The Creative Writer’s Laboratory Book
the front, and then to the back. The point is to work the exercises in the book, not to stress on how you perform them. Some rules are good for creative writing, but I can't tell you how to do it or it's not creative, right?
Have fun, and enjoy the power of the written word.
~ Phebe A. Durand
Notes to the Instructor
Students often think of writing as a two-step process: think of what to say and just write it down. This is what usually leads to ineffective prose- long pieces of writing that are written "off the top of the head" and are disorganized or unclear.
Yet other students concentrate so hard on proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation that they never get to ideas, and have trouble getting their thoughts down on paper.
Both of these problems stem from a lack of understanding the writing process.
As adults, we usually know that most writing has been planned, changed, and rewritten several times before anyone sees it. Students need to learn this process, and get past the fear contained within their "one-shot, get it right the first time" misconceptions.
The exercises contained within this book aid students in the learning of not only Creative Writing, but the written word. Presented as a Creative Writing laboratory, there is a lowered level of pressure; students immediately feel more at ease, knowing that there are fewer guidelines in Creative Writing. They may like the idea of getting to express themselves in ways reports don't allow. Whatever the case, using Creative Writing to instill the basics of the written word has vast implications on the students' ability to write better in all areas of their work.
With this in mind, the book walks students through prewriting, writing, and revising- each of the necessary steps to come up with and create clear, effective prose. In addition to reinforcing general writing skills and generating creative writing techniques, the book contains specific hints that will aid students when they write in a test situation.
Writing students should be encouraged to use everything they've learned about the writing process. By working through the activities and exercises in this book, they will be well-prepared for many different kinds of in-class assignments and test situations, setting a
Latest Articles