Léna is also a Regional Manager for Writopia Lab whose mission is to foster joy, literacy, and critical thinking in kids and teens from all backgrounds through creative writing.

"Well, the question is, what do you want to believe? Do you want to live in a world where things are possible, or in one where they aren't?" Cin, Edges.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Why Teach Creative Writing?

A high school senior in Texas is writing a paper arguing that creative writing should be an elective in schools. Because I teach creative writing, he asked me for a quote in defense of that profession: why does it matter?

I could explain how creative writing is ridiculously empowering. It is. I see this on a daily basis. Some kids come to me already self-identifying as writers. Others are reluctant, whether stemming from learning differences or a lack of confidence. All are capable of finding their own unique voices, and by that developing and nurturing their inner lives. When kids feel that they matter, they become better grown ups who help others to feel that they matter too. They are happy, grateful and joyful. It's one of those beautiful tautologies that make the world go around. Creative writing brings joy.

Or I could explain how creative writing fosters critical thinking. Having a space where kids are encouraged to explore tangents of thought, to analyze structure and emotion, and to problem solve the biggest riddles of life…  that doesn't just help them grow as human beings, but also as students. Creative writing isn't just vomiting words on paper - it's a process of restructuring the world. Stories need characters with strong objectives and corresponding obstacles that stand in their way. Stories can be fantastical, silly, or dark, but they need rhythm and order, or they don't work. Creative writing broadens critical thinking.

Maybe instead I should explain how creative writing stokes and sustains literacy. What I observe as a teacher is that when kids feel their thoughts and feelings are read and understood, they are motivated to become more effective communicators. They inevitably care about the mechanics of their writing; you don't have to drag them to it. They become more careful readers as they learn what they like, and seek to emulate the best that's out there. They learn to ask deeper questions; not only the "what if?", but the "where?", "what?", "when?" and "why?". They fall in-love with the possibilities of language, as inventors and architects of grammatical, structural, psychological, and cultural landscapes. Creative writing is fundamental to excellence in literacy.

Those three things, joy, critical thinking, and literacy, are behind the core mission of Writopia Lab, the non-profit for which I work as a program manager and instructor. But maybe I'm too close to it. Maybe I'm just grasping at straws, wanting to justify my work. Maybe all of those reasons aren't enough. 

If so, then creative writing can matter because test scores need it, because college admissions officers are looking for it, and because eventual employers need it. After all, the thing any good teacher (or even the new standardized tests) want to see from students is a demonstrated ability to project themselves on the page. Tests are a place to showcase critical problem solving. And critical problem solving comes from the development of personal voice, which happens through creative writing. College admissions  are constantly looking for unique voices. They want the prospective collegian's voice to be palpable in their essay. They want enthusiasm, commitment, and joy. Then there's employers. Surely they don't care about creative writing. Right? Except when they want convincing proposals, briefs, research, and all of the other tangible demonstrations of a flexible mind.

When I teach creative writing, I'm coaxing kids into realizing and then remembering that they can and should always demonstrate their own personal voice on every page they write. Everyone who grades, appraises, accepts, and hires tacitly agrees with me.

So Ian, here is my quote for you: No writing is effective without a personal voice. And every reader wants that, whether they are a friend, a fan, a teacher, or an employer.


126 comments:

  1. I love this blog on the importance of creative writing. I respect this writer- LENA ROY, PEOPLE!! LISTEN UP!! for saying what matters. I believe with all my heart what she writes here and I second it. In this increasingly cacaphonous civilized world, let your own wild personal only you can say this voice be heard. Sing out, writers, let yourselves be heard!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Term papers and essays are an excellent way to get top grades in college. This article will let you in on the big secret of academic essay writing, and give you the tools to start writing better papers than your peers. pay someone to write a paper

      Delete
  2. The thing that I can’t not write about is death. Specifically, my father’s death. And what it’s like to be a daughter who’s grown, who doesn’t really need her dad, but would still just rather have him here. Like an umbrella on a sunny day. To see more info please visit www.domyassignment.net/buy-online/.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much for this piece! I am just finishing my Masters in Writing and am considering teaching. But everyone keeps telling me that I can't make a living doing that -- perhaps so. Still, there's something deeper driving me, and you nailed it! I want to help people get themselves on the page, lighten their load by sharing their story, bring something unique into the world. How wonderful...
    As an advocate for the Sierra Club on Capitol Hill, I had to re-teach lawyers how to write. In law school, they had lost the ability to bring their voice to the page. There was no authenticity, no creativity. We need adult creative writing classes, too! Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melanie, thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to comment and say hello. Preach the gospel of creative writing!

