my creative writing learning journey

My Creative Writing Journey

January 26, 2022.

I remember my first grade class’ Halloween party like it was yesterday: the mummy wrapping station on the rug, the spooky cupcakes on the desks and a Halloween storytime in the book corner. Though I briefly stopped by the dessert desks to grab a cupcake, I found myself all consumed in the fourth activity: Halloween story starters. Shifting through printed handout starters about witches and ghosts and goblins, I spent the entire party writing story after story. I somehow drowned out the “Monster Mash” track that played on repeat and the laughter of my classmates as they wrapped each other up in toilet paper. All I could hear was the sound of my pencil gliding across the thick-lined paper. 

It’s no surprise then that when applying for colleges ten years later, I was drawn to Princeton’s Program in Creative Writing . With faculty such as A.M. Homes and Idra Novey , and graduates like Jodi Picoult (I am obsessed with her novels!), I knew I wanted to take courses in the department. And ever since I was admitted, that’s exactly what I did. I took everything from “ Introductory Fiction ” to “ Advanced Fiction ,” from “ Introductory Poetry ” to “ Advanced Poetry ,” and even Special Topics courses like “ Political Fiction .” 

But my writing journey came to an abrupt stop at the end of last year. It was Spring 2021 and I applied for the Creative Writing thesis . At Princeton, everyone writes a thesis in their concentration (mine being English), but some certificates also require you to write a thesis. In the case of the English department, you can actually replace your English thesis with a Creative Writing thesis if you are accepted into the program. So anyone can apply for and take creative writing courses, but that does not necessarily guarantee that you can write a thesis in the department. 

When I received the email that my application was not accepted, I was crushed. I felt as if all that I worked for and all that I hoped for since coming to Princeton, since sitting at that table at my first grade Halloween party writing about witches and pumpkins, had meant nothing. Was my writing not good enough? Was I not good enough? I decided to take a semester off from creative writing for the fall. I was hurt, and perhaps a little too prideful to keep taking courses in the department.

But as these thoughts slipped into my head, I remembered something that one of the creative writing faculty members said. She told our class that she herself was rejected from writing a creative writing thesis, and now she’s a bestselling author with several novels that she is proud of. During the fall semester, I missed creative writing so much. Yes, I might have been hurt, but being at one of the top schools in the country not only means that you’re surrounded by other brilliant, talented people, but that you have to learn how to be surrounded by other brilliant, talented people. It means accepting rejection, learning from setbacks and moving forward. 

This semester, my final semester at Princeton, I am taking a course called “ Spark! Sparking Creativity in Writing ” with Professor Quade , who I had as a professor for “Advanced Fiction” during my sophomore year. The course focuses on daily writing practice as opposed to long-form, workshop writing. I hope to leave this course with the tools I need to continue writing in my day-to-day life, even as I start my career after graduation. Receiving rejection is always difficult, but it made me realize that creative writing is something I never want to let go of. Thesis or no thesis, I will continue the dream that little first grader had as she scribbled word after word onto her paper. 

Related Articles

Printing my thesis, a look into independent research: the politics junior paper, the p in princeton stands for p/d/f.

A Brief History of my Creative Writing “Journey”

For as long as I can remember, I have always craved writing like I needed it to breathe.  I would sit on my bed, subconsciously bite my bottom lip as I stare at my laptop screen and write whatever new idea I recently came up with.

The stories I wrote as a teenager, though, aren’t published, and I’m not planning for them to see the light of day.

The other day, I was looking through my old short stories and novel ideas, and I physically cringed while reading, not even getting through to the end.  It was fun, though, reading my old stories.  It brought me back to my slightly younger days when I was still learning the basics of creative writing.  At that time, I wasn’t taking any creative writing classes because it wasn’t an option for me, so most of the “learning creative writing” I was doing was in my English classes.

When I entered university, though, to say that I was excited to take creative writing classes was an understatement.

Now that I have taken many more creative writing classes, my writing has improved at the rate it has.  Now, when I re-read my slightly newer things (as in written in the past five years), I cringe slightly less.  I would like to call that character improvement (I know, I know.  I ain’t a character; let’s just go with it for the plot).

In terms of taking more creative writing classes, because of them, I’ve been writing more.  Additionally, I have been writing more projects outside of my classes, which has helped with my creative writing skills, which are always lovely, fun, and fresh.

Creative writing has always been pulling at my heart and wrapping around my fingers—it wants me to breathe life into it.

It also feels as if creative writing has always been there for me, which is a dramatic statement, but I never claimed not to be dramatic.  Side note:  I would like to think being dramatic has this certain flair.  It brings some interest in my life, but hey. That’s also me just being dramatic.

Writing has also been my longest hobby.  It feels like it has been a long time, yet it also feels like, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t since I’m still fairly early into my writing career and whatnot.  With that being said, I’m excited to advance further in my career, and I hope you stay for the journey 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Discover more from The Spray Can

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Writing Nestling

How To Improve Creative Writing (18 Effective Ways)

Embarking on the journey to improve one’s creative writing is like setting sail into an uncharted sea of boundless imagination and linguistic exploration.

Creative writing, a realm where words transform into vivid narratives, characters come to life, and emotions are painted across the pages, is a skill that thrives on constant growth and evolution.

In this guide, we will traverse the landscape of creative writing, delving into its various forms, mastering the craft, and unlocking the secrets to becoming a more skilled and imaginative writer.

Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith seeking refinement or a budding writer just beginning your literary voyage, the path to improvement is a rich tapestry waiting to be woven, where inspiration knows no bounds, and storytelling becomes an art form.

So, fasten your literary seatbelt, for the journey to enhance your creative writing prowess is about to commence.

Table of Contents

How To Improve Creative Writing

To improve your creative writing skills, follow these steps:

Read Widely:

Read a diverse range of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and different genres. This exposure will help you understand various writing styles and techniques.

Write Regularly:

Practice writing consistently. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write. The more you write, the better you’ll become.

Expand Your Vocabulary:

Work on building a rich vocabulary. Learn new words, their meanings, and how to use them effectively in your writing.

Study Grammar and Punctuation:

A strong grasp of grammar and punctuation is essential. Review the rules and practice to avoid common mistakes.

Create a Writing Routine:

Establish a routine that works for you. Whether it’s early in the morning, late at night, or during lunch breaks, find your optimal writing time.

Outline Your Ideas:

Plan your writing in advance. Create outlines, mind maps, or notes to organize your thoughts before you start writing.

Set Writing Goals:

Define clear goals for your writing projects. Whether it’s completing a short story , novel, or a series of articles, having goals keeps you motivated.

Seek Feedback:

Share your work with peers, writing groups, or mentors. Constructive feedback helps you identify areas for improvement.

Revise and Edit:

Writing is rewriting. After you’ve completed a draft, revise and edit your work for clarity, coherence, and style.

Experiment with Style and Genre:

Don’t be afraid to try different writing styles and genres. Experimentation can help you discover your unique voice.

Read Aloud:

Reading your work aloud can help you catch errors, awkward phrasing, and improve the rhythm of your writing .

Be Observant:

Pay attention to the world around you. Observing people, places, and events can provide inspiration and authenticity to your writing.

Overcome Writer’s Block:

When you’re stuck, try free writing, brainstorming, or taking a break to refresh your creativity.

Stay Inspired:

Surround yourself with inspiring sources, whether it’s art, nature, music, or conversations. Inspiration can fuel your creativity.

Edit and Proofread:

Once you’ve completed your writing, thoroughly edit and proofread it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Publish and Share:

Share your work through blogs, social media, or submit it to publications. Public sharing can provide valuable feedback and exposure.

Learn from Feedback:

Take feedback seriously and use it as a tool for improvement. Analyze critiques to enhance your writing skills.

Keep Learning:

Writing is an ongoing journey. Continuously seek to learn and grow as a writer by attending workshops, reading about writing, and experimenting with new techniques.

Remember, improving your creative writing skills takes time and dedication. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn are key to becoming a better writer.

Understanding Creative Writing

Understanding creative writing is like embarking on a journey into the boundless realm of imagination, where words become brushstrokes, painting the canvas of your mind with vivid worlds, complex characters, and emotions that dance off the page.

It’s a realm where you’re the architect of reality, bending the rules of ordinary language to conjure extraordinary stories that tickle the senses and stir the soul.

It’s about wielding the power of narrative to shape destinies, provoke thought, and make hearts skip a beat.

In the realm of creative writing, you’re both the magician and the audience, crafting spells with sentences that transport you and your readers to places unknown, unraveling mysteries, and exploring the infinite possibilities of human expression.

Different forms of creative writing

Creative writing encompasses a kaleidoscope of diverse forms, each a unique facet of the literary universe.

There’s the enchanting world of fiction, where novelists weave intricate plots and multidimensional characters that become your companions on thrilling adventures.

Poetry, a mesmerizing tapestry of words, paints vivid imagery and emotion in the concise space of a few lines.

Non-fiction is a realm of truth and authenticity, where writers illuminate reality with memoirs, essays, and journalistic narratives. Screenwriting brings storytelling to life on the silver screen, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.

These forms are but a glimpse into the labyrinth of creative writing, where the only limit is the boundaries of one’s imagination.

Elements of creative writing

The elements of creative writing are the building blocks that breathe life into words , transforming them into vibrant stories.

At the heart of any creative work lies the intricate dance of plot, where conflicts and resolutions unfurl like a well-orchestrated symphony.

Characterization paints portraits of individuals, each with their own quirks and depths, making them unforgettable to the reader.

Setting, a crucial backdrop, provides the stage upon which these tales unfold, influencing moods and actions.

Themes thread through the narrative like a hidden river, adding depth and purpose, while style is the unique fingerprint of the author, infusing the work with their voice and perspective.

These elements, in concert, give creative writing its compelling complexity , inviting readers to embark on journeys that resonate with their hearts and minds.

Cultivating a Creative Mindset

Cultivating a creative mindset is akin to tending to the most wondrous of gardens—the garden of the imagination.

It’s about donning the gloves of curiosity and nurturing the seeds of inspiration, coaxing them to bloom into vibrant ideas that dance in the sun-dappled meadow of your thoughts.

In this garden, writer’s block withers under the warmth of persistence, and the weeds of self-doubt are plucked away with unwavering belief in your creative potential.

It’s a sanctuary where meditation and mindfulness are the water and sunlight, ensuring that the fruits of your imagination grow ripe and abundant.

In this verdant oasis, you are the creator and the caretaker, shaping the tapestry of your mind into a masterpiece of creativity that never ceases to blossom with new ideas.

Overcoming writer’s block

Overcoming writer’s block is like finding a hidden passage out of a labyrinth of your own thoughts. It’s the art of breaking free from the stranglehold of a blank page and transforming it into an open canvas.

Sometimes, the most formidable adversary is not the lack of ideas but the daunting prospect of beginning. To conquer this nemesis, one must navigate a myriad of techniques, from freewriting and brainstorming to changing the physical environment, in order to unearth the buried treasure of creativity within.

It’s a mental jigsaw puzzle where pieces of inspiration are scattered, and solving it involves patience, resilience, and sometimes simply allowing your mind to wander until it stumbles upon that elusive spark that will ignite your words.

Overcoming writer’s block isn’t just a battle won; it’s a gateway to the ever-expanding universe of storytelling, waiting to be explored with fervor and imagination.

Developing a writing routine

Developing a writing routine is akin to crafting a symphony out of the everyday humdrum. It’s the art of carving out sacred moments in the day, allowing the muse to speak amid the cacophony of life’s demands.

A writing routine is the scaffold that supports the architecture of creativity, providing the structure and discipline necessary for the magic of storytelling to flourish.

Whether it’s the first light of dawn or the stillness of midnight, these designated hours become the writer’s sanctuary, the place where the mind opens up like a treasure chest of ideas, and words flow like a river.

It’s in these moments of consistency that the craft evolves, enabling writers to hone their skills, unravel narratives, and beckon inspiration at will.

Ultimately, a writing routine is a personal ritual that weaves creativity into the fabric of daily existence, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, one word at a time.

Mastering the Craft

Mastering the craft of writing is like harnessing the mystical forces of language to conjure entire universes from the ink of your pen.

It’s a lifelong journey of delving into the labyrinth of words, where each sentence becomes a brushstroke, and every paragraph a brush dipped in the palette of emotions.

It’s an alchemical process, where you transmute raw ideas into literary gold, refining your art through an unending cycle of creation, revision, and relentless pursuit of perfection.

