Virginia Woolf Writer’s Workshop.

Jones, Danell. Virginia Woolf Writer’s Workshop.
Batam (Random House), 2007. $24.00 164p 978-0-553-80650-2

Jones invites the reader to enter a creative writing classroom taught by Virginia Woolf through quotations taken from her writing. At the end of each chapter are writing exercises called writing sparks. Suitable for teachers to use in the classroom or an aspiring writer to practice the craft of writing. Genres discussed to include nonfiction, essays, fiction and poetry. For grades eight and up.
An enchanting approach to creative writing, Jones uses quotations from Virginia Woolf as a basis for encouraging, critiquing and explaining the craft of writing. The reader is drawn into a classroom taught by Woolf as she addresses her students, inexperienced and thirsting to find out what makes a good writer. Seven chapters describe fundamentals, and habits needed to become a writer: practice, hard work, creative ideas, walking to clear the mind and observe, reading many types of authors, publishing hints, and having a case of doubt when excellence has arrived. The last part of the book covers techniques of writing nonfiction, essays, biography, poetry, and fiction. Stressed most of all is to try a variety of voices, styles, and to write without thinking about perfection on the first try. A background in classical literature will help the reader understand all the nuances Jones provides. Or the mention of famous literature may cause the less experienced reader to read books never before sampled. Woolf’s words inspire readers to hone their craft. The exercises can only help the budding writer explore diverse aspects that make for excellent writing. Stressed is the art of reading that only makes the writer stronger in the art of writing. Even reading “bad” literature helps the writer become better. Developing writing partners or a writing community will provide discussion and constructive criticism and insight into bettering oneself as a writer. The author presents good strong advice for budding writers. This book also will prove informational to teachers who wish to have a variety of writing exercises to stretch their students. The exercises pull on events, ideas, and literature common to all high school students. Contains and index and bibliography. The reader can track a Woolf quotation to its source.
Strongly recommended as a writing exercise workbook for teachers and as a treasure trove of advice for budding writers. The exercises will stretch the student to look at events, write more descriptively, and in a variety of styles. For grades 8 and up. LMN