      Delete
  4. writer must be able to successfully provide his/her own outcomes, discussions, and look at here now outcomes. However, academic writing does not simply signify the overall look of a person's own opinions alone

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jamie Kennedy Experiment is similar to the show "Punk In the episode I selected he sets up the Philadelphia Flyer captain, Keith Primeau. In on the act were former player/broadcaster, Keith Jones, and forward, John Leclair. The plan was to get Jamie "kid" on the ice with his hero, Keith Primeau.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Each of our entrance essay meets the required standards to earn you admission to any college in the country or internationally.https://www.topessaywriting.org/assignment-help...

    ReplyDelete
  7. If you want to surprise your teacher with a creative story join this essay writing service best-essays-writers.com .

    ReplyDelete
  8. Once you've accomplished the "Free Write" return back along with look at the certain essay requests. A few may overlap. admissions essay Understand that the producing is actually quality more than quantity consequently you should not generate many rough drafts.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The team of essay writers offer substantial assistance and useful tips from professional writers and editors to all students who have problems with their writing assignments. So you don't have to suffer from your boring and difficult tasks anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This post is rather interesting :) Creative writing is always great but it is rather hard. Though, students can always use custom writing services and get prime quality academic works.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Buy college essays online and get rid of your academic writing problem.
    Essay help

    ReplyDelete
  12. Excellent post, went ahead and bookmarked your site. I can’t wait to read more from you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Who can I stipend to communicate http://grab-essay.com/essay-help? Schedule appears to retain flown liberty away of my arms furthermore I directly cannot feel the probe plus writing that happens among doing it well. Satisfy influence me to a utility that can sufficiently facilitate me.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Why is it therefore unhealthy to shop for Associate in Nursing best paper writing service reviews that was made in an exceedingly foreign country? a number of these essays even get reproduced on-line and become straightforward for your educator to catch and dismiss as easy plagiarism.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I similar to this position! It contain expensive in order. gratitude! Geography Coursework Help

    ReplyDelete
  16. I was badly in need of a professional writer who could write my paper as per the provided guidelines, so I decide to visit essaycheap.us and get my work done, as required. It was truly an awesome experience.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Rather unusual blog :) Custom-Essays-Online.com offers great help with essays. Do not waste your time and contact us righ now!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for Nice and Informative Post. This article is really contains lot more information about This Topic.
    Movers and Packers Hyderabad
    Movers and Packers Delhi
    Movers and Packers Gurgaon

    ReplyDelete
  19. Searching someone with relevant skills for your research paper? Stop searching and start to read blogs that have quality stuffs, like this one. there are amazing bloggers out there who truly show us hows its done, in a classy way.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It is a good developing of your mind! I think that writing it is a good way to develop your writing skills! By the way, I want to tall you about the best help in writing as http://buy-custom-writings.com ! It is very professionnal help! You can be sure that this services knows all new writing trends and your writing tasks will be the best!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This article is informative and instructivefor me and I will share it with my friends! Creative writing is not easy for students, that is why they prefer to use an online writing services! From my experience I recommend everyone of you to choose this writing service
    !

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi,thanks for your informative and interesting post)I find out many useful for me. By the way,if you are looking for help with writing assignments,then you have to visit at http://www.essays-shark.net and order any type of needful papers. The team of professional writers and editors are ready to help you at any time of day or night. Don`t waste your money and nervous.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is a great article. It gave me a lot of useful information. thank you very much.
    Signature:
    i like play happy wheels demo online and play happy wheels games full and zombie tsunami , retrica , retrica camera, happy wheels game , agario

    ReplyDelete
  25. Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed most commonly on December 25. christmas images google Many cultures celebrate the event in some manner

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks a lot for your work! Creative writing is definiteloy not for me. I wouold better go to this web-site and order my essay or an article on this service. I was surprised to find out how much their writers are.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I enjoyed your entries on Toxic Words - such great thoughts and a wonderful reminder to watch the words I use - to be positive and kind and use words to build up rather than tear down. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi! Stories need characters with strong objectives and corresponding obstacles that stand in their way. Click here for essay writing service.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I really enjoyed reading this post, I always appreciate topics like this being discussed to us. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great Article, Writing is one of best art of life. pay for an essay online provide creative essay writing service of all subject at cost effective rate online. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  31. Valentinesday comes on 14th February Happy Valentines Day Texts As we all feelings in this world.Teddy Day Images for Girlfriend It’s Valentine‘s Day2015 and what could be

    ReplyDelete
  32. Grant Writing for Beginners: Common Problems and Tips for the Novice best essay writing service bestessaywriting.com in cheap price Tips for Grant Writing: The 4 Phases of the Process

