The Writer’s Workout Book
Sometimes there are books that you’ve just got to add to your own collection, and this book by Art Peterson is one of them. Every page is full of writing ideas, not only for myself, but some that I can use directly or in modified form with my students. The fun thing is that they have enough meat on them to engage most writers or wannabe’s.
Right now, I’m reading a chapter about adding detail to your writing, and I love his examples: some are plainly outrageous, and others are more serious. I have finished chapters about how to come up with topics, how to see things around you so that you can not only add those details to your writing, but that you might have something to write about to begin with, how to break through the cliche, know your audience and now to think about the creative choices each writer makes.
I think that I like this book more than any of the other kinds of books about writing. It actually helps get you writing. Sure, it’s important to know the arguments supporting writing instruction at the middle school level, and it is somewhat interesting to know the theory behind why we write what we do. However, when you are part of the choir already, why not actually work to perfect your own craft? I could read how to books all day.
I guess, then, that the test of the book is whether or not it inspires the reader to write, write more, or write better. In my case, I will say that the book has helped me to write, and write better. I haven’t made a secret about my writer’s block during this SI. Pretty painful stuff when it hits.
I was left writing about navel fuzz. (A term that is used to refer to introspective writing that doesn’t look beyond the personal experience to the broader human experience.) Yes, I always try to keep in mind the universal themes, but must admit that there is little time to think about universal themes when I can barely get my fingers on the keyboard.
So – did this book help? Yes, I think so. When Peterson discusses the joys of writing so openly (hey – giving up the mystery to outsiders) it’s hard for me not to want to write. And if I like it again, I will be a better writing teacher. Gotta get this book. ISBN 1-88390-11-6
