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Guide to Writing Your Novel
Do you have a writer in your home? Someone who always has a good story floating around in his head and is eager to "get it out?" Lee Roddy, author of more than 50 novels, has a passion for helping young writers move from that "wannabe" stage. Published by IEW, this does not follow the IEW pattern. It's more like participating in a one-on-one training session with the author. Writing directly and conversationally to the student, in each chapter Mr. Roddy first shares his insight and wisdom on the topic, then provides a checklist so the student can be sure of his understanding of the discussion. Then the student is invited to pick up her pen and do a bit of writing, applying the instruction. Chapters include characters, specific novel genres (i.e. suspense, romance, mystery, etc.), plot development, scenes, researching/interviewing, and marketing. Thorough to the end, Mr. Roddy even includes a section on recent changes in the book industry. Highschoolers will be able to work through this course on their own but will, undoubtedly, appreciate encouragement from the parent's corner. It could be used either as the composition portion of any year's English credit or as a special (i.e. senior?) project. 139 pgs, spiral-bound ~ Janice
Based on specific topics or on events in history, IEW’s theme-based writing lessons (same grade-range levels as the SSS) offer comprehensive, almost scripted instruction. All necessary source texts have been developed for busy parents and teachers like you. An IEW veteran and aficionado myself, I couldn't conceive of anything more complete than what is provided here. All necessary source texts are provided and are reproducible for one parent/one homeschool. Some courses (particularly the Hillsdale College K12-connected courses) provide suggested reading lists. Clear assignments (sometimes differentiated between levels) along with a checklist aid both the student in preparation and the parent in grading. These are also designed to be used by the student to work on throughout the week. Based on specific topics or events in various segments of history, the lessons include grammar exercises, vocabulary development, quizzes, and games for review and reinforcement – along with the writing instruction, of course.
In all lessons, students are encouraged to polish their final draft, perhaps even adding illustrations. At the end of each course the student will have a personal portfolio collection of poems, stories, reports, essays and research papers. Lessons are taught at the beginning of each week allowing the rest of the week for students to complete the assignment which they should be able to do on their own. Teacher preparation is minimal. (Do I hear an emphatic "Yes!"?)
The courses are targeting a progressively more competent student with the assumption that students are working through the courses according to suggested grade levels. Therefore, there is an increasing complexity to the instructions, expectations, and assignments. Accordingly, teachers are encouraged to be flexible with plans. The beginning writer may need to spend more than the suggested week on difficult lessons or omit some of the grammar. Mature students may move more quickly to allow time for additional research writing and/or more creative essay writing.
Many of these courses can be used equally well within a homeschool with several different aged students and all can be used in a co-op/support school setting with more grade-specific groupings of students. It's assumed that parents/teachers have completed or have access to Teaching Writing Structure & Style (TWSS), IEW's seminar for parents and teachers.
Except for Bible Heroes, courses include both a Teacher and a Student Book. Both books are necessary as the course is designed to be interactive between the teacher and student. Teachers should plan to read over the lessons with the students and help as necessary, especially with specific tasks such as outlining and brainstorming. ~ Janice/Ruth
Product Format: | Softcover Book |
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Brand: | Institute for Excellence in Writing |
Grades: | 9-12 |
ISBN: | 9780984549603 |
Length in Inches: | 11 |
Width in Inches: | 9 |
Height in Inches: | 0.5 |
Weight in Pounds: | 0.95 |