An accessible, supportive approach for beginning writers. Part One, Basics, shows students that the things they already know how to do — observe, concentrate, and practice — are the very skills and habits they can use to become good writers. Throughout the book, students learn how to produce a lot of material, and how to concentrate and mine that material for writing that really lives and breathes.
A unique emphasis on reading as a writer (Chapter 2, Reading to Write) teaches students to recognize the moves writers make to draw readers in, to hold their attention, to transport them to another world. Guided examples help students see how writers accomplish their goals; then students apply this instruction to the reading selections, paying close attention to how language works in a wide variety of genres.
A practical focus on six creative strategies common to all good writing. Successful writing is always grounded in images, and always has energy and tension. It suggests patterns which lead to insights, and revision makes it more alive and powerful. Part Two of the book covers these strategies, which are the nuts and bolts of all good creative writing, regardless of genre.
Imaginative writing activities throughout the text help students stockpile writing ideas, and experiment with the strategies. Practices help students generate material and build new skills; Projects provide prompts for full-length pieces of writing, and Writing Workshops provide questions that help students discuss their peers work as well as their own.
Compelling readings in a wide variety of genres illustrate the principles the book teaches and help students appreciate a variety of contemporary voices, including Jamaica Kincaid, Raymond Carver, Sherman Alexie; Lorrie Moore, and Michael Cunningham. Writers’ quotations throughout the book offer inspiration and insights on the process and craft of writing.