The Writer’s Way

by Jack Rawlins

This dynamic, process-centered paperback combines a rhetoric with readings. Based on a "whole language approach," The Writer's Way recognizes that people learn best by reflecting on what they do--and that writers learn best when inspired by compelling reasons to write, motivated by strong examples, and reinforced by immediate personal rewards. Offering frank advice in a supportive, encouraging tone, this text leads students step by step through the writing process, from pre-writing to polishing the final draft. Part I, "Introduction to Writing," provides a broad introduction to the natural-language attitude toward learning to write, establishing the "hands-on" approach of the book. Parts II and III offer step-by-step walkthroughs of the writing process, beginning with generating ideas, drafting, and organizing (Part II: "Planning and Drafting"), followed by "Revising and Editing," in Part III, which includes coverage of peer critiquing. Part IV, "Modes of Writing," highlights the decisions about audience, purpose, structure, and language that writers face when writing in personal, informative, and persuasive modes. Part V, "Academic Writing," discusses writing for college courses and includes chapters on writing about literature, writing in the sciences, collaborative writing, and research. Part VI, "A Treasury of Essays," is a collection of 24 model student essays collected by the author from his classrooms over the years.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published December 14, 1995

Reviews

[Jerjonji · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and worked some of the Artist's Way so when I found this book, I had to have it and am I glad I picked it up! The Prologue is priceless and could be an entire book if he expanded it. He talks about how to be a good student and how one re-learns. After that, he launches into the writing process. The writing exercises are great! And since he believes that learning only occurs with reflection and application, he makes sure there is plenty of both happening in each chapter. Makes me wish I was teaching a writing class where this could be the main text!

[Adelaide Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be THE best English textbook I've ever encountered. I actually had Steve Metzger, the teacher who wrote it, and let me tell you, he knows how to teach. I have been attending a community college for two years, being taught the mechanics and rules of 5-paragraph essays, formats, and what an essay is SUPPOSED to be like. But this book, and Steve, took all that information and flipped it upside-down. It includes really good examples of students who took Steve's class, and methods of defeating writers block that--get this--ACTUALLY work!
Definitely recommend this book even if you aren't taking an English class. It will help for writers of all kinds.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my first year of teaching college writing, I used this as one of my texts. I loved it back then. Now (2011) I like it. It's a good starting point--both for writers and teachers of writing.

[Winston Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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