Every metaphor, every plot twist , and every character’s whisper becomes a note in the grand symphony of storytelling, where the crescendo is the moment you realize you’re not just a writer; you’re a sorcerer, weaving spells with every keystroke, capturing the hearts and minds of readers with the magic of your narrative.

Vocabulary and Language

Vocabulary and language are the enchanting threads that weave the tapestry of storytelling. A writer’s arsenal of words is akin to a painter’s palette, each word a unique hue that, when skillfully blended, creates vivid imagery and evokes powerful emotions.

A rich and varied vocabulary is the cornerstone of effective communication, allowing writers to express the nuances of thought and sentiment with precision and eloquence.

Language, on the other hand, is the vessel that carries these words, shaping the tone and rhythm of a narrative.

The beauty of this interplay lies in the writer’s ability to select the perfect word, the ideal phrase, and the most evocative metaphor, thereby sculpting a literary masterpiece that resonates with readers, captivating their senses, and transporting them to worlds of imagination and wonder.

In the realm of creative writing, vocabulary and language are the keys to unlocking the full spectrum of human experience and imagination.

Writing Techniques

Writing techniques are the chisels and brushes of the wordsmith, essential tools that sculpt and paint the narrative.

They encompass a spectrum of strategies that shape the flow and impact of a piece of writing. “Show, don’t tell” is the art of letting readers experience a story through sensory details and actions, fostering a deeper connection.

Crafting authentic dialogue breathes life into characters, allowing them to converse and reveal their personalities naturally.

The choice of point of view, whether first person, third person, or omniscient, defines the lens through which the reader perceives the tale.

These techniques, like a craftsman’s skills, enable writers to craft stories with finesse, immersing readers in vivid landscapes, relatable characters, and intricate narratives, making the written word a portal to realms of imagination and emotion.

Reading as a Writer

Reading as a writer is akin to peering behind the scenes of a magnificent stage production to witness the magic of storytelling in its purest form.

It’s a journey where the reader transforms into a literary detective, dissecting the prose, unraveling the plot, and examining the intricate brushstrokes of the author’s craft.

With each turn of the page, a writer learns the secret language of pacing, character development, and dialogue that is whispered through the text.

It’s an immersive masterclass that teaches the orchestration of tension, the symphony of foreshadowing, and the art of unveiling mysteries.

In this dual role of reader and writer, one discovers that every book is not just an escape but an invitation to the backstage, where the invisible threads of narrative manipulation are spun, inspiring the storyteller within to reach new heights and craft unforgettable tales.

Analyzing literature

Analyzing literature is akin to embarking on an archeological expedition into the layers of human expression and experience.

It’s a fascinating journey where each page holds the whispers of the past and the echoes of the author’s soul.

As one delves into the intricacies of a literary work, it’s like decoding a cryptic message, revealing the hidden treasures of symbolism, theme, and narrative structure.

Every word, sentence, and character becomes a clue in a grand puzzle, inviting you to explore the profound depths of the human psyche and society.

In the process of literary analysis, readers not only unearth the intellectual and emotional nuances of a text but also gain a profound appreciation for the artistry of the written word, for it is in these revelations that the alchemy of storytelling is unveiled, proving that literature is not merely ink on paper, but a mirror reflecting the intricate mosaic of human existence.

Learning from other authors

Learning from other authors is akin to a masterclass in the art of storytelling. It’s an exquisite journey of exploration, where you walk in the footsteps of literary giants, witnessing their genius unfold across the pages of their works.

These authors, like mentors from afar, offer invaluable lessons in character development, plot structure, and the delicate dance of language.

With each book you read, you glean insights into the diverse ways authors craft their narratives, be it the lyrical prose of one or the gripping dialogue of another.

Their stories serve as templates, guiding you in understanding the subtleties of storytelling, nurturing your creative instincts, and sparking that inner fire of inspiration.

In the pages of their books, you find not just tales, but the wisdom of those who have paved the way, ready to illuminate your path as you embark on your own journey of writing.

Building a personal library

Building a personal library is like assembling a treasury of knowledge, imagination, and soul. Each book, lovingly arranged on the shelves, is a passport to different worlds, eras, and minds.

It’s a sanctuary where you can escape the mundane and embark on an endless odyssey of exploration, enlightenment, and enchantment. Your personal library becomes a reflection of your intellectual curiosity and passions, a curated collection of stories and wisdom that have resonated with you.

Beyond the tangible beauty of bound pages, it’s a space where you can seek refuge, inspiration, and solace.

In this haven, books aren’t just inanimate objects; they are the keepers of dreams, mentors, and the compass that guides you on your own creative journey, whispering their stories and secrets, ready to be discovered anew each time you open their pages.

Research and Fact-Checking

Research and fact-checking are the unsung heroes of the writer’s craft, the secret agents who ensure that the tapestry of fiction and the canvas of non-fiction remain unblemished by errors.

Like intrepid explorers, writers embark on quests for knowledge, sifting through archives, traversing the corridors of history, and plumbing the depths of the digital ocean.

Fact-checking is the lighthouse that guards against the treacherous cliffs of misinformation, ensuring that the narratives we weave are anchored in truth.

It’s not just a scholarly pursuit; it’s the alchemy that transforms a story from mere entertainment into a portal to the worlds, cultures, and ideas it seeks to represent.

In the realm of research, writers become detectives, unearthing secrets, unmasking mysteries, and painting the scenery with the vivid strokes of authenticity.

Without this duo, the magic of storytelling would lose its luster, and readers would be adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Importance of accuracy in creative writing

The importance of accuracy in creative writing cannot be overstated, for it is the cornerstone upon which the credibility and resonance of a narrative are built.

While creativity allows us to conjure imaginary realms and characters, these creations must find their roots in a foundation of truth.

Factual accuracy in the details of a story, whether it’s historical, scientific, or cultural, lends authenticity to the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience by making the fictional world feel tangible and relatable.

Inaccuracies can disrupt the suspension of disbelief, pulling readers out of the story, and eroding the trust they place in the author.

Moreover, for works that explore complex themes or socio-cultural issues, accuracy is paramount in promoting understanding and empathy.

By upholding the value of accuracy, creative writing can reach its full potential, becoming a powerful vessel for both entertainment and enlightenment.

Finding Your Voice

Finding your voice in the vast wilderness of creative expression is like discovering a hidden gem within your own soul.

It’s not just about words; it’s the symphony of your thoughts, your emotions, and the unique cadence of your experiences coming to life on the page. Your voice is the compass that guides you through the labyrinth of creativity, allowing you to navigate the realms of storytelling with authenticity.

It’s a fingerprint that distinguishes your work from the rest, making your narratives resonate with a singular, unforgettable resonance.

Finding your voice is not just a revelation; it’s a journey of self-discovery, an ongoing exploration of who you are and how you want to connect with the world through the magic of words.

It’s the moment when you realize that your voice, unlike any other, is the key to unlocking the hearts and minds of your readers, inviting them to explore the world as you see it and share in the emotions that define your unique narrative.

Personal style and uniqueness

Personal style and uniqueness in writing are the vibrant colors that distinguish an artist’s canvas from all others.

Your writing style is the echo of your personality, your perspective, and the experiences that shape you. It’s the idiosyncratic rhythm of your sentences, the selection of words that resonate with your soul, and the peculiar nuances that define your narrative fingerprint.

Embracing your uniqueness is not a departure from the norm but a celebration of individuality, an affirmation that your voice is unlike any other.

In a world filled with words, it’s your personal style that makes your work stand out, inviting readers to explore the world through your eyes and experience the emotions that pulse through your stories.

Your style is your signature, and your uniqueness is the spark that ignites the literary world, reminding us that in the realm of creativity, diversity is the catalyst for innovation and the source of endless inspiration.

Authenticity in storytelling

Authenticity in storytelling is the golden thread that weaves a powerful connection between the writer and the reader.

It’s the unwavering commitment to truth, not in the factual sense, but in the emotional and human sense. Authentic storytelling dares to venture into the raw, unvarnished corners of the human experience, revealing vulnerability, joys, struggles, and complexities with unapologetic honesty.

It acknowledges the imperfections of characters, the messiness of life, and the ambiguity of morality.

Authenticity in storytelling is the bridge that allows readers to see themselves in the characters and situations, to empathize, to confront their own truths, and to resonate with the essence of the narrative.

It’s a reminder that, in the world of storytelling, the most profound impact is often not achieved through escapism but through a mirror reflecting the truth of our shared humanity, inviting us to explore, understand, and embrace the beautifully imperfect mosaic of human existence.

Overcoming Challenges

Overcoming challenges is akin to harnessing the fiery spirit of a phoenix, rising from the ashes of adversity with newfound strength and resilience.

It’s the grand adventure of our lives, where obstacles are not roadblocks but stepping stones towards personal growth and transformation.

Challenges are the litmus test of character, the forge where determination is tempered, and where the human spirit finds its true mettle.

In the face of these trials, we discover untapped reserves of courage, creativity, and perseverance that we never knew existed.

Like intrepid explorers charting uncharted territories, we boldly face the unknown, seeking not just victory but self-discovery, for it is in the crucible of challenges that our true potential is revealed, and we emerge as the heroes of our own stories.

Publishing and Sharing Your Work

Publishing and sharing your work is like setting a fleet of paper boats adrift on the vast sea of human connection.

It’s the culmination of the creative journey, where words born in the depths of your imagination finally take flight, finding their way into the hearts and minds of readers around the world.

It’s not just about self-expression; it’s the bridge that unites creators with an audience eager to embark on the emotional and intellectual voyages they’ve crafted.

Sharing your work is an act of courage and vulnerability, inviting both praise and criticism, but it’s also an affirmation that your voice is worthy of being heard.

It’s the act of extending a hand to others, saying, “Come, join me on this journey,” and allowing your stories to become a part of the tapestry of the human experience.

In the realm of publishing and sharing, you become a storyteller not just for yourself but for the world, weaving connections, igniting conversations, and leaving an indelible mark on the shared narrative of humanity.

Traditional vs. self-publishing

The choice between traditional and self-publishing is a crossroads that writers often face, each path offering its own set of opportunities and challenges.

Traditional publishing, akin to the majestic gates of a literary castle, can provide the author with the validation and resources of an established publishing house, offering professional editing, cover design, and broad distribution networks.

It opens doors to bookstores and literary awards, but it also demands patience and perseverance in the face of stringent gatekeepers. Self-publishing, on the other hand, is the democratization of literature, an open road that allows authors to take the reins of their creative destiny.

It offers control and speed of publication but requires authors to take on multiple roles, from editing to marketing.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual goals and preferences, as each path holds the promise of sharing stories with the world, whether under the watchful eye of a traditional publisher or the entrepreneurial spirit of self-publishing.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is the compass that keeps the writer’s journey ever-advancing. It’s the symphony of growth in a world that constantly whispers new stories and knowledge.

Imagine it as an uncharted library, where each book holds the key to unlock a new realm of understanding, and each workshop or course is an invitation to dance with different writing techniques.

It’s not just about honing existing skills; it’s about unfurling new horizons and uncovering hidden treasures in the treasure chest of literary prowess.

Continuing education is the echo of the writer’s heartbeat, a reminder that the world of words is boundless and ever-evolving, and that within its embrace, the writer can continue to explore, learn, and craft stories that leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about How To Improve Creative Writing

What is creative writing, and why is it important to improve this skill.

Creative writing is the art of crafting original and imaginative stories , poems, or prose. It’s important to improve this skill because it not only enhances your ability to express yourself but also unlocks the door to a world of creativity, enabling you to engage and captivate readers.

How can I overcome writer’s block and boost my creativity?

Overcoming writer’s block can be achieved through various techniques like free writing, mind mapping, or changing your writing environment. To boost creativity, consider practicing mindfulness, exploring new experiences, and cultivating a daily writing routine.

What are some effective strategies for improving my vocabulary and language skills?

Expanding your vocabulary can be done by reading widely, using a thesaurus, and playing word games. To enhance language skills, study grammar and syntax, experiment with different writing styles, and immerse yourself in literature.

What are some common writing techniques to improve the quality of my creative writing?

Common writing techniques include “show, don’t tell,” crafting compelling dialogue, and mastering point of view. These techniques help to make your storytelling more engaging and immersive.

How can I find my unique voice as a writer?

Finding your unique voice involves experimenting with different writing styles, embracing authenticity, and understanding that your individual perspective is your greatest asset. It’s about being true to yourself and your experiences.

What’s the importance of reading as a writer, and how can I analyze literature effectively?

Reading exposes you to different writing styles and genres, helping you learn and grow as a writer. Effective analysis of literature involves examining themes, characters, and symbolism, and considering the author’s use of language and narrative structure.

