The Creative Writer

A writing workshop in-a-book, The Creative Writer provides 36 weeks of lessons divided between fiction (organized as weeks 1-18) and poetry (weeks 1-18); within those two sections, units are further divided into literary categories such as plot, sound, setting, dialogue, and description. Addressing both the content and style of imaginative writing, lessons include a succinctly stated purpose, and are followed by a short lesson, literary example, lesson assignment, and challenge exercise.

Encouraging both younger and older writers to work with a mentor, a section of "mentor materials" at the back of the book is designed to be photocopied and given to the designated mentor/instructor. Comprised of an explanation of the lesson with suggestions of things to look for or draw the writer's attention towards, these exercises will provide practice with working with an audience. Teaching the "craft" and "how-tos" of writing while still acknowledging the individual, creative process, The Creative Writer will provide the structure to truly let your writing soar. 211 pages, softcover. Grades 6-9. Covers 1 semester or more depending on your speed.

Picking up after The Creative Writer: Level 1, this second volume refreshes and builds upon those lessons on plot, character, dialogue, and other storytelling basics. The first 18-weeks focus on fiction and the second 18-weeks on poetry. Fiction units are further divided into literary categories such as plot, character, dialogue, setting, point of view, and scene. The Grimm's fairy tale "The Golden Goose" is chosen as the example for each section, with a different element emphasized in each chapter. Poetry units include subjects, word choice, form and sound, and nonsense. At the end of each section, challenge exercises provide an opportunity for students to put their newly-learned knowledge into practice.

Encouraging both younger and older writers to work with a mentor, a section of "mentor materials" at the back of the book provides teaching hints and tips. Teaching the "craft" and "how-tos" of writing while still acknowledging the individual, creative process, The Creative Writer Level 2: Essential Ingredients will provide the structure to truly let your writing soar. 311 pages, softcover. Grades 6-8.

The Creative Writer Level 3 continues to strengthen and build the writing skills taught in the previous two volumes. Moving away from the broad categories of the "five essentials" of the short story, this level focuses upon the details of technique. With an overarching focus on character, students will complete lessons that emphasize vivid & original prose, precision, showing & telling, and "getting away from yourself."

The poetry section covers many of the same elements as Level 2, but at a faster pace, and through working with a published poem, rather than student-written pieces. Written directly to the student, at the end of each section, challenge exercises provide an opportunity for students to put their newly-learned knowledge into practice.

Encouraging writers to work with a mentor, a section of "mentor materials" at the back of the book provides teaching hints and tips. Teaching the "craft" and "how-tos" of writing while still acknowledging the individual, creative process, The Creative Writer Level 3: Building Your Craft will provide the nitty-gritty instruction to polish student writing. 36 weeks of instruction, divided between fiction and poetry. 292 pages, softcover. Grades 7-9.

The Creative Writer Level 4 reviews the skills taught in Levels 1-3 while adding more advanced skills and tips for "the writing life." Students will learn how to find time to write, how to maintain discipline, how to deal with rejection, and about submitting to literary journals. The latter provides the primary goal of the curriculum: a story and poem polished enough to submit. The first level without a mentor section, this curriculum is designed to be used independently, though an outside reader is encouraged. Chapters include a discussion of the topic, an assignment, and a concluding challenge exercise. The poetry section features polishing instruction on word choice and revision, sound, forms, nonsense, and poetry as a public exercise.

Designed for older students, the readings increase in maturity as well. Parents may wish to preview selections for younger students using this curriculum. The Creative Writer Level 4: Becoming a Writer will provide guide students towards becoming a true writer. 36 weeks of instruction, divided between fiction and poetry. 240 pages, softcover. Grades 8-10.