Creative Approaches to Writing Center Work

by Kevin Dvorak (Editor), Shanti Bruce

This is the first book length attempt to address the role creativity plays in writing centers. Beginning with the premise that creativity has the potential to make work and learning environments more productive - and possibly more dangerous - the ideals in this collection will complicate visions of what writing centers can and should be. Striking a balance between theory and practice, readers will learn about creative tutor training and staff meeting activities, how to use toys to tutor and how to tutor creative writers, and, finally, how to implement creative outreach programs. Those who are in search of ways to infuse their centers with creativity and fun will find this book to be an invaluable, inspirational resource.

291 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection provides those who work in writing centers with quite a bit to chew on: justifications for approaching the writing process in a playful manner; theoretical connections/disjunctures between work and play; accounts of how play can be incorporated into writing consultations; and ideas for using play/creative as a consultant training tool. Across this vast terrain, I found the latter suggestions most interesting and among those I'm most likely to implement into the training I provide writing consultants. However, this collection is also one I'll be likely to recommend to many of the undergraduate consultants who are often interested in exploring the connections between creative writing and their own work in the writing center.