What are the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing, and how do I decide which is right for me?

Traditional publishing involves working with established publishing houses, while self-publishing allows you to independently release your work. The choice depends on your goals, the level of control you want, and your willingness to handle aspects like marketing and distribution.

How can I ensure the accuracy of my work, especially when writing about real-world facts and details?

To ensure accuracy, research extensively using reliable sources, fact-check rigorously, and consider seeking feedback from experts in the field you’re writing about.

What’s the role of continuing education in improving creative writing, and where can I find resources for it?

Continuing education helps you stay updated with the latest writing trends and hone your skills . You can find resources through writing workshops, online courses, writing groups, and literary events.

How do I deal with writer’s rejection and criticism constructively, and stay motivated in my writing journey?

Dealing with rejection and criticism involves developing resilience, learning from feedback, and keeping your passion for writing alive. Staying motivated can be achieved by setting goals, celebrating small wins, and surrounding yourself with a supportive writing community.

In the realm of creative writing, the journey to improvement is an endless odyssey, an ever-evolving expedition into the limitless depths of imagination and language.

It’s a path that weaves through the intricacies of plot, character, and style, as well as the nuances of authenticity and self-expression. Whether you are a seasoned wordsmith or a budding writer, the pursuit of creative excellence is a lifelong commitment to self-discovery, growth, and storytelling.

As you navigate the labyrinth of writer’s block, craft your unique voice, and refine your skills, remember that creative writing is not merely a craft; it’s a journey of self-expression, a gateway to new worlds, and a conduit for shared experiences.

So, pen in hand and heart afire, continue to embark on this voyage, for it is through the continuous exploration of your own creative depths that you will not only improve your writing but leave an indelible mark on the world of literature.

Your story is waiting to be told, and the pen is your magic wand, the world your canvas.

Happy writing !

Related Posts:

• What Does Freeform Mean In Fanfiction?
• How To Improve Grammar Skills (11 Important Steps)
• How To Write A French Accent (10 Important Steps You…
• How To Improve Descriptive Writing (12 Best Ways You…
• How To Set Smart Writing Goals For 2024
• How To Improve Literacy Writing Skills (14 Best Tips)

Similar Posts

How To Describe Good Food In Writing (15 Important Steps, Words And Adjectives)

In the world of culinary delights and literary indulgence, there exists a delightful intersection where words become flavors, and sentences take on the essence of a perfectly seasoned dish. It is within this realm that the art of describing good food in writing comes to life, a tantalizing fusion of language and gastronomy. Imagine the…

How To Describe A Depression In Writing (14 Steps You Need To Know)

Describing depression in writing is an intricate and deeply empathetic endeavor, akin to unraveling the most enigmatic corners of the human soul through the alchemy of words. It is a journey that challenges the writer to navigate the labyrinthine depths of emotion, to give voice to the silent struggles within, and to illuminate the often-invisible…

Christmas story ideas Tips And Prompts

Welcome to a realm where the winter air is infused with the magic of storytelling and the twinkle of festive lights illuminates the path to enchanting narratives. In this collection of Christmas story ideas, tips, and prompts, we embark on a journey through snow-covered landscapes and heartwarming tales that capture the spirit of the holiday…

How To Improve Content Writing Skills (12 Best Ways You Need To Know)

In the dynamic landscape of digital communication, mastering the art of content writing is an invaluable skill that transcends mere words on a page. Whether you’re crafting compelling blog posts, engaging social media content, or informative articles, the ability to convey ideas effectively is a powerful tool. This guide delves into the nuanced world of…

How To Write Vampire Novels (12 Best Ways)

In the mystical realm of literature, few genres possess the timeless allure and enduring fascination as that of vampire novels. Crafting a narrative that immerses readers in the nocturnal embrace of immortal beings requires a delicate dance between the shadows of folklore and the innovative strokes of contemporary storytelling. In this guide, we embark on…

How To Get Unstuck When Writing A Play (15 Best Tips)

Embarking on the journey of playwriting can be an exhilarating yet occasionally tumultuous adventure, where the creative mind may find itself entangled in the web of uncertainty and stagnation. The art of writing a play, with its multifaceted characters, intricate plots, and the delicate dance of dialogue, can sometimes present challenges that leave even the…

My journey into creative writing:

by matthew_mo · Published July 22, 2023 · Updated July 22, 2023

My experience with creative writing so far:

Creative writing is one of my hobbies I picked up over lockdown. It has been an incredible source of creativity and imagination as I sat down to write many different things. I bought a few Udemy courses in this area to grasp how to write creatively. One of which is called the complete creative writing course.

This course covers all four genres of creative writing including fiction , poetry, drama and creative non-fiction. So far, I have completed this course’s fiction and poetry sections and am currently going through the drama section. I have really enjoyed this course so far.

The most challenging aspect of creative writing has been trying to form a book out of my fiction writing because this process takes a long time. And I’ve noticed the more I write, the more ideas flow. However, if you write but don’t read back what you’ve read it is quite confusing to know what to write next because what has been written already in the story can be easily forgotten.

So, I’ve decided to do another course to help me write a book. So far very in-depth and good but looks to be very time-consuming. So, I am taking it slow and focusing on the complete creative writing course first before this novel course.

I remember going to a course, an in-person writing course based on creative writing and realised that I really enjoyed the process of writing and realised I’m very good at it as well. As a result, I decided to pick it up and start the first draft of a novel called John’s Ascension. However, it wasn’t until several thousand words in that I decided what the word Ascension meant.

Hopefully, it will be published or self-published in the future at some point however undertaking writing a book is a huge task, so I am unsure of the result of this process. Hopefully, I am successful in this process and will have published a book very soon.

The positives of creative writing:

I’ve also noticed that keeping a blog or journal is very useful to keep track of what you are going through in life, and it can be a way of therapy and a way to process hard and difficult emotions that happen during life.

Another thing is that creative writing is also considered a creative hobby. Like drawing, painting, or sculpting it uses and activates your creative muscles which is a good way to experiment and to get use out of that side of your brain.

Another aspect of creative writing I really enjoy is being able to use your imagination. This is because when you write Fiction then you can take your story wherever you want it to go. Here only your imagination is your limit if you can imagine something you’re able to write it down in the story.

Another positive is that I am a language enthusiast who enjoys learning languages. The process of language learning especially at the intermediate and advanced stages involves using a language more than learning it through textbook study. Creative writing in my opinion is one of the best ways to use a language you studied in a creative writing sense.

As a result, I’ve decided to write a new book/story for each new language I learn to that level so that I can have ample writing practice per language I’ve learnt. So far, I’ve been successful in this approach writing several pages per language I’ve learnt to that level. So far so good I can say!

The negatives of creative writing:

I don’t feel that there are many negatives to this process of writing. However, there appears to be a lot to learn in this process of learning how to write and so it can be a bit overwhelming as there are many possible sources to learn creative writing from.

Also, in the process of starting the book I am writing, I didn’t really plot it out beforehand. As such I found that in the middle of the book of finding it hard to remember what I’ve written or to think of ideas that I should write.

As a result, I’m attempting to do a novel course on how to write a novel to better understand how best to approach writing this novel. All in all, though; I think that writing a novel is very satisfying and is very good for your creativity.

Also, because writing is a very active process using your hand it can be hard and can aggravate repetitive strain injury and as such, I rely on a voice input software.

Overall, though, I think that there are no real negatives to getting into creative writing.

Conclusion:

Overall writing and creative writing are very good hobbies to have of which I very much enjoy. What about you? Let me know in the comments below.

This blog is written to share my language learning journey! I am a passionate language learner who has learnt Cantonese Chinese to C1 / Advanced and also currently learning Mandarin Chinese. I am a BBC (British Born Chinese); born and raised in the UK.

You may also like...

Blogging review after 1 year! Plans for the future

October 23, 2023

 by matthew_mo · Published October 23, 2023 · Last modified October 18, 2023

Fiction writing – my experiences so far:

September 12, 2023

 by matthew_mo · Published September 12, 2023

• Pingbacks 1

[…] think that creative writing is great and my experience so far of the genre fiction also has been awesome. In this blog post I will be comparing my […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Next story  What is my most favourite hobby?
• Previous story  Prayer versus reading the Bible:

Blog Language

• Board Games
• Christianity
• Language Learning
• Productivity
• Teach English

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• 10 Tips for Embarking on Your Creative Writing Journey
• Self Publishing Guide

Are you ready to dip your pen into the vast sea of creativity and unlock the realms of imagination? Creative writing, a form of self-expression that knows no bounds, invites you to craft worlds, characters, and emotions with the strokes of your words.

Read:  Here’s a complete guide on how to write a book and get in published in India.

Whether you’re aiming to write captivating  short stories , explore diverse writing styles, or enhance your content writing skills, these 10 tips will be your guiding stars as you embark on this exciting voyage of creative expression.

Here’s a list of some steps to keep in mind before starting with your  creative writing  journey:

• Embrace Your Passion
• Unleash Your Imagination
• Find Your Writing Style
• Start Small: Short Creative Writing Examples
• Begin with a Captivating Hook
• Develop Well-Rounded Characters
• Create Vivid Settings
• Craft compelling plots
• Revise and Refine
• Seek Inspiration and Feedback
• Embrace Your Passion : Passion is the driving force behind  compelling creative writing . When you immerse yourself in topics that genuinely resonate with your interests and curiosity, your writing becomes a reflection of your authentic self. Choose subjects that evoke a sense of excitement or curiosity within you. Writing about what you’re passionate about allows you to infuse your work with genuine emotion and enthusiasm. This connection shines through your words, making your content relatable and engaging for readers. By embracing your passion, you tap into a wellspring of creativity that propels your writing to new heights.
• Unleash Your Imagination : Imagination is the magic wand that transforms ordinary words into captivating stories. Allow your imagination to roam freely, unburdened by the constraints of reality. Create vivid worlds, unique characters, and unexpected scenarios. As you delve into your imagination, you invite readers on a journey beyond the confines of their everyday lives. Embrace the whimsical and the extraordinary, inviting your creativity to flow without inhibition. By unleashing your imagination, you not only craft memorable narratives but also transport both yourself and your readers to realms where possibilities are endless.
• Find Your Writing Style : Your  writing style  is your signature on the page, shaping how readers experience your work. Experiment with various writing styles to discover the one that resonates with your voice and best suits your content. Descriptive writing paints lush imagery, while narrative writing weaves engaging stories. Persuasive writing influences opinions, and expository writing imparts information. Explore each style to see how it enhances your storytelling and effectively conveys your message. Once you find your writing style, it becomes a powerful tool to communicate your thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Your style becomes the lens through which readers perceive your creative universe, making your writing a distinct and memorable experience.
• Start Small :  Short Creative Writing  Examples: Embarking on your creative writing journey with short examples is an excellent way to build your skills. These compact narratives offer an opportunity to experiment with different themes, tones, and styles without the commitment of a longer piece.  Short creative writing  allows you to focus on concise storytelling, honing your ability to convey emotions and ideas effectively within a limited space. These bite-sized creations serve as stepping stones for improvement, enabling you to practise crafting engaging beginnings, immersive worlds, and satisfying conclusions. By starting small, you build the foundation of your creative writing expertise, fostering the confidence to tackle more extensive projects.
• Begin with a Captivating Hook : The power of a captivating hook lies in its ability to seize readers’ attention from the very first sentence. It’s the gateway into your narrative world, enticing readers to explore further. Crafting an intriguing hook involves presenting a question, a provocative statement, or a compelling scenario that ignites curiosity. It should encapsulate the essence of your story and offer a taste of the excitement or emotion to come. A well-executed hook not only entices readers but also sets the tone for the entire piece. It’s the spark that propels readers into the heart of your narrative, ensuring they are invested in the journey you’re about to take them on.
• Develop Well-Rounded Characters :  Characters  are the heart and soul of any story. Crafting well-rounded characters involves giving them depth, complexity, and relatability. Develop their personalities, desires, and fears, creating individuals who feel like real people with their own strengths and flaws. As characters navigate challenges and evolve, readers become emotionally invested in their journeys.  Characters ‘ motivations drive the plot forward, shaping the narrative’s twists and turns. Show their growth through interactions and decisions, allowing readers to connect and empathise.  Well-developed characters  resonate with readers on a profound level, fostering a connection that keeps them engaged and invested in the outcome of your story.
• Create Vivid Settings : Settings play a pivotal role in creative writing, serving as more than mere backdrops. They act as living, breathing entities that shape the tone, mood, and atmosphere of your story. Through descriptive language, transport your readers into the heart of your world. Engage their senses with rich imagery that allows them to feel the sun’s warmth, hear the rustling leaves, and smell the salty sea breeze. By immersing readers in the surroundings you’ve meticulously crafted, you enhance their emotional connection to the narrative. Vivid settings provide context, evoke emotions, and create a visual landscape that complements the characters and plot. Whether it’s a bustling city, a serene countryside, or a fantastical realm, the settings you create add depth and authenticity to your creative work.
• Craft compelling plots : A  compelling plot  is the driving force behind readers’ engagement. Weave a narrative that is dynamic and full of surprises. Develop a series of events that lead characters through challenges, growth, and transformation. Incorporate twists and turns that keep readers on their toes, eager to discover what happens next. Suspense,  conflict , and resolutions add layers of depth to your story, generating emotional investment from your audience. As characters face obstacles and make choices, their journey should be filled with stakes and consequences. A well-crafted plot ensures that readers are hooked, wanting to accompany the characters on their quest for resolution. By blending character arcs with plot progression, you create a narrative that resonates long after the last page is turned.
• Revise and Refine : Revision is the art of refining your creative masterpiece. Your first draft is the raw material; revising transforms it into a polished gem. Meticulously review your work, focusing on every aspect, from sentence  structure to dialogue  authenticity. Examine pacing, ensuring that the narrative flows smoothly and maintains reader engagement. Each revision is an opportunity to enhance clarity, eliminate redundancies, and strengthen your storytelling. Consider feedback from trusted sources and apply the necessary adjustments. Through each iteration, your writing gains depth, cohesiveness, and resonance. Remember, revision is not a one-time process; it’s a journey of continuous improvement. Embrace the art of refining, knowing that with every revision, your creative work evolves into a true reflection of your vision and skill.
• Seek Inspiration and Feedback : Inspiration is the fuel that keeps the creative fire burning. It can be drawn from a myriad of sources, from observing everyday interactions to immersing yourself in literature, art, and the natural world. Pay attention to the subtleties of life, as even the smallest moments can spark imaginative ideas. A stroll through a park, a snippet of overheard conversation, or a thought-provoking article can all trigger creative insights. Cultivate a curious mindset and remain open to the world’s wonders, allowing them to infuse your writing with fresh perspectives. Equally essential is seeking feedback from others. Peers, mentors, and writing communities offer valuable viewpoints that can shed light on areas of improvement you might not have noticed. Constructive feedback provides a chance to refine your work, correct blind spots, and enhance your writing’s impact. It offers an opportunity for growth and an avenue to expand your skills. While it can be daunting to share your work, remember that feedback is an invaluable gift that guides you towards crafting more compelling narratives. By embracing both inspiration and feedback, you create a symbiotic relationship that nurtures your creative evolution and propels your writing to new heights.

