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.