I finally have to write a short story as homework at my American Literature co-op class. I knew it was only a matter of time I actually never saw this coming. But that doesn't dilute the sweetness.

The requirements are twofold:

1. I have to use a list of vocabulary words, twenty-eight in all, from the chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird my class has reviewed thus far. The words range from ones I already use on a regular basis (e.g. facade, prowess, obscurely) to words I know well but have never gotten the chance to use (e.g. ambidextrous, diminutive), to words I had never heard of before this class (e.g. obstreperous, rectitude, habiliments, impedimenta).

2. I have to use numerous examples of metaphors, similies, and personification. Good examples, I assume.

The first requirement provides only a mild damper; the second I always follow anyway, as it's good writing habit, and so I'm still stoked for this assignment. This will be the first time any short story of mine has been graded, even if this one turns out to be only graded for usage of metaphors, similies, personification, and vocabulary words.

My current idea (I'm probably over-thinking the story, but it's better to over-think it than under-think it) is set aboard a mining cruiser that has just run into an asteroid rigged with explosives. They don't know who did it until they hear a news broadcast about a terrorist inside the government agency for which they work. 'Tis a rough draft, and I plan to both tweak the story and cut it down to a more manageable size after my first go at writing.

Since BZPower came back online on October 13, this Sunday will most likely be the last day of Premier perks, and so I hope to post the story on my blog this Saturday, November 12.