Borrow a Writing Tool!
If I Were a Carpenter: The Tools of the Writer by Roy Peter Clark of Poynter Online
is an article worth reading. The author says it helps him to think that
writing is like carpentry. He can work from a plan and use the tools he
has stored on his workbench. He goes on to say that readers can borrow
a writing tool whenever they like. The kicker is you don’t have to
return it. You can pass it on to another writer without losing it. He
lists 20 writing tools he has borrowed from reporters and editors, from
authors of books on writing, and from teachers and coaches. He gives
brief descriptions of how to use the writing tool but encourages us to
build our own collections.
This would be a great springboard to use with our students. His tools
fall under 4 catergories: sentences and paragraphs, language, effects,
and structure. Just the wording of the tools could be a great writing
lesson. Talk about having fun with language…. Check these out:
- Observe word territory. Do not repeat a key word within a given space, unless you intend a specific effect.
- When tempted by cliches, seek original images. Make word lists, free-associate, be surprised by language.
- For clarity, slow the pace of information. Short
sentences make the reader move slowly. Time to think. Time to learn.
See what I mean?
- Strive for “voice,” the illusion that the writer
is speaking directly to the reader. Read the story aloud to hear if it
sounds like you.
- Place gold coins along the path. Don’t load all
the best stuff high in the story. Space special effects throughout the
story, encoruaging readers to find them and be delighted by them.
Now that’s just 5 of
20 writing tools so read the rest. It’s good writing and makes me want
to build collections with students.
I have issued a challenge to
my Write Weblog group. I think we can perhaps adapt it to fit our
writing on blogs by students. Add to the collection! Yet another
way to have fun while learning and writing on blogs!!
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