past and the present in your romantic narrative.

**Instructions:**

1. **Historical or Personal Connection:**

   - **Choose an Exhibit:** Select a specific exhibit or artifact from the museum that will play a crucial role in the story. This could be a fossil, a meteorite, or an artwork from the museum’s collection.

   - **Create a Backstory:** Develop a backstory for the exhibit or artifact that ties into the characters’ lives. For example, a fossil could be linked to a family history, or a meteorite could have a mysterious past that resonates with the characters.

2. **Narrative Development:**

   - **Romantic Discovery:** Write a scene or short story where the characters discover this historical or personal connection during their visit to the museum. This could be a chance encounter where one character reveals their own connection to the artifact or a moment of shared discovery.

   - **Emotional Impact:** Illustrate how this discovery impacts the characters’ relationship. Show how the connection to the past influences their feelings, deepens their bond, or brings them closer together.

3. **Setting and Atmosphere:**

   - **Describe the Museum:** Use vivid descriptions to bring the museum’s setting to life. Capture the atmosphere of the exhibits and the emotional weight they carry.

   - **Integrate the Exhibit:** Ensure the chosen exhibit is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, serving as both a plot device and a symbol in the romantic storyline.

4. **Resolution:**

   - **Conclude with Reflection:** End the story with a resolution that reflects the significance of the historical or personal connection. Show how the characters’ newfound understanding or connection has impacted their relationship and outlook.

5. **Length:**

   - Write a short story or scene of 1,500-2,000 words.

**Submission Requirements:**

- A complete short story or scene that features a romantic connection discovered through a museum exhibit.

- Focus on the integration of the exhibit into the narrative, emotional depth, and setting.

This assignment encourages students to weave the museum’s rich history and exhibits into their romantic plots, creating a deep and meaningful connection between the past and the present.