The world of  creative writing  is a canvas awaiting your strokes of ingenuity. Whether you’re exploring the art of  short stories , refining your writing style, or cultivating content writing skills, these tips will serve as guiding lights on your path to becoming a proficient and passionate writer. Unleash your imagination, embrace your unique voice, and allow the magic of creativity to illuminate your words as you embark on this fulfilling and enriching journey.

FAQs related to creative writing:

Creative writing is a captivating form of artistic expression that allows writers to craft narratives, poems, and stories that evoke emotions, spark imagination, and engage readers. The key to successful creative writing lies in the fusion of imagination, authenticity, and skillful execution. Creativity is the foundation, as it enables writers to generate unique ideas, perspectives, and worlds that resonate with readers. Imagination unlocks the door to originality, enabling writers to infuse their work with fresh concepts, characters, and settings.

Authenticity is equally vital, as it lends an honest and genuine voice to the writing. It involves drawing from personal experiences, emotions, and observations to create relatable and resonant content. Skillful execution involves the mastery of language, grammar, and narrative techniques to effectively convey ideas and evoke emotions. Crafting vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and engaging plots enhances the overall impact of the creative piece.

In essence, the key to creative writing lies in the harmonious integration of creativity, authenticity, and technical prowess. By tapping into their imaginative reservoirs, writers can craft narratives that leave lasting impressions on readers, making them feel, think, and dream.

Creative writing is a dynamic process that involves several stages to bring ideas to life effectively. The six steps in creative writing are:

• Idea Generation : This is the inception of the creative process. Writers brainstorm concepts, themes, and characters, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences, observations, or prompts.
• Planning and Outlining : Once an idea takes shape, writers create a rough outline that highlights the plot, characters, and key events. This provides a roadmap for the writing journey.
• Drafting : The drafting stage involves putting words to paper. Writers focus on getting their ideas down without overly scrutinising details or grammar. The goal is to let creativity flow freely.
• Revision : After the initial draft is complete, writers review and revise their work for clarity, coherence, and flow. This stage involves refining language, eliminating inconsistencies, and enhancing the narrative’s structure.
• Editing : Editing focuses on correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. It also involves fine-tuning sentence structure and word choice to enhance readability.
• Finalising and Publishing : The last step involves polishing the piece and preparing it for sharing with an audience. This could include submitting to literary journals, self-publishing, or sharing with friends and family.

These steps create a structured approach to creative writing, ensuring that ideas are translated into well-crafted, compelling narratives.

The “Three C’s” of creative writing encompass the core elements that contribute to the effectiveness and impact of a creative piece: character, conflict, and conclusion.

• Character : Characters are the heart of any story. They drive the narrative, engage readers emotionally, and provide relatable entry points into the story’s world. Well-developed characters possess unique traits, motivations, and arcs that add depth and authenticity to the story.
• Conflict : Conflict is the engine that propels the plot forward. It creates tension, challenges characters, and introduces obstacles they must overcome. The resolution of conflict forms the backbone of the story’s progression and keeps readers invested in the outcome.
• Conclusion : The conclusion provides closure to the narrative, resolving conflicts and character arcs. It leaves readers with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, ensuring that the story’s themes and messages resonate.

Balancing these three elements is crucial for crafting a compelling and resonant creative piece that captures readers’ attention and imagination.

Creative writing encompasses a range of forms that allow writers to express themselves artistically. The four primary forms of creative writing are:

• Fiction : Fiction involves crafting imaginary narratives and characters. This form includes short stories, novels, novellas, and flash fiction, enabling writers to explore diverse genres, themes, and emotions.
• Poetry : Poetry is characterised by its focus on language, rhythm, and imagery. Poems use metaphor, rhyme, and wordplay to convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences in condensed and evocative forms.
• Creative Nonfiction : Creative nonfiction merges factual events with artistic expression. It includes personal essays, memoirs, and autobiographies, allowing writers to narrate real-life experiences using storytelling techniques.
• Drama and Playwriting : Drama involves crafting scripts for theatre, film, or television. Playwriting creates dialogue-driven narratives that explore themes, conflicts, and character interactions through performance.

Each form offers distinct opportunities for writers to experiment with language, structure, and storytelling techniques, fostering diverse modes of creative expression.

Creativity is the capacity to generate novel, original ideas and solutions through the synthesis of existing concepts, experiences, and insights. It involves the ability to break away from conventional thinking and explore new territories of thought. The key features of creativity include:

• Originality : Creativity involves producing ideas that are fresh, innovative, and distinct from what has been done before.
• Combination : Creativity often emerges from combining seemingly unrelated elements to create something new and unexpected.
• Flexibility : Creative individuals possess the ability to adapt their thinking and perspectives, embracing multiple viewpoints and approaches.
• Problem-Solving: Creativity is a powerful tool for solving complex problems by approaching them from unique angles and devising innovative solutions.
• Risk-Taking : Creativity requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing uncertainty to explore new territories of thought.
• Imagination : A vibrant imagination fuels creative thinking, allowing individuals to envision possibilities beyond immediate reality.

Fostering these key features of creativity enhances one’s capacity to generate imaginative ideas and bring them to fruition through creative writing.

Creative writing serves several fundamental purposes that enrich human experience and communication:

• Entertainment : Creative writing entertains readers by immersing them in imaginative worlds, introducing captivating characters, and taking them on emotional journeys.
• Expression : Creative writing offers a medium for individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in ways that transcend straightforward communication.
• Exploration : Creative writing enables exploration of complex themes, perspectives, and scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of human nature, society, and the world.

Through these purposes, creative writing serves as a means of connection, catharsis, and exploration, enriching both writers and readers.

Improving creative writing skills is an ongoing journey that involves practise, learning, and self-discovery. Here are some effective strategies to enhance your creative writing abilities:

• Read Widely : Immerse yourself in a diverse range of literature to expand your exposure to different writing styles, voices, and genres.
• Write regularly . Consistent practise is essential for improvement. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write creatively.
• Experiment with Prompts : Writing prompts can spark fresh ideas and encourage you to explore topics or perspectives you might not have considered.
• Revise and edit : After drafting, take time to revise and edit your work. This helps refine your writing, enhance clarity, and strengthen the narrative.
• Seek feedback : Share your work with trusted peers, mentors, or writing groups. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights for improvement.
• Study Craft : Read books, take courses, and study the craft of writing. Learning about narrative structure, character development, and other techniques can elevate your writing.
• Practise observation : sharpen your observational skills by paying attention to details in your surroundings, emotions, and interactions. This enriches your writing with authenticity.
• Embrace Feedback : Be open to feedback and criticism. Use constructive input to refine your writing and develop a growth mindset.
• Step Out of Your Comfort Zone : Experiment with different genres, styles, and themes to challenge yourself creatively.
• Stay Curious : Cultivate curiosity about the world around you. Curiosity fuels creativity by encouraging you to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Improving creative writing skills requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn and grow. Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress, and continue honing your craft to become a more skilled and expressive writer.

• About The Author
• Latest Posts

Manan Sahni

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Learning You: 5 Takeaways From My Writing Journey So Far

December 15, 2022

by Leah Henderson, faculty, writing for children and young adults

Since 2017, when my first novel, One Shadow on the Wall , was published, I have been trying to find a healthy footing in the writing world, and in particular the kidlit publishing space. Along the way, I have learned a few things that may be helpful to consider and remember for anyone pursuing a career in writing.

1. You can’t control what you can’t control. Well, of course you can’t, but before becoming a full-time writer I never really thought about things that way. Yes, a lot is out of our control in life, but I guess I always had a more “half-full” approach to things. Basically, there could be a way through or around, and it usually started with me putting my head down, figuring out a solution, then studying and working to make it happen. I was taught that if you do the work, everything will work itself out. And while I still believe this to a certain extent, I also know that everything we hope for in the traditional publishing world—for ourselves and our books—might not come our way (or at least not the way we want it to). And you know what, that’s okay, because as the “half-full” part of me believes, something even better might be around the next corner.

2. Focus on what you can control. Another no-brainer! But I’m almost ashamed to say how often I’ve needed to remind myself of this from time to time. While no longer stressing over things I cannot control has done wonders for my mental (and physical) wellbeing, focusing on what I can control has helped me keep writing. I can control the words I chose, the stories I tell, and most importantly, the way I tell them. When I sit down to write, it is just me and the page, no one else (okay, characters too), but at that point there are no expectations (I’m listening to) but my own.

And while things rarely ever turn out the way I envisioned before I started, I can work on my words till I get them to a place where I feel good about writing them, saying them, and sharing them. And once that happens, then I have to take a VERY deep breath and be okay with letting some level of that control go, because I cannot control who will understand my words, need my words, disagree with my words, or who’ll simply ignore them. All I can do is control that they ever got written and be proud of that. And hope that someday they will reach the readers they are meant to reach.

3. Learn to be kind to you. Again, we should all know this. But there are so many times and so many ways that we are not kind to ourselves. We are often our harshest critics. We are unforgiving of our own mistakes. Or our need to take a rest, walk away, or even reach out for help. We need to remember that taking care of and being kind to ourselves is the only way we’ll get through this thing called publishing with more smiles than tears—maybe.

4. Learn when and what to say “yes” and “no” to. Opportunities or distractions? There are so many paths to take and directions to go when trying to get published, and none of us have a crystal ball when it comes to which are the most important, which will get us an agent or attention from a literary magazine or a publisher. Then, once published, which will increase book sales, garner more speaking engagements, or get our work shared far and wide. Yes, there are definitely some places and opportunities that are not to be missed, but for most of us, there are lots of moments where what we should been doing is writing, not moving this way or that—lots of moments that we should be sitting still and focusing on the next word.

