Caroline Martin
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
Mr. VanderMeer! I read Wonderbook from cover to cover and loved it. I'm a high school teacher with 7 years experience, mostly AP Literature & Composition and British Literature. I will be teaching Creative Writing for the first time in the fall. The students will be sophomores, juniors and seniors. Any advice on how to promote creativity without having the kids go wild for shock value? Thanks for any and all help.
Jeff VanderMeer
Hi, Caroline! It's wonderful that you're a high school teacher. I help run the Shared Worlds teen SF/F writing camp and have a little bit of insight into this subject. I actually tested parts of Wonderbook at Shared Worlds. I found that the Story Lizard image and the Story Fish were good images to spark discussion. As for promoting creativity, I think some of the LARP stuff by Karin TIdbeck in the back of Wonderbook might be of use. But also the folktale exercise. I can also share a couple of more if you email me at vanderworld at Hotmail.com. I'd also be curious on things that have worked for you, and if you do teach anything out of Wonderbook I'd love to know how it goes.
More Answered Questions
Brian Salyards
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
I often look at the world and wondering how an intelligent being from "somewhere else" would view things. I find this enjoyable and based on your writing I would imagine you do too. When I voice my observations people look at me like I am an alien. Reading your work makes me think in even newer and weirder ways. Thank you. And, in your opinion, what is the true value of weirdos in modern society?
Nershwin G.
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
In Annihilation and Authority, I was haunted by what was not actually written on the page. I was always left frustrated and fascinated by this sense of purposeful incompleteness. In response, my role as the reader became more creative. How did you develop this style of story telling? To me, it is unique.
Thomas Kleaton
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
I am asking a simple question, Jeff, on a subject that troubles me on a constant basis. How do you make a story creepy, more specifically, how do you foreshadow properly to make a story creepy with plenty of tension. I said simple question, but I know there is no simple answer. Thanks!!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more