Thinking Like a Writer

Shows how to develop characters, write vivid descriptions, invent names for characters, turn everyday experiences into story material, and avoid common fiction-writing mistakes

Grade 5-8?Although this guide to writing fiction offers little in the way of new information, it does contain some useful ideas. Stanek includes grammar rules, literary devices such as metaphor and simile, and suggestions for developing interesting characters, as well as descriptions of many other tools used to create good stories. Many of these elements have been discussed elsewhere, and in some cases, defined better. It is hard to imagine readers with a proclivity for writing who haven't yet heard about keeping a notebook or jotting down ideas from everyday experiences. There is far too much digression from the task the author sets; it is sometimes difficult to find an idea in the plethora of chatty sentences. In fact, sometimes the text consists only of phrases, which is not the best stylistic example for would-be writers. Teachers and individual writers may find some of the exercises enjoyable, but not particularly memorable. Marion Bauer's What's Your Story? (Clarion, 1992), which covers the same basic material, is much more fun to read.?Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 4-7. Stanek, who has written both fiction and nonfiction for young people, now offers advice to her audience about writing stories of their own. At the book's center are exercises that help get the creative juices flowing. Among the topics covered are choosing subjects, adding descriptive details, creating a character, finding a story, and writing techniques. All this and more are handled in a chatty, lively style; Stanek's many writing exercises are fun and should draw the most reluctant scribblers into the writing experience. This paperback gives a lot of bang for the buck. Consider buying two copies; both kids and teachers can find ideas here. Ilene Cooper