Then there are other times, where book sales might not increase, but the opportunity may fill our creative well or help us to say, “I got this. Keep swimming.” We don’t always know when these life-shifting/life-building moments will happen, but as we get to know more about the writing world and about ourselves (and what we need at different times), these moments of “yes” and “no” become easier to recognize and make.

5. Learn you. This one may take a bit of time. Learn what you really want when it comes to your writing and the publishing world. It is different for everyone. Then work towards that. Focus on the things that you can control that will bring you closer to that want or hope. And when you come upon a hard decision that might pit you against that hope or dream, you have a compass; you have a direction. Yes, sometimes compromise is needed, but not on the most important things—the things that help you sleep, hold your head high, and fill your heart and well. Remember those things in moments of doubt. They will help guide you through.

6. Bonus: Embrace your community . The writing community (especially here at Spalding) is rich with friendship, knowledge, and support. Actively engage in it, because the people you meet within these spaces are the ones who will get you through the stumbles and rocky moments, and celebrate you with the sincerest applause and/or tears. We don’t have to do this thing alone. Find your people, and be open to letting them find you!

Keep swimming, everyone!

Leah Henderson is a writer, mentor, and believer in all people seeing their possibilities and genius. She has written several critically acclaimed books for young readers, including The Magic in Changing Your Stars, Daddy Speaks Love , Together We March, and the forthcoming The Courage of the Little Hummingbird.

Strong Writing is a Journey

Our young people deserve to be capable writers—it’s critical to their future. Welcome to Writer’s Toolbox Learning Journey: the true changemaker.

Learning Journey is the heart of our developmental writing programme. From the first year of primary to the last year of high school, students are guided through a comprehensive series of pre-planned learning modules that teach them the relevant writing skills for their year level.

Mapping the Journey

In Learning Journey, every school year level has its own map.  And age-appropriate visual themes take students step-by-step through their quest to writing mastery.  From friendly animals and cartoon characters for young ones, to steampunk archetypes and androids for older users.  Every map—just like a real odyssey—is rich with skills to master as students make their way through ten individualised stages.

The Writing Journey

At every stage of the Learning Journey, your student is presented with a series of learning modules—each module focusing on a single writing skill to master.  Modules are mapped to the world’s major curriculum systems, supplemented by our longitudinal research study into writing instruction.  You can rest assured that your students are covering what they need to succeed, and building their writing skills in a purposeful way.

We understand what it’s like to be a student: how hard it can be to learn.  So we’ve gone to great pains to make knowledge transfer effective.  The instructional text uses graded language along with light-hearted content, making learning fun and rapid.  Discrete writing skills are reinforced with quizzes, instructional videos, interactive activities, and graded comprehension tasks.  The writing skills your student masters are instantly employable.

"After four weeks, one Year 7 class could quote me the Sentence Structures and how to use them. It sinks in so easily."

Nathan Smith, Deputy Principal, Rochedale State High School

Engaging Videos

Student engagement and knowledge transfer is at the heart of Writer’s Toolbox.  That’s why our modules include professionally-produced learning videos.  Across a three to five-minute video segment, our module video content brings each writing skill to life.  Plus, you’ll hear directly from Writer’s Toolbox founder Dr Ian Hunter, as he talks directly to students, offering hints and professional writing tips to engage and fortify their learning.

Practice Makes Perfect

Repeated practice—done in an interesting way—helps make learning permanent. But the Writer's Toolbox approach is not just dull multi-guess questions. Our educators built hundreds of bespoke writing activities to expand your student’s cognitive capacity. They’ll assimilate greater writing knowledge—and at the same time, their brain power in higher order thinking skills is expanded in areas like sequencing, synthesis, judgement, evaluation, and inference. Ready to learn?

"We were trying everything, but our results did not improve. We were looking for that answer that was a school-wide programme, and that’s what we found in Writer’s Toolbox."

Tracey Ah Boo, Head of English, Dakabin State High School

Story Challenges

The best learning is always done in context.  That’s why every module in the Learning Journey contains an original comprehension task—what we call a Story Challenge.  The comprehension task illustrates the form and function of the writing skill being taught with appropriately-graded language and themes.  The tasks are a carefully-curated mix of narrative fiction, along with biographical, scientific, social, and historical studies.

Student can read the tasks themselves, or be read to by a professional voice artist.  To ensure effective consolidation of learning, every story comes with a reading comprehension quiz, and a writing comprehension quiz testing their knowledge of the writing skill in context.

The Sentence Train

Based on research into sentence chunking and sentence combining methodologies, the Sentence Train™ method is used in sentence module activities to broaden your student’s sentencing toolkit.  They’ll learn multiple ways to cast a sentence.  And by arranging train pieces and punctuation into the correct order, sentence structure and punctuation rules are taught in a fun, simple, and memorable way.

With a range of sound effects, backgrounds, and train models to send even the most dedicated railroader into a frenzy, The Sentence Train gets students so invested, they won’t even realise they’re learning.

Student Agency

Across each Learning Journey map, your students can track and monitor their own progress across each stage and every module.  Teacher/student conferencing has never been richer.  As your students master a deeper range of writing skills, they can talk purposefully about their achievement and their goals.  And for those competitive students out there—you know the ones—there’s the extra challenge of getting all three achievement stars and nailing 100 per cent module completion.

Teachers and School Leaders: We’ve Got You

To give you complete control and overview of all your students’ individual Learning Journeys, we designed the Learning Journey Manager—an intuitive and powerful tool.

You can check curriculum links, preview, and assign modules to individual students or classes, even modules outside of our pre-built Learning Journeys.  At the click of a button, you get unparalleled insights into student progress.  Watch how the writing skills your students acquire improve their compositional writing strength.  Lock stages to stop students racing ahead.  Activate an 80 per cent achievement rate requirement.  You’re in control.

Dive in Now

Writer’s Toolbox Learning Journeys offer students and teachers a personalised experience that builds confidence and inspires the writer within.  Implement within your local curriculum or use it independently; Learning Journey is the perfect learning partner.

• Request new password
• Create a new account

Password Reset  - We have updated our systems. If you are an exisitng user and have not reset your password since Dec 19, please reset your password now or create an account to access restricted resources.

Alternatively, contact us on:

• US (and territories)please call 800-818-7243
• Europe (and territories) please call +44(0)207 324 8500

Teaching With Light: Ten Lessons for Finding Wisdom, Balance, and Inspiration

Student resources, my writing journey, this is my story. my purpose in sharing it with you is to encourage you to think of yourself as a writer so you can share your ideas with others. teachers often ask me why i decided to write and publish books. as i reflect back i see that each book has its own story and reason for emerging. i never thought of myself as a writer and never imagined it as a goal. in fact, i wasn’t even sure i liked writing and sharing my ideas with other people..

My journey as a writer began when I was ten years old. My family decided to take a trip to Florida to visit my grandparents and it would take me out of school for two weeks. One week was school vacation and the other week was required school time. I was in the 4 th grade and my teacher’s name was Mrs. Orr. I can still see her standing in the front of the room saying, Carol, instead of giving you work to complete, I am going to have you keep a diary of your trip. Write each day what you did and when you get back it will be printed in our class newsletter for all the students to read.

Well, you can imagine my reaction. I would rather do the homework than write the events of my trip for my classmates. Several years ago when cleaning out my mother’s home, I found that copy of the class newspaper. At the top of the article I saw my name and the events of my trip. It brought back memories of how I struggled with what to say, and it also brought back a sense of pride to see my written words.

When I became a teacher I did the typical writing of lesson plans, units, and notes to parents. Teachers are always writing. We mostly write for our students, their parents, or for administrative reports. We don’t often have the opportunity to write our perspective. Our writing purpose is usually for others. My first real writing opportunity came when a state grant was offered for teachers to create a project that would serve students or teachers. In education we don’t often get funding to create something we think is important, so I jumped at the chance to propose an idea. I had just finished hosting a student teacher and had lots of notes about what I had done with her. I was thinking, “What’s missing?”  and the idea came to me to write a guide for cooperating teachers who are hosting student teachers.

Cooperating teachers welcome beginners into their classrooms, but often don’t have the protocols or skills to observe and provide feedback to them. I decided to write a handbook and I titled it, “So You’re Going to Be a Cooperating Teacher: A Guide for Classroom Teachers.”  The purpose of the guide was to create a common language for cooperating teachers in our school district so they would know how to prepare and support a student teacher. The proposal was funded. I wrote it, copied it, and distributed it widely. Teachers responded positively and this was the beginning of my journey as a writer of education books. It also shifted my love of teaching students, to a love of supporting new teachers.

I shared one of my copies with an editor from Allyn & Bacon; Simon & Schuster (Now Pearson Education) and it led to the publication of my very first book, Techniques and Strategies for Coaching Student Teachers. As I look back I remember writing this book quickly and easily. I had the original copied cooperating teacher guide as a model and I wanted this to be a practical and useful tool for classroom teachers. It just flowed! I felt a sense of urgency to get the message to them and I was inspired.

About the same time, I decided to apply to a doctoral program and focus my studies on teacher development. This led to my work in higher education in the practicum office at a city university where my new book would be used! This was so exciting. Cooperating teachers didn’t usually have a book so I felt we were offering them something tangible beyond the college handbook. I knew this would benefit the student teachers I placed with them.

During my time at the university I was invited to write a 2 nd edition for Techniques and Strategies for Coaching Student Teachers (Pearson) and a new book to be its companion, Strategies for Successful Student Teacher (Pearson). These books would both be used to benefit the education program and provide a structure and common language for both the cooperating teacher and the student teacher. Now the student teachers could guide their own development. Strategies for Successful Student Teaching is still in print, but the Techniques book for the cooperating teacher is not. I am happy to say that I will be taking the content from the cooperating teacher book and creating a free on-line course that I will share with universities and schools through my website. I still believe cooperating teachers are crucial to the development of teachers.

Both of these books had a purpose and could be used in the work I was doing. I tend to write for a reason. I continue to ask “What’s Missing?” and then I reflect on what I could contribute to this gap. So when I was also invited to collaborate on an education text Touch the Future Teach! (Pearson), I wasn’t sure if this was the project for me. It was a book that would be used in education courses but there were already books out there to do that. To be honest I wasn’t sure this was the right fit for me, but I convinced myself I could do it. So instead of trusting my gut, and sticking with my no answer, I experienced the downside of the writer’s journey. Having to write!!!! It didn’t flow like the others. Deadlines. Forced topics that I did not generate. Different perspectives. I did love and appreciate the chapters I contributed, but all in all, it was a painful and long process. So my learning from this is, just write what feels right! You don’t have to say yes to every writing request!

This fortunately did not end my writing journey. Instead it focused me back to my own personal question, What’s Missing? And the answer that came to me was a book for mentors who are working with the graduates of our program. Those very same cooperating teachers who needed guidance during the practicum, now are becoming mentors for the student teachers who are hired by their district. These teachers were asking the same questions, What do I do? What do I talk about? How do I mentor? And that is when I proposed, Mentoring in Action: A month-by-month guide for mentors and their new teachers (Pearson).  It was published and used in our city program and across the country.

After the writing of this book, I changed jobs to be closer to home and my work shifted to working with two k-12 school districts. After meeting with the mentors who were using by mentoring book, they suggested I write a companion book for the novice teacher. Since I had done a student teacher book I felt I could do this and I wrote, The First Year Matters (Pearson). The purpose of this book was to allow the novice teachers to be full partners in the mentoring process. The mentor and the mentee would have the same content, only written in a different voice, so they could communicate more efficiently. The books worked well together and provided the novices with practical protocols and reflections to help them develop their practices. to provide these beginners with additional support. These mentoring companion books led me to an opportunity to collaborate with the State Department of Education to develop a state-wide hybrid mentor train the trainer program.

When this project was completed I decided to formally retire from the university, thinking my writing journey was over. That is when a group of dedicated teachers and colleagues approached me to continue to offer the mentor training I had previously offered through the state. I began writing and developing content for on-line courses. Writing continues in new ways, scripts for videos, ideas for courses, journal prompts and guides.

At about the same time I was leaving the university I enrolled in a yoga teacher training program. The integration of the yoga perspective and my teaching career merged and what I learned in yoga training was merged into my newly created business Mentoring in Action! This writing and all the videos from Project SUCCESS and TEACH! South Coast are available for free on my website http://mentoringinaction.com/

Formal retirement gave me time to consider revising the two mentoring books I had written for Pearson. With my new mindfulness lens and the videos I had produced, I knew I could create a more updated mentoring curriculum. I requested and received my copyrights back from Pearson and signed a contract with Corwin. I am pleased to say that the 2 nd editions for both Mentoring in Action: Guiding, Sharing, and Reflecting With Novice Teachers ( Corwin 2017 ) and The First Years Matter: Becoming an Effective Teacher (Corwin 2017) are bestsellers!