    ReplyDelete
  33. ssc result online
    cbse result portal
    davv result
    anna university result
    ignou result online
    upsc admit card online
    vtu result portal
    education board result
    ssc admit card online
    mumbai university result
    ssc result online
    mdu result
    ncert books
    sbi recruitment result
    railway recruitment result
    upsc admit card online

    http://onlinesscresults.blogspot.com/
    http://cbseresultsportal.blogspot.com/
    http://davvresultsmponline.blogspot.com/
    http://auniversityresults.blogspot.com/
    http://ignouresultsonline.blogspot.com/
    http://upscadmitcardonline.blogspot.com/
    http://vturesultsportal.blogspot.com/
    http://eboardresult.blogspot.com/
    http://sscadmitcardonline.blogspot.com/
    http://muresults.blogspot.com/
    http://kukaresults.blogspot.com/
    http://mdurohtakresults.blogspot.com/
    http://ncertsolutionsbooks.blogspot.com/
    http://sbionlinerecruitmentresults.blogspot.com/
    http://irailwayrecruitmentresults.blogspot.com/
    http://upscadmitcardonline.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  34. Awesome article! With good tips!!!Please visit on site http://essay-professors.com , order you article and you be very satisfied!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Well.. What can I say!? You got it right and it's really true! Your opinion on each page! But! If it's difficult to write your thoughts so that they were nica to read other?) I have just such situation!:) That is why, all my texts task write this team http://essay-mania.com. For me, this is the best out of such situation!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Best packers and movers in Chandigarh, household shifting service in Chandigarh, home relocation in Chandigarh, car carriers service in Chandigarh, car transport in Chandigarh. packers and movers Chandigarh

    ReplyDelete
  37. Creative writing is very much important. Students have to put forward their thoughts an ideas in the paper. it is an outside bound of normal profession. Essay writing service will help the students to get creative ideas in writing.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks for the detailed description, well I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great information.
    Tableau Guru
    www.sqiar.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  40. This Sunday (downstairs in Jerusalem Room) at 9:30 AM we gather together for a presentation / discussion based on Christian themes found in the C.S.

    Daily Trending Guide Lewis classic, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." This gathering will continue through November 24. Anyone from high school students to senior citizens are welcome to attend. Join us and be enriched in faith.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Tennis elbow, inflammation of the elbow joint,Old School New Body review is usually caused by overstrain of the muscles in the wrist and fingers.

    old school new body f4x reviews It is very painful and limits greatly the use of the hand as the pain
    Steve & Becky Old School New Body review
    radiates from the elbow to the outer side of the forearm.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Marketers agree that email is a key to business, especially for ROI and developing long-lasting profitable relationships. A personalized, segmented and targeted email marketing campaign is important for brand awareness and drive conversions.
    Services: Email Marketing - Sukere Infotechs

    ReplyDelete
  43. The winter holiday season is about to start soon and first in the line is Christmas Day. I have put up a blog Merry Christmas Images where you will find all the latest wallpapers, quotes, images and poems. Do check it out.

    ReplyDelete

  44. Email showcasing is a financially savvy and simplest approach to achieve your clients. It is one of the intense media contrast with some other promoting media's.You can likewise spare your cash and time to doing email showcasing advancements about your items.

    Services:Best mass email benefit-Sukere infotechs



    ReplyDelete
  45. -
    Email promoting in India gives a financially savvy answer for more income feeling of bringing more deals, more clients.We are from mass email India, A pioneer in email promoting administrations in India over 3 years of fulfilled client administrations.

    Mass Email Service Provider in Chennai -Sukere infotechs

    ReplyDelete
  46. A champion among the most cost capable comes to fruition driven and coordinate strategies for accomplishing customers is through email advancing. Our lord specific learning joined with gave bleeding edge convey programming engages us to avoid the major ISP email spam channels.
    Bulk Email Provide Chennai- Sukere Infotechs

    ReplyDelete

  47. Email showcasing is a financially savvy and simplest approach to achieve your clients. It is one of the intense media contrast with some other promoting media's.You can likewise spare your cash and time to doing email showcasing advancements about your items.

    Services:Best mass email benefit-Sukere infotechs

    ReplyDelete

  48. Email showcasing is a financially savvy and simplest approach to achieve your clients. It is one of the intense media contrast with some other promoting media's.You can likewise spare your cash and time to doing email showcasing advancements about your items.

