Attention: Class in Session

Welcome to class. I hope those who come here are prepared to learn and engage in the conversation. As stated before, this will be a series of studies about books from the perspective of writing. Lessons will be self guided because no actual grading occurs. How could there be really? It is as much self-discovery as teaching to the material.

Where to start?

At the beginning of course. For now at least. Whatever book is discussed can be found at the local library or online free, or bought if so desired. The proposed pattern will be literature in semi-chronological order. Those in the know can guess without jumping forward what the first read includes (don't peak). From there, time progresses and literature choices expand. Not every famous or significant literary creation can be examined if the project has a chance to be successful. Many that are passed up might get mentioned or returned to if the project permits. The goal is to become familiar with great works or have a reason to return to them.

How does this work?

Each discussion will cover a chapter or section of the literature under consideration. There will be a brief discussion about the work to focus the mind on what was just read. Don't expect a synopsis because the expectation is the student has read the material. This is followed by questions related to the readings for further personal critical thinking.

Start with a word, finish the sentence, continue along the paragraph, and finish with a chapter. That is how to read. It so happens to be the way to write. The difference is much of the work has already been done for the former, and the latter takes more time and thought. It is for this reason that a good writer does more than skim the pages of books. They look closely at how the writer puts it all down. That is exactly how the readings will be used to teach the way to become better writers. Questions and examples will be plucked from the text, looking at details of the writing process.  Don't become discouraged if the lessons of this section at first seem straight from Junior High, because all of this is a start from scratch proposition. Before any rules can be broken with skill, and not lack of education, they must be known.

After looking at the text and learning about writing, there will be suggestions for applying the knowledge in personal exercises. Keep a literary journal to fill with notes, thoughts, observations, stories and story ideas, and whatever comes to mind. A writer writes.

Finally, there will be a small section covering vocabulary. Like the rest of the lesson, they will be drawn from the readings. To use the words is to know them. Don't be limited to this list. Use a dictionary (many can be found online) for any words that are of interest or don't know.

When?

See you next week, twice a week. Enjoy and spread the word to those young and old who might be interested in a little book/writing club. Oh, and don't be afraid to comment to start a discussion.

To Write is to Read

A good writer is a good reader. With that thought in mind, it is with anticipation that a new journey can be started. Literature contains the back and forth communications of humanity. Everyone wants to have their say, and writing allows ideas to remain long after the spoken language has come and gone. Ancient people understood this once they discovered the ability to write. Songs and oral traditions, along with commerce and laws, quickly emerged among the early scratchings signifying sounds, thoughts, and objects. The dividing line between pre-history and history is the written record. What is not written down and preserved gets forgotten forever.

The purpose of this blog is to go beyond mere exercises in grammar and usage, or how to write a five paragraph paper. It is to immerse into the deep waters of literary works that have stood the test of time. The main focus will be fiction, although other types of writing might also be studied at times. These lessons are to help build knowledge of the classic master writings, while taking a look behind what makes them great. Concurrently, learning the basics of writing and putting them into practice. It will be more than a reading class and more than a writing class, but a journey of discovery.