So I thought I was done, but as I listened to novice teachers and their mentors, they  shared so much about the stress of teaching that I decided to write about mindfulness and self-care. I began to offer self-care workshops at yoga studios and also at teacher leadership and mentoring conferences. These sessions led me to self-publishing two books on Amazon; Mindful Living: Art and Affirmations to Nourish Your Soul, and Mindful Mentoring: A Guide For Mentors and Mentees. Other professions, medical, church groups, youth mentoring, university college students, and others are using the books because they are not content based for educators.

Most recently I completed the On Your Feet Guide to Mentoring Conversations (2020) a hands on document that highlights key features of the mentoring book. This quick and easy reference was fun to write because it had me look at what is most important to me in mentoring and bring it forth in a clear and concise way.

And now here I am with my latest book, Teaching With Light: Ten Lessons for Finding Wisdom, Balance, and Inspiration (Corwin, 2021). This book is a culmination of all I have learned along the education path. My stories from the beginning of my career, the authors who inspired me, and the practices I have used to maintain my balance are all here. So I guess you could say that my writing journey has been successful when I responded to my inner question of What’s Missing? And how can I write something to fill that need? Instead of writing what someone else wanted me to write.

I did not map this journey out. In some ways it came to me.  If anyone ever said to me in those beginning years of teaching that I would be a published author leading my own company, I would never have believed it! Yet, here I am. As I review my career I acknowledge that writing has been instrumental to the way in which I communicate with others. It all began in 4 th grade when I had to write that diary that would be read by others. I encourage you to find your writing bone and see what you have to say. It may be a blog, a video, or a guide for your colleagues. Be creative and open to the answers that come to you. I believe teachers are leaders. We can lead from the classroom or in education related professions. Part of being a leader is sharing what we know. Reflect on your relationship with writing. Think about “What’s missing?” and how you can fill that gap with your expertise and knowledge. Begin your writing journey.

Learning from my mistakes: an English teacher's blog

Sunday 22 february 2015, creative writing - the journey.

Your post is awesome! Nowadays is popular to hire an editor, when you have your blog or site. Check professionalessayuk.com !

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.

What Are Some Ideas For Creative Writing About Journeys?

Journeys can be incredibly inspiring and enriching, whether you’re planning one for yourself or looking at them from a spectator perspective. In this article, we’ve compiled some ideas for creative writing about journeys that will give you inspiration to write your own journey stories!

How to start your journey

1. Write about your goals for the journey. What are you looking to achieve? What your journey says about you?

2. Choose a location or places that inspire you and write about why they are special. Include interesting facts about the place or people who live there.

3. Create a character or characters who have a unique perspective on the journey, and explore their motivations for travelling. How do they differ from your own? Are they supportive or challenging?

4. Share your experiences as you take the journey, both good and bad. Are there any surprises along the way? How did you learn from them?

Why write about journeys?

Journeys can be fascinating and engaging topics for creative writing. There are endless possibilities for stories, poems, or essays about different types of journeys, from long road trips to life-changing adventures.

1. Write about a journey that you’ve taken yourself. What made it unique and memorable?

2. Write about a journey that has affected you deeply in some way. Why did it matter to you?

3. Write about a journey that you’ve seen or read about in another person’s story. How did it make you feel?

4. Write about a journey that has changed your view of the world around you. How has it altered your perspective on life?

5. Write about a journey that has challenged you in some way. How did the experience make you grow?

6. Write about a journey that has inspired you in some way. What did you learn from it that you can apply to your own life?

Tips for writing about a journey

To create a powerful and engaging story about your journey, start by considering these tips.

1. Find the purpose of your journey. What is the reason you’re traveling? Is it to see new sights, meet new people, or learn something new? Once you know the purpose of your journey, you can begin to explore the reasons why it matters to you.

2. Write with emotion. When writing about your journey, don’t just give a factual account of what happened; use your emotions to bring readers along on your journey. Share the good moments and describe the exciting experiences in a way that makes them feel like they were right there with you.

3. Use analogies and metaphors. When writing about a journey, it can be helpful to use analogies and metaphors to help explain things to readers. For example, when describing how travel changes someone’s perspective, say that going on a trip “opened [them] up” or “stretched [them] out.”

4. Be descriptive. When writing about a journey, try to be as descriptive as possible so readers can picture everything happening in their minds’ eyes.

How to write about a journey in a creative way

One way to write about a journey in a creative way is to consider the following questions: 1. What are the different aspects of a journey that you might want to explore? 2. What are some of the emotions you might feel on your journey? 3. What are some of the unique things about your journey that make it special? 4. What are some of the memorable moments from your journey? 5. What are some of the discoveries you make on your journey?

The different types of journeys people take

1. A journey of self-discovery

One great way to explore a journey is to look at it as a time of self-discovery. What are the lessons you’re learning on your journey? Are you discovering new skills or talents that you didn’t know you had? Are you growing in some way, both physically and emotionally?

2. A journey of transformation

Another great way to look at a journey is as a time of spiritual growth. What are your beliefs and what has this taught you? Are you discovering new ways of thinking or living? Are you opening your heart and mind to new possibilities?

3. A journey with friends

A journey can be even more special when it’s shared with loved ones. What memories will you create on this trip together? Will you laugh and cry together? Will a Journey of self-discovery bring you back together?

4. A journey into the unknown

On a journey, anything is possible. You could venture into uncharted territory, discover new things about yourself and the world around you, or go on an adventure that’ll have you exploring everything from the depths of the ocean to the top of the mountain range. There’s nothing like a voyageto open up your mind and broaden your horizons.

5. A journey of change

Every journey has the potential to bring about change. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, find a new job or make some important changes in your life, a journey can be an incredibly powerful tool for achieving these goals.

What are some prompts for writing about journeys?

Some possible prompts for creative writing about journeys include: -A journey as metaphor for life itself -A journey as an opportunity to learn something new -A journey as an escape from reality -A journey as a chance to see the world from a different perspective -A journey as a way to connect with others

Journeys are a unique way to explore the world around you and experience different cultures, religions, and landscapes. Whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or simply taking small steps to explore your city, writing about your journey is an excellent way to capture all of the amazing experiences that life has to offer. What are some creative ideas you have for writing about journeys? Let us know in the comments below!

Source:- https://findbestforme.com/best-mfa-creative-writing-programs/

French Journal of English Studies

Home Numéros 59 1 - Tisser les liens : voyager, e... 36 Views of Moscow Mountain: Teac...

36 Views of Moscow Mountain: Teaching Travel Writing and Mindfulness in the Tradition of Hokusai and Thoreau

L'auteur américain Henry David Thoreau est un écrivain du voyage qui a rarement quitté sa ville natale de Concorde, Massachusetts, où il a vécu de 1817 à 1862. Son approche du "voyage" consiste à accorder une profonde attention à son environnement ordinaire et à voir le monde à partir de perspectives multiples, comme il l'explique avec subtilité dans Walden (1854). Inspiré par Thoreau et par la célèbre série de gravures du peintre d'estampes japonais Katsushika Hokusai, intitulée 36 vues du Mt. Fuji (1830-32), j'ai fait un cours sur "L'écriture thoreauvienne du voyage" à l'Université de l'Idaho, que j'appelle 36 vues des montagnes de Moscow: ou, Faire un grand voyage — l'esprit et le carnet ouvert — dans un petit lieu . Cet article explore la philosophie et les stratégies pédagogiques de ce cours, qui tente de partager avec les étudiants les vertus d'un regard neuf sur le monde, avec les yeux vraiment ouverts, avec le regard d'un voyageur, en "faisant un grand voyage" à Moscow, Idaho. Les étudiants affinent aussi leurs compétences d'écriture et apprennent les traditions littéraires et artistiques associées au voyage et au sens du lieu.

Index terms

Keywords: , designing a writing class to foster engagement.

1 The signs at the edge of town say, "Entering Moscow, Idaho. Population 25,060." This is a small hamlet in the midst of a sea of rolling hills, where farmers grow varieties of wheat, lentils, peas, and garbanzo beans, irrigated by natural rainfall. Although the town of Moscow has a somewhat cosmopolitan feel because of the presence of the University of Idaho (with its 13,000 students and a few thousand faculty and staff members), elegant restaurants, several bookstores and music stores, and a patchwork of artsy coffee shops on Main Street, the entire mini-metropolis has only about a dozen traffic lights and a single high school. As a professor of creative writing and the environmental humanities at the university, I have long been interested in finding ways to give special focuses to my writing and literature classes that will help my students think about the circumstances of their own lives and find not only academic meaning but personal significance in our subjects. I have recently taught graduate writing workshops on such themes as "The Body" and "Crisis," but when I was given the opportunity recently to teach an undergraduate writing class on Personal and Exploratory Writing, I decided to choose a focus that would bring me—and my students—back to one of the writers who has long been of central interest to me: Henry David Thoreau.

2 One of the courses I have routinely taught during the past six years is Environmental Writing, an undergraduate class that I offer as part of the university's Semester in the Wild Program, a unique undergraduate opportunity that sends a small group of students to study five courses (Ecology, Environmental History, Environmental Writing, Outdoor Leadership and Wilderness Survival, and Wilderness Management and Policy) at a remote research station located in the middle of the largest wilderness area (the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness) in the United States south of Alaska. In "Teaching with Wolves," a recent article about the Semester in the Wild Program, I explained that my goal in the Environmental Writing class is to help the students "synthesize their experience in the wilderness with the content of the various classes" and "to think ahead to their professional lives and their lives as engaged citizens, for which critical thinking and communication skills are so important" (325). A foundational text for the Environmental Writing class is a selection from Thoreau's personal journal, specifically the entries he made October 1-20, 1853, which I collected in the 1993 writing textbook Being in the World: An Environmental Reader for Writers . I ask the students in the Semester in the Wild Program to deeply immerse themselves in Thoreau's precise and colorful descriptions of the physical world that is immediately present to him and, in turn, to engage with their immediate encounters with the world in their wilderness location. Thoreau's entries read like this:

Oct. 4. The maples are reddening, and birches yellowing. The mouse-ear in the shade in the middle of the day, so hoary, looks as if the frost still lay on it. Well it wears the frost. Bumblebees are on the Aster undulates , and gnats are dancing in the air. Oct. 5. The howling of the wind about the house just before a storm to-night sounds extremely like a loon on the pond. How fit! Oct. 6 and 7. Windy. Elms bare. (372)

3 In thinking ahead to my class on Personal and Exploratory Writing, which would be offered on the main campus of the University of Idaho in the fall semester of 2018, I wanted to find a topic that would instill in my students the Thoreauvian spirit of visceral engagement with the world, engagement on the physical, emotional, and philosophical levels, while still allowing my students to remain in the city and live their regular lives as students. It occurred to me that part of what makes Thoreau's journal, which he maintained almost daily from 1837 (when he was twenty years old) to 1861 (just a year before his death), such a rich and elegant work is his sense of being a traveler, even when not traveling geographically.

Traveling a Good Deal in Moscow

I have traveled a good deal in Concord…. --Henry David Thoreau, Walden (1854; 4)

4 For Thoreau, one did not need to travel a substantial physical distance in order to be a traveler, in order to bring a traveler's frame of mind to daily experience. His most famous book, Walden , is well known as an account of the author's ideas and daily experiments in simple living during the two years, two months, and two days (July 4, 1845, to September 6, 1847) he spent inhabiting a simple wooden house that he built on the shore of Walden Pond, a small lake to the west of Boston, Massachusetts. Walden Pond is not a remote location—it is not out in the wilderness. It is on the edge of a small village, much like Moscow, Idaho. The concept of "traveling a good deal in Concord" is a kind of philosophical and psychological riddle. What does it mean to travel extensively in such a small place? The answer to this question is meaningful not only to teachers hoping to design writing classes in the spirit of Thoreau but to all who are interested in travel as an experience and in the literary genre of travel writing.