    Services:Best mass email benefit-Sukere infotechs

    ReplyDelete
  49. Love story so inherently remains: where tan surprise, popular culture. Today still talking about long distance, so that only a few days short then, met on the street can see as strangers. Yes, we are to finally be able to see each other just like strangers. Strangers meet initial minutes, endearing and love, love and separation.
    facebook entrar , entrar no facebook , entrar facebook , entrar facebook direto , entrar facebook agora

    ReplyDelete
  50. Email showcasing is a financially savvy and simplest approach to achieve your clients. It is one of the intense media contrast with some other promoting media's.You can likewise spare your cash and time to doing email showcasing advancements about your items.

    Services:Best mass email benefit-Sukere infotechs

    ReplyDelete
  51. i have read your teach creative writing, very nice post thanks for it is sharing with us.
    BlackMart Pro

    ReplyDelete
  52. http://obatparuparubasah.my.id/obat-radang-tenggorokan/ ‎
    http://obatparuparubasah.my.id/obat-radang-tenggorokan/ ‎
    http://obatparuparubasah.my.id/obat-radang-tenggorokan/ ‎

    ReplyDelete
  53. Writing skills are required for assignment writing in high schools. Which Students of UK have problem in writing they can take Students Assignment Help Expert writers help at cheapest price. Our Online Dissertation Help in UK service famous between school and college students which available with 24*7 support.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Nice post Thank you so much for this article People also like this information
    Mobdro Application Visit here I really really appreciate this article


    ReplyDelete
  55. I am glad to have visited this site. It is a well-designed site and also contains useful information for the visitors.
    pay someone to do my assignment singapore

    ReplyDelete
  56. Nice article Post, thanks for sharing the important information , very informative and presented. nice How do I get in touch with the owner of this blog? Please contact me. My Name is Roose aana and i can provide My Assignment Help Services For All Collage Students.

    ReplyDelete
  57. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that's at the other blogs. Impress professor by exclusive write my assignment service even they will get error free assignment.

    ReplyDelete

  58. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
    Video watch online

    ReplyDelete
  59. Geometry Dash is a rhythm based action game which is a 2013 mobile and Steam game developed by Sweden-based developer Robert Topala and published by his own company RobTop Games. Geometry Dash is a Republic based platforming games and it is currently offering 21 official level and more than 30 million online level made by the players. geometry dash 2.1 gratis

    ReplyDelete
  60. Your free Google play code is ready to generate. Get it now and discover all the possibilities in the play store. Normally you have to pay for the best apps in the store, but this great tool allows you to generate free Google play money! earn google play credit

    ReplyDelete
  61. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website. I really hope to view the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own blog now ;) Naamkaran

    ReplyDelete
  62. Get the best error-less my assignment help services in all over world.

    ReplyDelete
  63. In any case with reference to how edgy your circumstance might be, you will in any case need to set aside the opportunity to consider the greater part of your choices previously you choose the best strategy. There are a few times when a payday credit won't be your best choice. This is the reason you ought to be careful about the ads that are oftentimes observed.
    Check Cashing San-diego

    ReplyDelete
  64. http://alwi.net/obat-sesak-nafas/
    http://alwi.net/obat-sesak-nafas/
    http://alwi.net/obat-sesak-nafas/
    http://alwi.net/obat-sesak-nafas/
    http://alwi.net/obat-sesak-nafas/
    http://alwi.net/obat-bronkitis/
    http://alwi.net/obat-bronkitis/
    http://alwi.net/obat-bronkitis/
    http://alwi.net/obat-bronkitis/
    http://alwi.net/obat-bronkitis/
    http://alwi.net/obat-asam-lambung/
    http://alwi.net/obat-asam-lambung/
    http://alwi.net/obat-asam-lambung/
    http://alwi.net/obat-asam-lambung/
    http://alwi.net/obat-asam-lambung/

    ReplyDelete
  65. 4 latest Visa preparing proclamations. Regular organizations may need to submit all the more so endorsing can completely comprehend your regularity. Cash Advances San diego

    ReplyDelete
  66. his is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the excellent work.
    Dating

    ReplyDelete
  67. Nice Article you have posted here. Thank you for giving this innovative information and
    please add more in future. picbear

    ReplyDelete
  68. Search 1000s of job offers and find the best suitable position. Jobs near me from direct employers no agencies or jobs direct from top recruitment agencies & recruitment consultants. Send your job application to apply for a job with one click.

    if you want more just look here "fir search"

    ReplyDelete
  69. My assignment help is the most preferred place to get assignment help in Australia where we offermechanical engineering assignment help because we have the best in-house team of mechanic writers who are highly certified from the best of universities and will help you have your task completed as per given deadline and guidelines.

    ReplyDelete

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