5 Much of Walden is an exercise in deftly establishing a playful and intellectually challenging system of synonyms, an array of words—"economy," "deliberateness," "simplicity," "dawn," "awakening," "higher laws," etc.—that all add up to powerful probing of what it means to live a mindful and attentive life in the world. "Travel" serves as a key, if subtle, metaphor for the mindful life—it is a metaphor and also, in a sense, a clue: if we can achieve the traveler's perspective without going far afield, then we might accomplish a kind of enlightenment. Thoreau's interest in mindfulness becomes clear in chapter two of Walden , "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For," in which he writes, "Morning is when I am awake and there is a dawn in me. To be awake is to be alive. I have never yet met a man who was quite awake. How could I have looked him in the face?" The latter question implies the author's feeling that he is himself merely evolving as an awakened individual, not yet fully awake, or mindful, in his efforts to live "a poetic or divine life" (90). Thoreau proceeds to assert that "We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn…. I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor" (90). Just what this endeavor might be is not immediately spelled out in the text, but the author does quickly point out the value of focusing on only a few activities or ideas at a time, so as not to let our lives be "frittered away by detail." He writes: "Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; … and keep your accounts on your thumb nail" (91). The strong emphasis in the crucial second chapter of Walden is on the importance of waking up and living deliberately through a conscious effort to engage in particular activities that support such awakening. It occurs to me that "travel," or simply making one's way through town with the mindset of a traveler, could be one of these activities.

6 It is in the final chapter of the book, titled "Conclusion," that Thoreau makes clear the relationship between travel and living an attentive life. He begins the chapter by cataloguing the various physical locales throughout North America or around the world to which one might travel—Canada, Ohio, Colorado, and even Tierra del Fuego. But Thoreau states: "Our voyaging is only great-circle sailing, and the doctors prescribe for diseases of the skin merely. One hastens to Southern Africa to chase the giraffe; but surely that is not the game he would be after." What comes next is brief quotation from the seventeenth-century English poet William Habbington (but presented anonymously in Thoreau's text), which might be one of the most significant passages in the entire book:

Direct your eye sight inward, and you'll find A thousand regions in your mind Yet undiscovered. Travel them, and be Expert in home-cosmography. (320)

7 This admonition to travel the mysterious territory of one's own mind and master the strange cosmos of the self is actually a challenge to the reader—and probably to the author himself—to focus on self-reflection and small-scale, local movement as if such activities were akin to exploration on a grand, planetary scale. What is really at issue here is not the physical distance of one's journey, but the mental flexibility of one's approach to the world, one's ability to look at the world with a fresh, estranged point of view. Soon after his discussion of the virtues of interior travel, Thoreau explains why he left his simple home at Walden Pond after a few years of experimental living there, writing, "It is remarkable how easily and insensibly we fall into a particular route, and make a beaten track for ourselves" (323). In other words, no matter what we're doing in life, we can fall into a "beaten track" if we're not careful, thus failing to stay "awake."

8 As I thought about my writing class at the University of Idaho, I wondered how I might design a series of readings and writing exercises for university students that would somehow emulate the Thoreauvian objective of achieving ultra-mindfulness in a local environment. One of the greatest challenges in designing such a class is the fact that it took Thoreau himself many years to develop an attentiveness to his environment and his own emotional rhythms and an efficiency of expression that would enable him to describe such travel-without-travel, and I would have only sixteen weeks to achieve this with my own students. The first task, I decided, was to invite my students into the essential philosophical stance of the class, and I did this by asking my students to read the opening chapter of Walden ("Economy") in which he talks about traveling "a good deal" in his small New England village as well as the second chapter and the conclusion, which reveal the author's enthusiasm (some might even say obsession ) for trying to achieve an awakened condition and which, in the end, suggest that waking up to the meaning of one's life in the world might be best accomplished by attempting the paradoxical feat of becoming "expert in home-cosmography." As I stated it among the objectives for my course titled 36 Views of Moscow Mountain: Or, Traveling a Good Deal—with Open Minds and Notebooks—in a Small Place , one of our goals together (along with practicing nonfiction writing skills and learning about the genre of travel writing) would be to "Cultivate a ‘Thoreauvian' way of appreciating the subtleties of the ordinary world."

Windy. Elms Bare.

9 For me, the elegance and heightened sensitivity of Thoreau's engagement with place is most movingly exemplified in his journal, especially in the 1850s after he's mastered the art of observation and nuanced, efficient description of specific natural phenomena and environmental conditions. His early entries in the journal are abstract mini-essays on such topics as truth, beauty, and "The Poet," but over time the journal notations become so immersed in the direct experience of the more-than-human world, in daily sensory experiences, that the pronoun "I" even drops out of many of these records. Lawrence Buell aptly describes this Thoreauvian mode of expression as "self-relinquishment" (156) in his 1995 book The Environmental Imagination , suggesting such writing "question[s] the authority of the superintending consciousness. As such, it opens up the prospect of a thoroughgoing perceptual breakthrough, suggesting the possibility of a more ecocentric state of being than most of us have dreamed of" (144-45). By the time Thoreau wrote "Windy. Elms bare" (372) as his single entry for October 6 and 7, 1853, he had entered what we might call an "ecocentric zone of consciousness" in his work, attaining the ability to channel his complex perceptions of season change (including meteorology and botany and even his own emotional state) into brief, evocative prose.

10 I certainly do not expect my students to be able to do such writing after only a brief introduction to the course and to Thoreau's own methods of journal writing, but after laying the foundation of the Thoreauvian philosophy of nearby travel and explaining to my students what I call the "building blocks of the personal essay" (description, narration, and exposition), I ask them to engage in a preliminary journal-writing exercise that involves preparing five journal entries, each "a paragraph or two in length," that offer detailed physical descriptions of ordinary phenomena from their lives (plants, birds, buildings, street signs, people, food, etc.), emphasizing shape, color, movement or change, shadow, and sometimes sound, smell, taste, and/or touch. The goal of the journal entries, I tell the students, is to begin to get them thinking about close observation, vivid descriptive language, and the potential to give their later essays in the class an effective texture by balancing more abstract information and ideas with evocative descriptive passages and storytelling.

11 I am currently teaching this class, and I am writing this article in early September, as we are entering the fourth week of the semester. The students have just completed the journal-writing exercise and are now preparing to write the first of five brief essays on different aspects of Moscow that will eventually be braided together, as discrete sections of the longer piece, into a full-scale literary essay about Moscow, Idaho, from the perspective of a traveler. For the journal exercise, my students wrote some rather remarkable descriptive statements, which I think bodes well for their upcoming work. One student, Elizabeth Isakson, wrote stunning journal descriptions of a cup of coffee, her own feet, a lemon, a basil leaf, and a patch of grass. For instance, she wrote:

Steaming hot liquid poured into a mug. No cream, just black. Yet it appears the same brown as excretion. The texture tells another story with meniscus that fades from clear to gold and again brown. The smell is intoxicating for those who are addicted. Sweetness fills the nostrils; bitterness rushes over the tongue. The contrast somehow complements itself. Earthy undertones flower up, yet this beverage is much more satisfying than dirt. When the mug runs dry, specks of dark grounds remain swimming in the sunken meniscus. Steam no longer rises because energy has found a new home.

12 For the grassy lawn, she wrote:

Calico with shades of green, the grass is yellowing. Once vibrant, it's now speckled with straw. Sticking out are tall, seeding dandelions. Still some dips in the ground have maintained thick, soft patches of green. The light dances along falling down from the trees above, creating a stained-glass appearance made from various green shades. The individual blades are stiff enough to stand erect, but they will yield to even slight forces of wind or pressure. Made from several long strands seemingly fused together, some blades fray at the end, appearing brittle. But they do not simply break off; they hold fast to the blade to which they belong.

13 The point of this journal writing is for the students to look closely enough at ordinary reality to feel estranged from it, as if they have never before encountered (or attempted to describe) a cup of coffee or a field of grass—or a lemon or a basil leaf or their own body. Thus, the Thoreauvian objective of practicing home-cosmography begins to take shape. The familiar becomes exotic, note-worthy, and strangely beautiful, just as it often does for the geographical travel writer, whose adventures occur far away from where she or he normally lives. Travel, in a sense, is an antidote to complacency, to over-familiarity. But the premise of my class in Thoreauvian travel writing is that a slight shift of perspective can overcome the complacency we might naturally feel in our home surroundings. To accomplish this we need a certain degree of disorientation. This is the next challenge for our class.

The Blessing of Being Lost

14 Most of us take great pains to "get oriented" and "know where we're going," whether this is while running our daily errands or when thinking about the essential trajectories of our lives. We're often instructed by anxious parents to develop a sense of purpose and a sense of direction, if only for the sake of basic safety. But the traveler operates according to a somewhat different set of priorities, perhaps, elevating adventure and insight above basic comfort and security, at least to some degree. This certainly seems to be the case for the Thoreauvian traveler, or for Thoreau himself. In Walden , he writes:

…not until we are completely lost, or turned round,--for a man needs only be turned round once with his eyes shut in this world to be lost,--do we appreciate the vastness and strangeness of Nature. Every man has to learn the points of compass again as often as he awakes, whether from sleep or any abstraction. Not till we are lost, in other words, not till we have lost the world, do we begin to find ourselves, and realize where we are and the infinite extent of our relations. (171)

15 I could explicate this passage at length, but that's not really my purpose here. I read this as a celebration of salutary disorientation, of the potential to be lost in such a way as to deepen one's ability to pay attention to oneself and one's surroundings, natural and otherwise. If travel is to a great degree an experience uniquely capable of triggering attentiveness to our own physical and psychological condition, to other cultures and the minds and needs of other people, and to a million small details of our environment that we might take for granted at home but that accrue special significance when we're away, I would argue that much of this attentiveness is owed to the sense of being lost, even the fear of being lost, that often happens when we leave our normal habitat.

16 So in my class I try to help my students "get lost" in a positive way. Here in Moscow, the major local landmark is a place called Moscow Mountain, a forested ridge of land just north of town, running approximately twenty kilometers to the east of the city. Moscow "Mountain" does not really have a single, distinctive peak like a typical mountain—it is, as I say, more of a ridge than a pinnacle. When I began contemplating this class on Thoreauvian travel writing, the central concepts I had in mind were Thoreau's notion of traveling a good deal in Concord and also the idea of looking at a specific place from many different angles. The latter idea is not only Thoreauvian, but perhaps well captured in the eighteen-century Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai's series of woodblock prints known as 36 Views of Mt. Fuji , which offers an array of different angles on the mountain itself and on other landscape features (lakes, the sea, forests, clouds, trees, wind) and human behavior which is represented in many of the prints, often with Mt. Fuji in the distant background or off to the side. In fact, I imagine Hokusai's approach to representing Mt. Fuji as so important to the concept of this travel writing class that I call the class "36 Views of Moscow Mountain," symbolizing the multiple approaches I'll be asking my students to take in contemplating and describing not only Moscow Mountain itself, but the culture and landscape and the essential experience of Moscow the town. The idea of using Hokusai's series of prints as a focal point of this class came to me, in part, from reading American studies scholar Cathy Davidson's 36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan , a memoir that offers sixteen short essays about different facets of her life as a visiting professor in that island nation.

17 The first of five brief essays my students will prepare for the class is what I'm calling a "Moscow Mountain descriptive essay," building upon the small descriptive journal entries they've written recently. In this case, though, I am asking the students to describe the shapes and colors of the Moscow Mountain ridge, while also telling a brief story or two about their observations of the mountain, either by visiting the mountain itself to take a walk or a bike ride or by explaining how they glimpse portions of the darkly forested ridge in the distance while walking around the University of Idaho campus or doing things in town. In preparation for the Moscow Mountain essays, we read several essays or book chapters that emphasize "organizing principles" in writing, often the use of particular landscape features, such as trees or mountains, as a literary focal point. For instance, in David Gessner's "Soaring with Castro," from his 2007 book Soaring with Fidel: An Osprey Odyssey from Cape Cod to Cuba and Beyond , he not only refers to La Gran Piedra (a small mountain in southeastern Cuba) as a narrative focal point, but to the osprey, or fish eagle, itself and its migratory journey as an organizing principle for his literary project (203). Likewise, in his essay "I Climb a Tree and Become Dissatisfied with My Lot," Chicago author Leonard Dubkin writes about his decision, as a newly fired journalist, to climb up a tree in Chicago's Lincoln Park to observe and listen to the birds that gather in the green branches in the evening, despite the fact that most adults would consider this a strange and inappropriate activity. We also looked at several of Hokusai's woodblock prints and analyzed these together in class, trying to determine how the mountain served as an organizing principle for each print or whether there were other key features of the prints—clouds, ocean waves, hats and pieces of paper floating in the wind, humans bent over in labor—that dominate the images, with Fuji looking on in the distance.

18 I asked my students to think of Hokusai's representations of Mt. Fuji as aesthetic models, or metaphors, for what they might try to do in their brief (2-3 pages) literary essays about Moscow Mountain. What I soon discovered was that many of my students, even students who have spent their entire lives in Moscow, either were not aware of Moscow Mountain at all or had never actually set foot on the mountain. So we spent half an hour during one class session, walking to a vantage point on the university campus, where I could point out where the mountain is and we could discuss how one might begin to write about such a landscape feature in a literary essay. Although I had thought of the essay describing the mountain as a way of encouraging the students to think about a familiar landscape as an orienting device, I quickly learned that this will be a rather challenging exercise for many of the students, as it will force them to think about an object or a place that is easily visible during their ordinary lives, but that they typically ignore. Paying attention to the mountain, the ridge, will compel them to reorient themselves in this city and think about a background landscape feature that they've been taking for granted until now. I think of this as an act of disorientation or being lost—a process of rethinking their own presence in this town that has a nearby mountain that most of them seldom think about. I believe Thoreau would consider this a good, healthy experience, a way of being present anew in a familiar place.

36 Views—Or, When You Invert Your Head

19 Another key aspect of Hokusai's visual project and Thoreau's literary project is the idea of changing perspective. One can view Mt. Fuji from 36 different points of views, or from thousands of different perspectives, and it is never quite the same place—every perspective is original, fresh, mind-expanding. The impulse to shift perspective in pursuit of mindfulness is also ever-present in Thoreau's work, particularly in his personal journal and in Walden . This idea is particularly evident, to me, in the chapter of Walden titled "The Ponds," where he writes:

Standing on the smooth sandy beach at the east end of the pond, in a calm September afternoon, when a slight haze makes the opposite shore line indistinct, I have seen whence came the expression, "the glassy surface of a lake." When you invert your head, it looks like a thread of finest gossamer stretched across the valley, and gleaming against the distinct pine woods, separating one stratum of the atmosphere from another. (186)

20 Elsewhere in the chapter, Thoreau describes the view of the pond from the top of nearby hills and the shapes and colors of pebbles in the water when viewed from close up. He chances physical perspective again and again throughout the chapter, but it is in the act of looking upside down, actually suggesting that one might invert one's head, that he most vividly conveys the idea of looking at the world in different ways in order to be lost and awakened, just as the traveler to a distant land might feel lost and invigorated by such exposure to an unknown place.

21 After asking students to write their first essay about Moscow Mountain, I give them four additional short essays to write, each two to four pages long. We read short examples of place-based essays, some of them explicitly related to travel, and then the students work on their own essays on similar topics. The second short essay is about food—I call this the "Moscow Meal" essay. We read the final chapter of Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma (2006), "The Perfect Meal," and Anthony Bourdain's chapter "Where Cooks Come From" in the book A Cook's Tour (2001) are two of the works we study in preparation for the food essay. The three remaining short essays including a "Moscow People" essay (exploring local characters are important facets of the place), a more philosophical essay about "the concept of Moscow," and a final "Moscow Encounter" essay that tells the story of a dramatic moment of interaction with a person, an animal, a memorable thing to eat or drink, a sunset, or something else. Along the way, we read the work of Wendell Berry, Joan Didion, Barbara Kingsolver, Kim Stafford, Paul Theroux, and other authors. Before each small essay is due, we spend a class session holding small-group workshops, allowing the students to discuss their essays-in-progress with each other and share portions of their manuscripts. The idea is that they will learn about writing even by talking with each other about their essays. In addition to writing about Moscow from various angles, they will learn about additional points of view by considering the angles of insight developed by their fellow students. All of this is the writerly equivalent of "inverting [their] heads."

Beneath the Smooth Skin of Place

22 Aside from Thoreau's writing and Hokusai's images, perhaps the most important writer to provide inspiration for this class is Indiana-based essayist Scott Russell Sanders. Shortly after introducing the students to Thoreau's key ideas in Walden and to the richness of his descriptive writing in the journal, I ask them to read his essay "Buckeye," which first appeared in Sanders's Writing from the Center (1995). "Buckeye" demonstrates the elegant braiding together of descriptive, narrative, and expository/reflective prose, and it also offers a strong argument about the importance of creating literature and art about place—what he refers to as "shared lore" (5)—as a way of articulating the meaning of a place and potentially saving places that would otherwise be exploited for resources, flooded behind dams, or otherwise neglected or damaged. The essay uses many of the essential literary devices, ranging from dialogue to narrative scenes, that I hope my students will practice in their own essays, while also offering a vivid argument in support of the kind of place-based writing the students are working on.

23 Another vital aspect of our work together in this class is the effort to capture the wonderful idiosyncrasies of this place, akin to the idiosyncrasies of any place that we examine closely enough to reveal its unique personality. Sanders's essay "Beneath the Smooth Skin of America," which we study together in Week 9 of the course, addresses this topic poignantly. The author challenges readers to learn the "durable realities" of the places where they live, the details of "watershed, biome, habitat, food-chain, climate, topography, ecosystem and the areas defined by these natural features they call bioregions" (17). "The earth," he writes, "needs fewer tourists and more inhabitants" (16). By Week 9 of the semester, the students have written about Moscow Mountain, about local food, and about local characters, and they are ready at this point to reflect on some of the more philosophical dimensions of living in a small academic village surrounded by farmland and beyond that surrounded by the Cascade mountain range to the West and the Rockies to the East. "We need a richer vocabulary of place" (18), urges Sanders. By this point in the semester, by reading various examples of place-based writing and by practicing their own powers of observation and expression, my students will, I hope, have developed a somewhat richer vocabulary to describe their own experiences in this specific place, a place they've been trying to explore with "open minds and notebooks." Sanders argues that

if we pay attention, we begin to notice patterns in the local landscape. Perceiving those patterns, acquiring names and theories and stories for them, we cease to be tourists and become inhabitants. The bioregional consciousness I am talking about means bearing your place in mind, keeping track of its condition and needs, committing yourself to its care. (18)

24 Many of my students will spend only four or five years in Moscow, long enough to earn a degree before moving back to their hometowns or journeying out into the world in pursuit of jobs or further education. Moscow will be a waystation for some of these student writers, not a permanent home. Yet I am hoping that this semester-long experiment in Thoreauvian attentiveness and place-based writing will infect these young people with both the bioregional consciousness Sanders describes and a broader fascination with place, including the cultural (yes, the human ) dimensions of this and any other place. I feel such a mindfulness will enrich the lives of my students, whether they remain here or move to any other location on the planet or many such locations in succession.

25 Toward the end of "Beneath the Smooth Skin of America," Sanders tells the story of encountering a father with two young daughters near a city park in Bloomington, Indiana, where he lives. Sanders is "grazing" on wild mulberries from a neighborhood tree, and the girls are keen to join him in savoring the local fruit. But their father pulls them away, stating, "Thank you very much, but we never eat anything that grows wild. Never ever." To this Sanders responds: "If you hold by that rule, you will not get sick from eating poison berries, but neither will you be nourished from eating sweet ones. Why not learn to distinguish one from the other? Why feed belly and mind only from packages?" (19-20). By looking at Moscow Mountain—and at Moscow, Idaho, more broadly—from numerous points of view, my students, I hope, will nourish their own bellies and minds with the wild fruit and ideas of this place. I say this while chewing a tart, juicy, and, yes, slightly sweet plum that I pulled from a feral tree in my own Moscow neighborhood yesterday, an emblem of engagement, of being here.

Bibliography

BUELL, Lawrence, The Environmental Imagination: Thoreau, Nature Writing, and the Formation of American Culture , Harvard University Press, 1995.

DAVIDSON, Cathy, 36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan , Duke University Press, 2006.

DUBKIN, Leonard, "I Climb a Tree and Become Dissatisfied with My Lot." Enchanted Streets: The Unlikely Adventures of an Urban Nature Lover , Little, Brown and Company, 1947, 34-42.

GESSNER, David, Soaring with Fidel: An Osprey Odyssey from Cape Cod to Cuba and Beyond , Beacon, 2007.

ISAKSON, Elizabeth, "Journals." Assignment for 36 Views of Moscow Mountain (English 208), University of Idaho, Fall 2018.

SANDERS, Scott Russell, "Buckeye" and "Beneath the Smooth Skin of America." Writing from the Center , Indiana University Press, 1995, pp. 1-8, 9-21.

SLOVIC, Scott, "Teaching with Wolves", Western American Literature 52.3 (Fall 2017): 323-31.

THOREAU, Henry David, "October 1-20, 1853", Being in the World: An Environmental Reader for Writers , edited by Scott H. Slovic and Terrell F. Dixon, Macmillan, 1993, 371-75.

THOREAU, Henry David, Walden . 1854. Princeton University Press, 1971.

Bibliographical reference

Scott Slovic , “ 36 Views of Moscow Mountain: Teaching Travel Writing and Mindfulness in the Tradition of Hokusai and Thoreau ” ,  Caliban , 59 | 2018, 41-54.

Electronic reference

Scott Slovic , “ 36 Views of Moscow Mountain: Teaching Travel Writing and Mindfulness in the Tradition of Hokusai and Thoreau ” ,  Caliban [Online], 59 | 2018, Online since 01 June 2018 , connection on 19 April 2024 . URL : http://journals.openedition.org/caliban/3688; DOI : https://doi.org/10.4000/caliban.3688

About the author

Scott slovic.

University of Idaho Scott Slovic is University Distinguished Professor of Environmental Humanities at the University of Idaho, USA. The author and editor of many books and articles, he edited the journal ISLE: Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment from 1995 to 2020. His latest coedited book is The Routledge Handbook of Ecocriticism and Environmental Communication  (2019).

By this author

• Introduction (version en français) [Full text] Introduction [Full text | translation | en] Published in Caliban , 64 | 2020
• To Collapse or Not to Collapse? A Joint Interview [Full text] Published in Caliban , 63 | 2020
• Furrowed Brows, Questioning Earth: Minding the Loess Soil of the Palouse [Full text] Published in Caliban , 61 | 2019
• Foreword: Thinking of “Earth Island” on Earth Day 2016 [Full text] Published in Caliban , 55 | 2016

The text only may be used under licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 . All other elements (illustrations, imported files) are “All rights reserved”, unless otherwise stated.

Full text issues

• 67-68 | 2022 Religious Dispute and Toleration in Early Modern Literature and History
• 65-66 | 2021 Peterloo 1819 and After: Perspectives from Britain and Beyond
• 64 | 2020 Animal Love. Considering Animal Attachments in Anglophone Literature and Culture
• 63 | 2020 Dynamics of Collapse in Fantasy, the Fantastic and SF
• 62 | 2019 Female Suffrage in British Art, Literature and History
• 61 | 2019 Land’s Furrows and Sorrows in Anglophone Countries
• 60 | 2018 The Life of Forgetting in Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century British Literature
• 59 | 2018 Anglophone Travel and Exploration Writing: Meetings Between the Human and Nonhuman
• 58 | 2017 The Mediterranean and its Hinterlands
• 57 | 2017 The Animal Question in Alice Munro's Stories
• 56 | 2016 Disappearances - American literature and arts
• 55 | 2016 Sharing the Planet
• 54 | 2015 Forms of Diplomacy (16 th -21 st century)
• 53 | 2015 Representing World War One: Art’s Response to War
• 52 | 2014 Caliban and his transmutations

Anglophonia/Caliban

• Issues list

Presentation

• Editorial Policy
• Instructions for authors
• Ventes et abonnement

Informations

• Mentions légales et Crédits
• Publishing policies

Newsletters

• OpenEdition Newsletter

In collaboration with

Electronic ISSN 2431-1766

Read detailed presentation  

Site map  – Syndication

Privacy Policy  – About Cookies  – Report a problem

OpenEdition Journals member  – Published with Lodel  – Administration only

You will be redirected to OpenEdition Search

Level up your maps

Get started with survey123 connect, gis for climate action, new python certification, search for the training you need, we’re here to support your learning journey., whether you’re brand-new to arcgis or a seasoned gis professional who wants to master the latest technology, we have resources to help you achieve your goals., options for individuals.

Do you want to get started making maps and apps, apply advanced analysis tools, or automate your GIS workflows? We’ve got you covered with hundreds of options on those topics and dozens more.

Options for Organizations

Your teams create products and services that give you a competitive advantage. Equip them with the Esri technology skills they need to achieve your strategic goals.

Expertise Is a Business Imperative

Learn how Esri training and certifications are key tools for ROK Technologies, LLC to keep staff’s technical skills on the cutting edge.

GIS Training Leads to Enterprise Success

Read how the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection utilizes training to enrich their staff and community.  

New Training and Certification Offerings

Ready to learn? Explore new options to build and showcase your ArcGIS skills.

Ready to Learn?

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.